Accredited Online Colleges in California 2025
Online education in California has grown significantly in recent years. Many students now choose to pursue their degrees through distance learning programs. These offer flexibility and convenience, allowing learners to study from anywhere at their own pace.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.In 2020, over half of California's undergraduate students were enrolled exclusively in online courses. This trend reflects the increasing popularity and acceptance of digital learning platforms. Online programs cater to a wide range of students, including those balancing work and family commitments, as well as those seeking career changes or returning to school after a break.
Key Takeaways
- Online colleges in California offer flexible learning options for diverse student needs
- Distance education enrollment grew substantially during the pandemic
- Digital learning platforms provide opportunities for students to earn degrees on their own schedules
In ranking the best online schools in California, attention was given to the variety of degree programs available. For this very reason, you may see that a more prestigious school in California may offer one or possibly a few online degree options, but it may not qualify to be enough to rank among the best online colleges in the state.
This ranking seeks to show the best online colleges in California by leading the way in delivering numerous, high-quality online degree programs for the online student.
Methodology
EDsmart provides a simple, reliable, and honest ranking of the best online colleges in California--We let the data decide who is "best".
To be considered for this ranking, schools must offer online courses.
In our analysis of the best online colleges in California, we looked at several factors and ranked our list of schools accordingly.
- Affordability (average net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Median Earnings (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, at 6 years after entering the school)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of tie scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from College Scorecard and school websites.
Best Online Colleges in California 2025
University of California-Davis
Location: Davis, CA
Admission Rate: 37%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,512
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $36,975
In-state Tuition and Fees: $14,858
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $44,930
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $80,838
San Diego State University
Location: San Diego, CA
Admission Rate: 39%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 31,810
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $23,482
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,174
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,054
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,909
California State University-Fullerton
Location: Fullerton, CA
Admission Rate: 67%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 35,249
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $17,337
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,007
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,887
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,750
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,951
San Jose State University
Location: San Jose, CA
Admission Rate: 77%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 26,735
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $24,114
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,899
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,779
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $15,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $78,988
University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Admission Rate: 12%
Average SAT Score: 1520
Undergraduate Enrollment: 20,505
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $81,298
In-state Tuition and Fees: $64,726
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $64,726
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $18,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $92,498
California State University-East Bay
Location: Hayward, CA
Admission Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,709
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,693
In-state Tuition and Fees: $6,995
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,875
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $16,544
Median Earnings (10 years): $71,401
Azusa Pacific University
Location: Azusa, CA
Admission Rate: 87%
Average SAT Score: 1132
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,344
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $54,157
In-state Tuition and Fees: $42,330
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $42,330
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,219
Median Earnings (10 years): $66,677
California State University-Northridge
Location: Northridge, CA
Admission Rate: 91%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 32,103
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,585
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,069
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,949
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $13,872
Median Earnings (10 years): $59,115
Fresno Pacific University
Location: Fresno, CA
Admission Rate: 75%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,743
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $41,576
In-state Tuition and Fees: $34,188
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $34,188
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,146
Median Earnings (10 years): $58,896
Touro University Worldwide
Location: Los Alamitos, CA
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 387
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $29,149
In-state Tuition and Fees: $14,600
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $14,600
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,803
University of La Verne
Location: La Verne, CA
Admission Rate: 74%
Average SAT Score: 1116
Undergraduate Enrollment: 3,363
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $59,394
In-state Tuition and Fees: $47,000
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $47,000
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,464
California Baptist University
Location: Riverside, CA
Admission Rate: 80%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,077
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $49,531
In-state Tuition and Fees: $38,058
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $38,058
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,063
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,504
Concordia University-Irvine
Location: Irvine, CA
Admission Rate: 69%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,691
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $54,221
In-state Tuition and Fees: $40,180
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $40,180
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,247
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,083
William Jessup University
Location: Rocklin, CA
Admission Rate: 66%
Average SAT Score: 1130
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,123
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $53,732
In-state Tuition and Fees: $37,150
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $37,150
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,700
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,257
National University
Location: San Diego, CA
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,993
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $36,459
In-state Tuition and Fees: $13,320
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $13,320
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $67,548
University of Massachusetts Global
Location: Irvine, CA
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,545
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $35,619
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,520
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,520
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,276
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,703
Hope International University
Location: Fullerton, CA
Admission Rate: 32%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 590
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $49,503
In-state Tuition and Fees: $35,700
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $35,700
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,697
Further Reading: Cheapest Online Colleges
Can You Get a Degree Online from a California College?
Yes, it's possible to earn a college degree online from a California school. These programs are open to students both in and out of state. The online curriculum usually matches the on-campus version, leading to the same degree.
When choosing an online program, it's crucial to check for accreditation. This means an outside group has reviewed the school to make sure it meets quality standards. Students can look up accreditation info on school websites or through official education databases.
There are some good reasons to pick a California online school:
- You might already know about the school from friends or family
- Local employers may recognize the school name
- It could help you network in your area
Remember, most employers care more about your degree than how you earned it. Here are some tips for talking about your online degree:
- Be proud of it
- Highlight your self-discipline
- Mention your time management skills
Many students find online learning works well for them. It can fit around work and family duties. Plus, you get the same education as on-campus students without having to move or commute.
Online Learning Options in California
California offers a wide range of online education choices. Many schools in the state provide distance learning programs. Students can pick from public or private institutions.
Public schools get most of their money from the government. They often have lots of different programs. Private schools rely on tuition and donations. They can be non-profit or for-profit. Non-profit schools focus on education and career training. For-profit schools are businesses that make money for owners and investors.
Big public schools often have many online students. They may have more experience with online teaching. Smaller private schools might be newer to online classes.
The California State University system has been offering online degrees for about 10 years. Two examples show how popular these programs are:
- CSU Chico had over 600 online bachelor's students in 2020-2021
- CSU Dominguez Hills had more than 350 online bachelor's students that same year
These numbers show that many students choose online learning at public universities in California.
Online education gives students flexibility. They can study from home or anywhere with internet access. This is helpful for people who work or have other commitments.
California schools offer many types of online degrees. Students can find programs in:
- Business
- Education
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Social Sciences
Some programs are fully online. Others mix online and in-person classes. This gives students more choices to fit their needs.
Online learning uses special tools and websites. Students watch video lectures, join online discussions, and turn in homework through the internet. They can often work at their own pace.
California's online education keeps growing. More schools are adding online options. This gives students even more chances to learn and earn degrees in ways that work for them.
Popular Online Degree Programs in California
California offers a range of online bachelor's degree programs to meet diverse educational needs. The most widely available programs reflect current job market demands and career opportunities.
Business Administration tops the list, with 9 schools providing online options. This degree prepares students for leadership roles, with top executives earning around $99,000 annually.
Organizational Leadership is another common choice, offered by 7 institutions. Graduates can pursue careers as training and development managers, with potential earnings of $120,000 per year.
Psychology ranks third, available at 5 schools. This versatile degree can lead to various career paths, with psychologists earning about $81,000 annually.
Accounting and Nursing programs are equally popular, each offered by 4 schools. Accountants and auditors typically earn $77,250 per year, while registered nurses make around $77,600 annually.
Here's a breakdown of these popular online degrees:
| Degree Program | Schools Offering Online | Potential Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | 9 | $99,000 |
| Organizational Leadership | 7 | $120,000 |
| Psychology | 5 | $81,000 |
| Accounting | 4 | $77,250 |
| Nursing | 4 | $77,600 |
These programs offer flexible learning options for students seeking to advance their careers or change fields. The salary figures provide a glimpse into potential earnings, but actual salaries may vary based on factors like experience, location, and specific job roles.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Web-Based Education
Online degrees offer flexibility but come with unique challenges. Students can attend classes from anywhere, choose top programs regardless of location, and fit studies around busy schedules. However, web-based learning demands strong self-motivation and time management skills. It also lacks face-to-face interactions with teachers and may limit networking opportunities with classmates.
Is Remote Learning a Good Fit for You?
To decide if online education suits your needs:
- Assess your schedule: Do you need flexible class times?
- Check your learning style: Can you stay focused without in-person guidance?
- Evaluate your tech skills: Are you comfortable using online platforms?
- Consider your goals: Does the program align with your career plans?
Remote learning works well for:
- Working professionals
- Parents juggling family responsibilities
- Students seeking specific programs not available locally
- Self-motivated learners who enjoy independent study
It may not suit those who:
- Thrive on classroom discussions
- Need regular face-to-face support
- Prefer hands-on learning experiences
- Enjoy campus life and extracurricular activities
Tips for success in online courses:
- Create a dedicated study space
- Set a regular study schedule
- Stay connected with classmates through virtual study groups
- Reach out to instructors when you need help
- Use time management tools to track assignments
Remember, online degrees are just as rigorous as traditional programs. They require dedication and hard work. Before enrolling, try a single online course to see if the format works for you. This can help you make an informed decision about pursuing a full degree program online.
Is Online College Cheaper Than Campus Learning in California?
Online college often costs less than traditional campus-based education in California. Public schools in the state typically offer the best value for in-state students.
For California residents, online degrees at public institutions average $420 per credit. Out-of-state students pay more, with an average of $733.50 per credit for online programs.
Private schools tend to be pricier. Online private colleges in California charge about $486.30 per credit on average. This is much lower than the $1,800.05 per credit average for on-campus private schools in the state.
These numbers suggest that online public schools provide the most budget-friendly option for higher education in California.
While online students may save on tuition, they might face other costs:
- Technology fees
- Distance learning fees
- Financial aid fees
However, online learners can avoid many expenses linked to campus life:
- Transportation
- Parking
- Sports center fees
- Activity fees
Working students might benefit even more from online programs. Some employers offer tuition reimbursement, potentially covering the full cost of an online degree.
Out-of-state students interested in California online schools should check for state reciprocity agreements. These agreements can lead to lower tuition rates for distance learners from other states.
The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education covers California. Students from states in this region may qualify for reduced tuition at some California online colleges. It's important to verify with specific schools, as not all offer regional discounts for their online programs.
Online education in California presents a cost-effective path to a degree. By choosing the right program and taking advantage of available discounts, students can significantly reduce their educational expenses.
Picking the Right Online College in California
Choosing an online college in California requires careful thought. Start by looking at costs. Tuition varies widely among schools. Next, check the school's standing. A good reputation often means quality education.
Look into the online learning tools each college offers. Some have better tech setups than others. Make sure the school is accredited. This means it meets quality standards.
Think about how you learn best. Some online classes happen live on video. Others let you work when you want. A few mix online and in-person classes. Pick what fits your style and schedule.
Consider your major too. Not all schools offer every program online. Find ones with strong classes in your field.
Here's a quick checklist:
- Check tuition costs
- Look at the school's reputation
- Explore online learning tools
- Confirm accreditation
- Choose live, self-paced, or mixed classes
- Find schools with your major
Take time to research. Compare options. Pick a school that fits your needs and goals. This choice can shape your future, so choose wisely.
Further Reading: Best Colleges in California