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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Western University of Health Sciences

Pomona, California · www.westernu.edu

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About

The Western University of Health Sciences, located in Pomona, California, is a distinguished institution dedicated to health science education, particularly in the fields of medicine, pharmacy, and veterinary science. Established in 1977, the university has gained recognition for its commitment to innovative teaching and interprofessional collaboration among various health disciplines. The institution's mission emphasizes the importance of providing quality healthcare and promoting wellness in the community, aligning with its core values of compassion, integrity, and excellence.

One of the standout features of Western University of Health Sciences is its state-of-the-art facilities, which include advanced simulation labs, research centers, and clinics that serve diverse populations. These facilities provide students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. The university also boasts a strong faculty, composed of experienced professionals and researchers who are dedicated to mentoring students and guiding them through their academic and professional journeys. This focus on comprehensive education ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Additionally, the university fosters a vibrant campus culture, encouraging student engagement through various organizations, events, and wellness initiatives, which contribute to a well-rounded educational experience.

Analysis of Key Trends in Graduate Tuition, Enrollment, and Gender Ratio

The data from Western University of Health Sciences reveals significant trends in graduate tuition, student enrollment, and gender ratios over the years. Notably, the tuition fees for graduate programs have seen an upward trajectory, increasing from $21,400 in 2014 to $24,477 in 2024. This represents an approximately 14% increase over the decade, reflecting the broader trend of rising educational costs across many institutions. Such increases can pose challenges for prospective students, particularly in the context of student debt and financial accessibility.

Moreover, the enrollment figures indicate a slight fluctuation in the number of graduate students, peaking at 3,876 in 2016 and declining to 3,724 by 2023. This decline may signal a decrease in demand for certain programs, potentially driven by factors such as job market conditions or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on higher education. It is crucial for the university to assess the reasons behind this trend and adapt its offerings to ensure sustained enrollment.

The gender ratio among graduate students shows a notable trend towards female representation. In 2013, women comprised approximately 61% of the graduate population, which has increased to about 64% in 2023. This shift reflects ongoing societal changes regarding gender roles in education and the workforce, with more women pursuing advanced degrees. As institutions strive for diversity and equity, understanding these dynamics is essential for creating inclusive environments that support all students.

Overall, the combination of rising tuition, fluctuating enrollment, and changing gender ratios presents both challenges and opportunities for Western University of Health Sciences. Addressing these factors strategically will be vital for the university's future success and the well-being of its student body.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a large city
Nearest major city
Riverside, about 20 mi
Nearest international airport
Ontario International Airport (ONT), about 8 mi
Pomona, California
Also known as
WesternU
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Robin Farias-Eisner (President)
Phone
9096236116
City
Pomona, California
Address
309 E 2nd St, Pomona, CA 91766-1854

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's2134 international (1.9%)
Doctoral8039 international (1.1%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy · Doctoral318 (1% international)
  • Veterinary Medicine · Doctoral108 (0% international)
  • Pharmacy · Doctoral101 (1% international)
  • Physical Therapy/Therapist · Doctoral98 (0% international)
  • Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse · Master's90 (1% international)
  • Physician Assistant · Master's89 (0% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduates in Health Sciences at Western University of Health Sciences

The data from the Western University of Health Sciences for 2023 reveals a significant focus on doctoral programs, particularly in the field of Osteopathic Medicine and Pharmacy. Notably, the number of doctorate graduates in Osteopathic Medicine stands at an impressive 318, with 10 of those being international students. This suggests a strong appeal of the program, potentially driven by the growing global recognition of osteopathy as a holistic approach to health care.

In contrast, other programs like Physician Assistant and Registered Nursing are more focused on master's degrees, with 95 and 82 graduates respectively. This trend may reflect the evolving healthcare landscape, where advanced practice roles are increasingly important. The absence of bachelor's graduates across various programs emphasizes a strategic alignment of the university's offerings with the needs of the healthcare industry, prioritizing higher-level qualifications over entry-level degrees.

Interestingly, the presence of international students in the doctorate programs, especially in Osteopathic Medicine, indicates the university's attractiveness to a global audience. The small numbers in other categories suggest potential areas for growth. Furthermore, with the recent global healthcare challenges and the increasing demand for qualified healthcare professionals, these trends may signal an opportunity for the university to enhance its recruitment strategies and expand its international partnerships.

Overall, the data illustrates Western University of Health Sciences as a leader in advanced health education, particularly in doctoral programs, which aligns well with current healthcare demands and trends.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Health professionshas 908 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Dentistry.$133,278
Physician Assistant.$136,870
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.-
Osteopathic Medicine/Osteopathy.$67,826
Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry.$67,826
Optometry.$93,719
Pharmacy.$129,357
Pharmaceutical Sciences.$129,357
Physical Therapy/Therapist.$89,408
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$113,692-$137,328
Nursing Administration.$113,692-$137,328
Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other.-
Agricultural has 108 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Veterinary Medicine.$123,810

Students

3,665 students in 2025

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Western University of Health Sciences in 2023

In the 2023 academic year, Western University of Health Sciences reported a total of 3,724 graduate students, with a gender distribution revealing that 36.4% are male and 63.6% are female. This significant female majority highlights a growing trend in higher education, where women increasingly outnumber men in graduate programs.

Diving deeper into the ethnic composition of the graduate student body, the data indicates that out of the total population, 1,252 students identify as White. This suggests that while there is a notable presence of White students, there are also opportunities for increasing diversity within the graduate programs.

The representation of different ethnic groups within graduate studies is crucial for fostering an inclusive academic environment. It not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students to work in diverse professional settings. As institutions continue to strive for equity, it is essential to monitor these demographic shifts and support underrepresented populations in pursuing graduate education.

The trends observed at Western University of Health Sciences mirror wider national patterns in higher education, where graduate programs are seeing a more diverse group of students. As discussions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion gain traction, it is vital for universities to create supportive frameworks that encourage participation from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, ultimately leading to a more equitable educational landscape.

Commentary on Age Composition of Students at Western University of Health Sciences

The student age composition data from Western University of Health Sciences reveals interesting insights into the demographics of its student body. A significant majority of the students fall within the 22-29 age range, particularly among graduate students, who constitute 59.5% of the overall male graduate population and 61.9% of the female graduate population. This pattern highlights the trend of non-traditional students pursuing advanced degrees later in life, which is consistent with national observations where adult learners increasingly seek higher education to enhance their careers or transition into new fields.

The data shows that the institution has a robust representation of graduate students, particularly those aged 25-29, indicating a strong appeal for its graduate programs among young professionals. This could be attributed to the growing demand for specialized healthcare professionals, which aligns with the current healthcare landscape's evolving needs.

Moreover, the absence of undergraduate male students and the minimal presence of older students (over 30) raises questions about the university's appeal to younger undergraduate demographics. This could reflect broader societal trends where younger individuals may choose to enter the workforce directly after high school or look for alternative pathways to education.

In conclusion, Western University of Health Sciences appears to cater primarily to graduate students in their mid-to-late twenties, reflecting a shift towards career-oriented education. Understanding these demographic trends is crucial as institutions aim to adapt their programs and outreach strategies to meet the needs of their student populations effectively.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

Graduate students1.6%

60 in 2025 · 2.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.0%2017: 2.1%2018: 1.8%2019: 1.8%2020: 2.3%2021: 1.9%2022: 2.0%2023: 1.5%2024: 1.6%2025: 1.6%
2016Peer median 0.0%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at Western University of Health Sciences

The data regarding international students at Western University of Health Sciences presents an intriguing narrative over the years, particularly in the graduate programs. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international students within graduate programs has shown fluctuations, with a peak of 3.02% in 2011, followed by a gradual decline to 1.50% in 2023. This trend could reflect broader changes in international student mobility, influenced by factors such as visa regulations, global health crises, and economic conditions.

The number of international graduate students rose from just 2 in 2004 to a substantial 88 in 2011. However, the subsequent years have seen a decrease both in the count and percentage of international students, indicating a potential shift in the university's appeal or competitiveness in the global education market. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on international student enrollment across various institutions, and Western University may not be an exception.

While the graduate program has seen a decline, the undergraduate data remains absent, making it difficult to draw broader conclusions about the overall international student population at the university. The increasing competition among universities to attract international talent suggests that Western University of Health Sciences may need to reassess its strategies to enhance its global presence.

Understanding these trends is essential, as they not only affect the university's diversity and cultural dynamics but also its financial health and reputation. As we move forward, it will be vital for institutions to adapt to the changing landscape of international education to maintain and grow their international student populations.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$273M

Tuition and fees
$203M74.2%
Investment return
$22.7M8.3%
Gifts and private grants
$19.3M7.1%
Sales and services of educational activities
$12.3M4.5%
Government grants and contracts
$9.8M3.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.1M0.8%
Other
$4.1M1.5%

Expenses$242M

Instruction
$145M60.0%
Institutional support
$28.7M11.8%
Academic support
$25.8M10.7%
Research
$25.4M10.5%
Student services
$11.1M4.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.9M1.2%
Other
$3.1M1.3%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

All faculty
$109,532peers $96,564
Professor
$129,836peers $117,309
Associate professor
$114,407peers $100,941
Assistant professor
$95,731peers $90,201
Instructor
$62,019peers $59,817

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable universities near the Western University of Health Sciences:

  1. University of La Verne - Ranked 170 in the 2024 US News list, this comprehensive university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Pomona College - With a prestigious rank of 4, Pomona College is a highly regarded liberal arts college known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

  3. Claremont McKenna College - Ranked 11th, Claremont McKenna College is recognized for its strong focus on economics and government, providing a robust liberal arts education.

  4. Scripps College - As the 35th ranked institution, Scripps College is a women's liberal arts college that emphasizes leadership and scholarship in a supportive environment.

  5. Harvey Mudd College - This college ranks 16th and is known for its engineering, science, and mathematics programs, fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.

  6. University of Southern California - With a rank of 28, USC is a comprehensive university renowned for its research programs and strong ties to various industries.

Each of these institutions offers unique opportunities for students and contributes to the rich educational landscape surrounding the Western University of Health Sciences.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 1.3 · all 28 private medical schools and centers in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Motor vehicle theft
30
Burglary
6
Robbery
4
Aggravated assault
4
Weapons arrests
2
Stalking
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Western University of Health Sciences

The data from the Western University of Health Sciences presents a varied landscape of crime rates over the years from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the average number of crimes per 1000 students fluctuated significantly, with a peak in 2019 at 4.44 incidents per 1000 students, and a low of 1.04 in 2015. This suggests that the university experienced a notable surge in crime during certain years, particularly in 2019, which could correlate with broader trends in campus safety or external factors influencing student behavior during that time.

Among the types of crimes recorded, gun-related arrests and drug offenses appear to be significant contributors to the overall crime statistics. The rise in incidents of domestic violence and sexual offenses also raises concerns, reflecting a need for heightened awareness and preventive measures on campus. The relatively stable rates of incidents in the recent years, such as 1.84 and 1.85 in 2021 and 2022 respectively, may indicate effective interventions or a shift in campus culture towards safety and accountability.

It is essential for university administration to continuously monitor these trends and develop comprehensive strategies that foster a safe learning environment. Engaging with students and faculty to promote awareness of these issues can play a crucial role in mitigating such incidents. As campus safety remains a critical aspect of higher education, collaborative efforts will be necessary to ensure the well-being of all members of the university community. For further understanding of crime rates and their implications, one can refer to the crime rate calculation methodology here: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.