In California, 35% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Although college isn't the only path to success, it's a fairly popular one. Earning a college degree can unlock higher earning potential, an appealing idea when considering the high cost of living in California.
Online colleges in California make it easy to complete a college degree while working or balancing other parts of life. We've outlined some of the best online schools in California and the careers that are thriving there.
Why Consider Online Colleges in California?
- California is home to several prestigious colleges and universities, many of which offer online programs and courses.
- Research shows that earning a bachelor's degree can increase your earning potential.
- Online college allows you to easily balance school with work and other obligations.
- Many online California colleges offer affordable tuition rates for distance learners.
- Earning a degree in the California school system can make it easier to transfer to other colleges or continue your education there.
- Many online programs offer accelerated pathways to complete your degree faster.
Did You Know...
- 63% of California high school graduates went to college in 2020.
- One in every four nationwide community college students is enrolled in a California Community College.
- The average annual salary in California is $91,000.
- The average tuition in California can range from $1,270 to $37,009.
Explore Our Featured Online Programs
10 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $552
Out-of-State | $552
Credits to Graduate: 120
One of California’s largest public universities, San Diego State University dates back to 1897 and today enrolls over 36,000 students. Through SDSU Global Campus, you can study business, hospitality, public health, and other fields online.
Designed and delivered by the same faculty who teach on campus, the online programs offer full-time and part-time enrollment options. Transfer students can finish a bachelor’s degree in communication, economics, or business administration entirely online.
#2 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $370
Out-of-State | $370
Credits to Graduate: 120
Still deciding on a major? At National University, you’ll have 50 options to choose from while earning your bachelor’s degree online. The private university offers majors in cybersecurity, digital media design, management, or psychology.
As a distance learner, you’ll take classes on four- and eight-week terms to accelerate your learning. Holistic support services include tutoring, individual coaching, and a writing center. You can also join the mentoring network to receive individualized career guidance and support.
#3 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $433
Out-of-State | $433
Credits to Graduate: 120
From its campus in Hayward, Cal State East Bay enrolls 12,000 students. And the public university’s online campus offers programs created for working adults. Experienced faculty and support staff help you reach your academic goals.
Instead of coming to campus, you’ll meet with professors virtually, watch video lectures, and participate in online discussions. And with an accelerated program, you can finish a bachelor’s or master’s degree in two years. Choose from bachelor’s degree completion options in accounting, business analytics, history, human development, and other fields.
#4 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Los Angeles Pacific University
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499
Out-of-State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 120
Earn your degree at an affordable Christian university. A private institution, Los Angeles Pacific University designs its programs for busy adults. You’ll receive one-on-one support from enrollment counselors, success coaches, and faculty.
Major in popular fields like business administration, criminal justice, or health sciences. You can also customize your degree with an interdisciplinary studies major. The accessible programs let you complete coursework through the myLAPU app, so you can learn even when you don’t have your laptop.
#5 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $523
Out-of-State | $523
Credits to Graduate: 39
It’s one of the best hospitals in California. And you can also earn an online degree at Cedars Sinai Medical Center. The hospital offers graduate-level programs, including a hybrid master’s in health delivery science. The program trains healthcare leaders in performance improvement, data analytics, and health economics.
As a distance learner, you'll take online classes while completing in-person residentials in Los Angeles. The format encourages personal mentorship and networking with a flexible schedule.
#6 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
University of Massachusetts Global
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $500
Out-of-State | $500
Credits to Graduate: 120
What’s a Massachusetts university doing on a list of the best online colleges in California? University of Massachusetts Global was formerly known as Brandman University of Irvine, California, but is now affiliated with the east coast university. UMass Global offers online degrees.
You’ll benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities, career coaching, and flexible schedules. Courses use eight-week sessions with six start dates throughout the year. Or choose a competency-based option that uses self-paced classes. This option can accelerate your degree if you have prior knowledge of your major.
#7 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Hope International University
Fullerton, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 120
This private university incorporates Christianity into its programs. Hope International University, located in Fullerton, dates back to 1928. Today, the institution offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees. You’ll watch video lectures, chat on discussion forums, and receive individualized attention as a distance learner.
You can earn a bachelor’s in criminal justice, business administration, psychology, Christian ministry, or liberal studies. Work with an academic coach to complete your degree. Apply by submitting an application form, financial aid documents, and official transcripts.
#8 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler, AZ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $510
Out-of-State | $510
Credits to Graduate: 120
Formerly known as Ashford University and based in San Diego, the University of Arizona Global Campus is an accredited institution linked to Arizona’s public university.
You’ll choose one of 29 degree-granting programs and take classes one at a time. The university’s most popular majors include business administration, organizational management, and early childhood education.
UAGC also lets students choose an emphasis to enhance their studies. Shorter than a minor, these three-class emphasis options can lead to new career opportunities.
#9 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665
Credits to Graduate: 120
Located 35 miles east of Los Angeles, this private university dates back to 1891. At the University of La Verne, you can earn an online degree with personalized attention. La Verne enrolls 6,000 students, including many adult learners. Students also enroll at La Verne Online, which offers accelerated programs.
Choose from undergraduate degree completion programs in criminal justice, information technology, or organizational management. Or pursue a master’s in public administration, teaching, or business administration.
#10 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | varies
Out-of-State | varies
Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter credits
Choose from multiple online healthcare degrees at this private Southern California university. Loma Linda University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, offers dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs online.
Study speech-language pathology, health information management, or marital and family therapy in a flexible format. You can also earn a master’s in public health online.
The university’s online bachelor’s programs cover nursing, allied health, and healthcare administration. These degree completion programs take an estimated two years. LLU offers wellness services and spiritual support for students.
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online (ASO) uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.
We rank schools using data like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid awarded, and program offerings. And all our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Our detailed methodology page can tell you more about how we create school rankings.
How Does Accreditation Work for Online Schools in California?
Accreditation ensures your online college provides a high-quality education. When a college is accredited, it means independent agencies have vetted the school for its standards of excellence.
When an online college is accredited, it also signals to employers that your education is just as rigorous as an on-campus program. You'll also need an accredited degree when applying for professional licenses.
In California, there are two regional accreditors you can look for:
- Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACCJC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
10 Popular Cities for Accredited Online Colleges in California
Searching for colleges in California can be overwhelming. Breaking your search down by city can help you target locations near you and narrow down your search.
Students who live in the Bay Area, for example, may want to consider a hybrid online program based in San Francisco.
- Bakersfield: This city attracts local, domestic, and international students each year, in part because of the diversity of schools offered here.
- Hayward: Education is a big player in the city's local economy and a popular course of study, too — Hayward produces many of California's teachers.
- Irvine: An Orange County college town, Irvine students largely major in education and hospitality. To top it off, Irvine is only 20 minutes from Disneyland!
- Los Angeles: The City of Angels hosts some of the country's most popular schools, like UCLA and USC. In total, LA has over 63 universities in the city alone.
- Sacramento: There are many great online schools to choose from in the capital of California. Popular industries in the city include construction, business, health, and tech.
- San Diego: San Diego is home to a wide variety of high-quality beaches and colleges. Students in San Diego major in clean tech, information technology, tourism, and healthcare.
- San Francisco: From sourdough bread to Silicon Valley, San Francisco has a lot to offer students. You can choose online degrees like public administration, software engineering, and biotech from San Francisco schools.
- San Jose: This city is known for its innovation and environmental initiatives. San Jose online colleges are a great place to study environmental majors and tech-related degrees.
- Santa Maria: This smaller California city offers a variety of degree programs, from viticulture to web design. It also offers tons of certificate programs.
- Stockton: Stockton is home to California's oldest university, the University of the Pacific. Today, students will find a variety of online degrees available in this city.
How Much Do Online Universities in California Cost?
The average tuition cost for students in California can range from $1,270 per year to $37,009 per year, depending on the school you choose and your residency status. The average two-year public school tuition for in-state students is $1,270, while out-of-state students pay an average of $8,194.
You'll also find that private schools cost more to attend than public schools.
Students attending online schools in California should budget for additional fees, like technology and graduation fees. You'll also need a functional laptop, reliable Wi-Fi access, and books and supplies for classes.
Some online colleges in California include in-person requirements, so be sure to budget for potential travel or lodging expenses.
You can save money by submitting the FAFSA and applying for scholarships.
What Are the Fastest-Growing Jobs in California?
The California job market is seeing promising growth for those in the restaurant and service industry, fitness, and data science careers.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average growth rate for jobs in the U.S. is around 7%. In California, the restaurant cook career is projected to grow 75% by 2030. Bartending and fitness training careers are projected to grow 63%.
Job | Job Growth Rate (2020-2030) | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) |
---|---|---|
Restaurant Cooks | 75% | $41,400 |
Bartenders | 63% | $34,700 |
Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors | 63% | $55,840 |
Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 62% | $53,190 |
Massage Therapists | 56% | $45,400 |
Nurse Practitioners | 56% | $164,050 |
Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | 51% | $37,170 |
Statisticians | 46% | $125,860 |
Data Scientists | 45% | $133,690 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants | 43% | $80,360 |
Sources: Projections Central, BLS
What Are the Top-Paying Jobs in California?
According to the latest BLS data, some of the top-paying jobs you can get in California include chief executive, physician, dermatologist, and dentist. The 10 highest-paying jobs all have a median annual salary of over $190,000 in California.
While some jobs require a graduate degree, many require only a bachelor's degree, often with several years of relevant experience.
Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2023) | Minimum Education Required |
---|---|---|
Chief Executives | $231,080 | Bachelor's |
Family Medicine Physicians | $228,970 | First-Professional |
Dermatologists | $226,050 | First-Professional |
Emergency Medicine Physicians | $225,540 | First-Professional |
Dentists, All Other Specialists | $219,790 | First-Professional |
Computer and Information Systems Managers | $210,490 | Bachelor's |
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | $205,390 | First-Professional |
Pediatricians, General | $204,400 | First-Professional |
Natural Sciences Managers | $198,580 | Bachelor's |
Architectural and Engineering Managers | $197,420 | Bachelor's |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in California
How long do you need to live in California to get in-state tuition?
You can qualify for in-state tuition after living in California for over one year (at least 366 days). You must also prove financial independence and indicate that you plan to remain in the state after graduation.
Note that some online colleges in California may have different rules for distance learners regarding who can qualify for in-state tuition or if in-state tuition is even available to online students.
Do I need to be a resident of California to attend an online college in California?
You don't need to reside in California to attend an online college in California. Online colleges are open to any student, regardless of where they live. Since you won't need to attend any in-person classes, there's no need for you to physically be in California.
What is the cheapest college in California?
The cheapest colleges in California will likely be community or technical colleges. But expenses will vary for each student depending on whether you live in-state, the program you choose, and if you qualify for any financial aid.
How many colleges and universities are in California?
There are over 500 colleges and universities in California. It's the third largest state in the U.S. and home to many prestigious schools. If you wish to attend a school based in California, your options are nearly endless.
What schools offer online courses in California?
The vast majority of colleges in California will offer online courses. Schools like San Diego State University, California State University, Pepperdine University, and Biola University all offer online courses.