Best Online Colleges in California 2024
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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.
10 Best Online Colleges in California 2024
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate38%
- Students Enrolled36,484
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment64%
- AccreditationYes
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$13,320
- Out-of-state$13,320
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled17,135
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment80%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-East Bay
- Hayward, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate82%
- Students Enrolled15,189
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment85%
- AccreditationYes
Los Angeles Pacific University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Online
- In-State$10,800
- Out-of-state$10,800
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled2,009
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$0
- Out-of-state$0
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled0
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of Massachusetts Global
- Irvine, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$12,000
- Out-of-state$12,000
- Retention Rate19%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled9,798
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment99%
- AccreditationYes
Hope International University
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$34,250
- Out-of-state$34,250
- Retention Rate66%
- Acceptance Rate40%
- Students Enrolled1,138
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment57%
- AccreditationYes
University of Arizona Global Campus
- Chandler, AZ
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$13,280
- Out-of-state$13,280
- Retention Rate31%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled40,362
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
University of La Verne
- La Verne, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$44,700
- Out-of-state$44,700
- Retention Rate80%
- Acceptance Rate72%
- Students Enrolled6,201
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment27%
- AccreditationYes
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,736
- Out-of-state$32,736
- Retention Rate0%
- Acceptance Rate0%
- Students Enrolled4,390
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment33%
- AccreditationYes
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 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in California
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