Comprehensive colleges and universities are great choices when pursuing higher education. They’re known for offering a wider array of academic opportunities and supporting students every step of their college journey. Start exploring schools that could give you all you need and more with this list of public and private comprehensive colleges in the Western US. You can request more information from each one by clicking the green “Connect me” buttons. Happy searching!
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is a private evangelical Christian university located in Azusa, California, just northeast of Los Angeles. APU serves over 7,000 students and offers more than 150 degree options—including top-ranked programs in Nursing, Business, and Education—across its main campus and six regional locations. As a comprehensive R2 research institution, the University combines rigorous academics with a "God First" mission, providing students with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a vibrant, faith-integrated community.
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Colorado Christian University
Colorado Christian University is a private religious university in Lakewood, Colorado—only 10 miles from Denver. With over 8,400 students and a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, CCU offers students over 100 majors, minors, and emphases to choose from. The University also provides a lot of merit scholarships and student employment opportunities, with 99% of undergraduates qualifying for some form of financial aid.
Colorado State University Pueblo
Colorado State University Pueblo is a comprehensive public university in Pueblo, Colorado, at the base of the Rocky Mountains. From business and engineering to the health sciences and arts, CSU Pueblo offers 35 majors and 54 minors to undergraduate students, all supported by passionate faculty and small class sizes. There are endless opportunities to connect and grow on campus and off with over 100 clubs and organizations, including Greek life and intramural sports, and access to nearby hiking, skiing, rafting, and more.
Dominican University of California
Dominican University of California is a private independent Catholic college located in San Rafael, California. The University enrolls nearly 2,000 students and offers over 60 majors, minors, and concentrations as well as service learning trips, internships, fieldwork, community-based research, and global learning opportunities. Dominican is test-optional and evaluates applicants on grades, rigor of high school curriculum, and extracurricular activities.
Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit institution in Spokane, Washington, overlooking the scenic Centennial Trail. Serving over 7,000 students, the University offers more than 75 undergraduate programs that blend rigorous academics with a commitment to faith and justice. Students benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and extensive hands-on learning, including study abroad opportunities in 40 countries. With over 140 student organizations and Division I athletic teams, Gonzaga fosters a vibrant, engaged campus community.
John Paul the Great Catholic University
John Paul the Great Catholic University is a private Roman Catholic institution located in Escondido, California—30 miles northeast of downtown San Diego. With a student body under 300, undergraduates study in four specialized degree programs with 13 emphases as well as 11 minors. The University’s unique academic model combines hands-on projects, mentorship, and portfolio preparation with a Catholic liberal arts education in literature, theology, and philosophy.
Mount Saint Mary's University
Mount Saint Mary's University is a private Catholic institution in Los Angeles, California, with two scenic campuses at Chalon and Doheny. Known for its commitment to social mobility, the University offers a personalized educational experience guided by dedicated success coaches and career advisors. Students benefit from a robust support system, guaranteed merit scholarships, and a focus on professional readiness. With state-of-the-art facilities like the Wellness Pavilion, the Mount empowers students to lead and serve within a diverse, vibrant community.
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Pacific University Oregon
Pacific University Oregon is a private comprehensive university focusing on the liberal arts and sciences, optometry, education, health care, and business in Forest Grove, Oregon. Over 3,850 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students study in more than 110 programs and follow a rigorous core curriculum. Pacific also offers students a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, an average class size of 19, 60+ clubs and organizations, and Division III athletic teams.
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University is a private church-affiliated university in downtown Seattle, Washington. With a total enrollment of 2,600+ students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, SPU offers 56 undergraduate majors, 61 minors, 17 master’s programs, and five doctorate programs. Numerous internship and work opportunities also provide students with priceless real-world experience at organizations such as Amazon, Boeing, Google, Microsoft, Nordstrom, REI, and the Seattle Seahawks.
If you want to explore a little more freely, conduct your own search based on your goals and interests using our College Search tool!
