Best Colleges and Universities in California
California is a state with many reputations.
Some people love living there because of the fantastic weather. Some love going to the beach and the mountains on the same day. Others are amazed at the variety of people, natural wonders, and cultures that comprise California.
Whether you are looking for surf, sun, hiking, exploring history, or skiing, California can offer all of it to you alongside some of the most world-class educational opportunities.
The golden state is home to 278 four-year, degree-granting institutions and 247 2-year junior or community colleges, according to NCES.
California can even turn out to be a financially sound choice for your post-secondary schooling. It participates in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). It offers nonresidents lower tuition rates and discounts to students from 16 western states. To learn more about this program, see https://www.wiche.edu/wue/.
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.EDsmart has compiled a list of the best two and four-year colleges and universities in California to help you sift through the massive number of choices. With deserts, mountains, beaches, and plains to choose from, there is a spot for everyone to enjoy while attending college in California.
Rankings
Schools are ranked based on four data points in four categories:
- Affordability (net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Salary After Attending (the median earnings of former students who received federal financial aid, 10 years after entering the school)
All data for this ranking was gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics and College Scorecard.
Best Accredited Colleges in California 2023
1. California State University—Fullerton
Score: 100
Average Net Price: $8,003
Retention Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 77%
Salary After Attending: $54,586
California State University—Fullerton is a public university founded in 1957. It is located in Fullerton, California. This school offers a variety of 56 undergraduate degrees and 54 graduate degrees. In 2023, this university ranked 42nd for engineering programs, 83rd for top public schools, and 7th in top performers on social mobility. Popular majors pursued at this college are Business, Communications, Psychology, Health Services Preparatory Studies, Early Childhood Education, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, and Sociology. Students at this school are able to participate in over 50 different student clubs as well. The faculty’s top focus at this university is guiding its students to reach their full potential. If students are looking for a Doctorate program, the two Doctorate degrees offered at California State University—Fullerton is Doctorate in Education and Doctor in Nursing Practice. This school also offers a beneficial alternative for students who cannot attend classes traditionally, which is an online option. The same experience can be had with added convenience and flexibility. The online degrees currently being offered are BA in Business Administration, BA in Sociology, and BA in Humanities and Social Sciences.
Online programs. (2023). California State University, Fullerton. Retrieved from: http://extension.fullerton.edu/ProfessionalDevelopment/Online
California State University—Fullerton. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---fullerton/
California State University—Fullerton. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-fullerton-1137
2. California State University- Long Beach
Score: 99.6
Average Net Price: $10,054
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 79%
Salary After Attending: $57,123
California State University – Long Beach is a public university founded in 1949. It is located in Long Beach, California. In 2023, this college ranked 137th for national universities, 3rd in top performers on social mobility, and 64th for top public schools. The campus at California State University—Long Beach provides students with beautiful outdoor life scenery by the ocean. Freshmen are required to live on campus, and there are 300 student organizations for students to get involved. This university is known for improving graduation rates and reducing opportunity gaps. The most popular majors chosen by students attending this school are Business, Family Studies and Consumer Sciences, Psychology, Communications, Sociology, Healthcare Management, and Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. This school offers several graduate degrees fully online, such as Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Emergency Services Administration, and Engineering Management. There are hybrid options as well in Finance, Geographic Information Systems, Healthcare Management, Public Administration, and Social Work.
MS programs. (2023). California State University Long Beach. Retrieved from: https://www.csulb.edu/cob-graduate-programs/ms-programs
California State University – Long Beach. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-long-beach-1139
California State University – Long Beach. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---long-beach/
CSU online. (2023). CalState. Retrieved from: https://www.calstateonline.net/Cal-State-Campuses/CSU-Long-Beach
3. Pepperdine University
Score: 99.6
Average Net Price: $38,846
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 84%
Salary After Attending: $72,035
Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence, Christian values and personalized learning. Students are academically and spiritually strengthened for lives of purpose, service, leadership and compassion. With a focus on liberal arts and spiritual exploration, Pepperdine offers a diverse community and many opportunities for self-discovery. Pepperdine offers a large number of majors and minors, emphasizing the broad discovery of all disciplines. According to the 2023 U.S. News and World Report, Pepperdine University ranks #26 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, #49 in Best Value Schools, and #55 in National Universities. Popular majors at this school include public relations, psychology, international studies, kinesiology, and business.
4. Chapman University
Score: 99.0
Average Net Price: $44,198
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 80%
Salary After Attending: $60,835
Chapman University inspires students to be original thinkers who’re capable of dealing with whatever the world throws at them with innovative solutions. Chapman University is a fairly large institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 7,714. Still, even with this population size, the university manages to keep a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The most popular majors that students pursue at Chapman University include business, cinematography, psychology, and corporate communications. U.S. News and World Report ranked Chapman University #66 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, #52 in Most Innovative Schools, and #121 in National Universities.
5. California State University—Stanislaus
Score: 98
Average Net Price: $6,566
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Salary After Attending: $53,964
California State University- Stanislaus is a public university founded in 1957. It is located in Turlock, California. In 2023, it ranked 25th for regional universities West, 12th in best colleges for veterans, and 9th in top public schools. This university offers over 170 undergraduate majors, 14 master’s degree programs, and 1 doctoral degree program in Educational Leadership. It is encouraged to take different courses in liberal arts and sciences at this school during the first two years before deciding which specific specialization is desired. Student success is a top priority at this college. There is a first-year program put in place for students that require meetings with professors and a supportive staff to guide learners to success. Students also have the option to join over 60 different student clubs. As a benefit to students needing more convenient learning options, California State University—Stanislaus features four fully online degree programs and one hybrid program. The three fully online programs are BA in Gender Studies, BS in Nursing, BS in Leadership Studies, and MBA in Business Administration. The hybrid degree program is a Master’s in Social Work.
Stan State’s online degree programs. (2023). California State University, Stanislaus. Retrieved from: http://www.csustan.edu/academics/online-programs
California State University—Stanislaus. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---stanislaus/
California State University—Stanislaus. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-stanislaus-1157
6. Point Loma Nazarene University
Score: 98
Average Net Price: $34,575
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 76%
Salary After Attending: $59,862
Point Loma Nazarene University is a private Christian university in San Diego, CA. The university provides a unique learning environment that emphasizes the development of academic skills and spiritual formation while fostering an understanding of life’s purpose. This growth happens when students experience a variety of fields of interest across the different sciences, social sciences, and humanities. U.S. News and World Report ranked PLNU #9 in Regional Universities West, #6 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, and #13 in Best Value Schools. Point Loma Nazarene University's mission is to prepare you not just for a career after graduation but also to shape you into a thoughtful and engaged community member.
7. California State University—Los Angeles
Score: 97
Average Net Price: $3,302
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Salary After Attending: $51,997
In 2023 it ranked 24th for regional universities west, 14th for best undergraduate teaching, 17th for best value schools, and 8th for top public schools in America. Although California State University Los Angeles’ website does not mention any online degree programs it does offer some courses online for students who may not be able to attend on-campus courses. Additionally, the National Science Foundation honors this school for being a top college for Latino science and engineering Ph.D. recipients among all colleges and universities in the United States..
California State University—Los Angeles. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-los-angeles-1140
California State University—Los Angeles. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---los-angeles/
About the university. (2023). Trustees of the California State University. Retrieved from: http://www.calstatela.edu/about
8. California State University—San Bernardino
Score: 97
Average Net Price: $11,178
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Salary After Attending: $56,814
California State University—San Bernardino is a public university founded in 1965 in San Bernardino, California. In 2023, this university ranked 100th for top public schools, 31st for best value schools, and 87th for Engineering programs. Degree programs students commonly choose to take our Business, Psychology, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Sociology, Communications, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. California State University-San Bernardino offers several fully online degree options as well as blended online degree programs. The fully online degree programs offered at San Bernardino are BA in Criminal Justice, MA in Teacher Leadership, MBA in Business Administration, MPA. in Public Administration, and MA in Criminal Justice. The blended online degree programs offered are Nursing MSN and BSN, MA in Education, and MSW in Social Work.
Online programs at CSUSB. (2023). California State University, San Bernardino. Retrieved from: https://www.csusb.edu/academics/online-programs-csusb
California State University—San Bernardino. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-san-bernardino-1142
California State University—San Bernardino. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---san-bernardino/
9. California State University—Sacramento
Score: 97
Average Net Price: $11,178
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 69%
Salary After Attending: $56,814
California State University- Sacramento is a public university founded in 1947 in Sacramento, California. U.S. News and World Report ranked CSU-Sacramento #5 in Best Undergraduate Teaching, #16 in Top Public Schools, and #38 in Regional Universities West. Those who decide to pick this university as their school will have access to both undergraduate degree programs and master’s programs. There are around 20 different sports teams and over 300 various student clubs to help students get involved. This school provides the opportunity to gain experience through research and internship opportunities. Popular majors chosen to study at this university are Business, Communications, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, Early Childhood Education, and Psychology. If students need non-traditional schedules or learning circumstances, earning an education on their own time, this school provides several online options.
CSU Sacramento. (2023). CalState. Retrieved from: https://www.calstateonline.net/Cal-State-Campuses/CSU-Sacramento
California State University—Sacramento. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---sacramento/
California State University—Sacramento. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-sacramento-1142
10. California State University—Northridge
Score: 96
Average Net Price: $8,523
Retention Rate: 82%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Salary After Attending: $53,360
California State University—Northridge is a public university founded in 1958. It is located in Northridge, California. In 2023, it ranked 13th for top public schools, 49th for Engineering programs, and 32nd for regional universities West. California State University—Northridge is committed to each student’s educational and professional goals. This university offers 147 bachelor’s, 105 master’s, and three doctorate degrees. Popular fields usually chosen are Psychology, Sociology, Business, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Radio and Television, and Communications. There are also several online programs and courses as well for ease in case students are unable to commute to on-campus classes. A few online degree programs currently offered are MS in Assistive Technology Engineering, MS in Assistive Technology Studies and Human Services, MS in Communicative Disorders, MS in Engineering Management, MA in Humanities, and an MA in Instructional Design. These online programs were created to help working adults earn an education like everyone else. Each program is career-oriented and aims to provide students with more skills for their future careers.
Available online programs and courses. (2023). California State University, Northridge. Retrieved from: https://tsengcollege.csun.edu/programs/online
California State University—Northridge. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---northridge/
California State University—Northridge. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-northridge-1153
11. California State University—Bakersfield
Score: 95
Average Net Price: $7,454
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Salary After Attending: $52,606
California State University—Bakersfield is a public university founded in 1965 in Bakersfield, California. In 2023, it ranked 29th for top public schools and 60th for regional universities West. This university aims to change students’ lives through its excellent academic options. The college offers 57 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The most popular academic majors studied at this CSUB are Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Safety Studies, Sociology, Nursing, and Biology. Students who cannot access on-campus classes are given an online option to complete their degree programs. The fully online degree programs offered are master’s degrees in business administration, education, and management. The hybrid degree programs offered are a bachelor’s in communication, a master’s in education, a bachelor’s in nursing, and a bachelor's in sociology.
Welcome to CSUB. (2023). California State University, Bakersfield. Retrieved from: https://www.csub.edu/about_csub/index.html
California State University—Bakersfield. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---bakersfield/
California State University—Bakersfield. (2023). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/csub-7993
12. California State University—Dominguez Hills
Score: 94.2
Average Net Price: $4,026
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Salary After Attending: $47,340
In 2023 it ranked 25th for top public schools, 56th in regional universities West, 21st for best colleges for veterans, and 18th for top performers on social mobility. The most popular majors studied at this university are Business, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice and Safety Studies, Nursing, Communications, and Health Service Preparatory Studies. California State University-Dominguez Hills features fully online degree programs for students to have the opportunity to take courses on their own schedule if needed. The online undergraduate degree programs offered at this school are BS in Applied Science, Nursing, and Quality Assurance.
Distance learning. (2019). California State University, Dominguez Hills. Retrieved from: https://www.csudh.edu/ceie/distance-learning/
CSU fully online courses at CSU campuses. (2021). California State University, Dominguez Hills. Retrieved from: https://www.csudh.edu/academics/csu-online/
California State University—Dominguez Hills. (2021). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/california-state-university---dominguez-hills/
California State University—Dominguez Hills. (2021). U.S. News & World Report LP. Retrieved from: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/california-state-university-dominguez-hills-1141
13. Biola University
Score: 94
Average Net Price: $33,269
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 70%
Salary After Attending: $47,704
Biola is a private Christian university located in the heart of Southern California. U.S. News and World Report recognize Biola as on of the top national Christian universities. Biola University is also ranked among the nation's top-value schools and the best in undergraduate teaching. Biola has nine schools that offer more than 150 academic programs, from bachelor's degrees to doctoral programs. They enroll 6,000 students in La Mirada, CA, and through online programs across the globe. Biola University offers several top-quality programs, including business, psychology, nursing, biblical studies, and public relations.
14. The Master's University
Score: 93.6
Average Net Price: $30,238
Retention Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 53%
Salary After Attending: $49,159
Established in 1927 this institution has been imparting knowledge to its students for decades. To accomplish this the university relies on a devoted faculty who wholeheartedly invest themselves in the journey of shaping students' professional growth equipping them with the necessary tools to navigate any challenges they encounter. Moreover, a wide selection of majors is offered at the institution, covering in-demand disciplines like theological studies, communications, music history, literature, and kinesiology. Master's University, recognized for its intimate scale, proudly accommodates a student body of 2,435 individuals and upholds a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. According to U.S. News and World Report, the university ranks among the best in national universities and the best in top performers on social mobility.
15. Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary
Score: 90.2
Average Net Price: $9,901
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 35%
Salary After Attending: $32,554
Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary is located in Los Angeles, CA. This college is a Jewish-based institution for higher Jewish studies. This religious and prestigious college has taught young students for over 40 years. The institution has a partnership with The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles. Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary offers 3 programs for individuals to participate in and learn from. These programs include the Zal/Beis Medrash, Mesivta, and YKLA. Programs fill up fast with the competitive nature of earning a degree from such an upstanding religious institution.
Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad West Coast Talmudical Seminary. (2023). Retrieved from: https://www.yoec.edu/about-us
Two Year Colleges
1. Mt. San Antonio College
Score: 94
Average Net Price: $3,144
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 37%
Salary After Attending: $40,973
Mt. San Antonio College is a public community college founded in 1946 in Walnut, California. The highest degree offered at Mt. SAC is an associate degree. The most popular majors chosen are Business, Physical Education Teaching and Coaching, Psychology, Social Science Research Methods, Nursing, Child Care Provider, and Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping. Mt. San Antonio College also provides several online course options for its students. With distance learning options, students at this college can take their classes from anywhere in the world with flexibility. Some of the online courses at this school are Administration of Justice, Agriculture, Art History, Anthropology, Graphic Design, Astronomy, Biology, Business, Chemistry, and many more.
What is distance learning? (2022). Mt. San Antonio College. Retrieved from: https://www.mtsac.edu/distancelearning/whatis.html
Mt. San Antonio College. (2022). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/mt-san-antonio-college/
2. Moorpark College
Score: 93.8
Average Net Price: $1,636
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 33%
Salary After Attending: $47,132
Moorpark College is a public community college founded in 1967 in Moorpark, California. The highest degree achievable at this community college is an associate degree in any of the 67 different degrees and certificate field programs. The most popular majors at Moorpark are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Business, Child Care, Psychology, and Economics. Moorpark College also features a convenient online education if necessary for students. Classes are provided both fully online and partially online, such as Introduction to Accounting, Cultural Anthropology, Biology, Art History, Introduction to Astronomy, Business, Marketing, Human Development, Criminal Justice, Communications, Computer Networking, Counseling, and many more. Moorpark College seeks to provide an excellent education to each student that wishes to earn it.
Class schedule search results for fall 2019. (2023). Moorpark College. Retrieved from: https://ssb.vcccd.edu/prod/pw_pub_sched.p_listthislist
Distance education. (2023). Moorpark College. Retrieved from: https://www.moorparkcollege.edu/online-services/distance-education
Related Reading: Best Online Colleges in California
3. College of San Mateo
Score: 92.8
Average Net Price: $1,062
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 27%
Salary After Attending: $47,661
College of San Mateo is a public community college founded in 1922 in San Mateo, California. The highest degree obtainable at this community college is an associate degree. Students at CSM can choose between over 65 different majors and a host of certificate programs. The most popular majors chosen by students are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Social Science Research Methods, Computer Programming, Communications, and Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping. The College of San Mateo also provides several online course options for students who are unable to attend classes in person. The college offers several routes of support for its online students if needed. Different general education and major class offerings can be taken online. Students can take several general classes online for associate's degrees or for transferring to a university.
Distance education. (2023). College of San Mateo. Retrieved from: https://collegeofsanmateo.edu/distanceeducation/studentfaqs.asp
College of San Mateo. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/college-of-san-mateo/
4. Ventura College
Score: 92.6
Average Net Price: $1,590
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 32%
Salary After Attending: $39,700
Ventura College is a public community college founded in 1925 in Ventura, California. The highest degree one can receive at this institution is an associate degree, and learning is available in any of the 71 different certificate and degree fields at this college. The most popular fields studied are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Business, Police and Criminal Science, Psychology, Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping, and Nursing. Ventura College also gives its students access to distance learning to help with convenience and flexibility in their busy lives.
Online course schedule. (2023). Ventura College. Retrieved from: https://www.venturacollege.edu/online-services/distance-education/de-online-course-schedule
Ventura College. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/ventura-college/
5. College of the Sequoias
Score: 92.4
Average Net Price: $1,222
Retention Rate: 70%
Graduation Rate: 36%
Salary After Attending: $33,538
College of the Sequoias is a public community college founded in 1926 in Visalia, California. The highest degree available at this community college is an associate degree. Students can select a field of study out of 70 various options, as well. Most college students choose to study Liberal Arts and Humanities, Child Care providers, Police and Criminal Science, Psychology, Business, and Nursing. The College of Sequoias has a mission that states they provide educational opportunities to a diverse population, even if that means students who need alternative methods to access education and achieve their goals. Therefore, this school offers online and hybrid courses for its students with hectic personal and employee schedules. Some online courses offered are Accounting, Administration of Justice, Anthropology, Art, Business, Chemistry, Child Development, Communication, Computer Science, and Economics.
Online learning. (2023). College of the Sequoias. Retrieved from: https://www.cos.edu/en-us/academics/online-learning
College of the Sequoias. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/college-of-the-sequoias/
6. Imperial Valley College
Score: 92.2
Average Net Price: $2,205
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 40%
Salary After Attending: $30,438
Imperial Valley College is a public community college founded in 1962 in Imperial, California. IVC’s highest degree level is an associate degree; the school offers 24 transfer degrees and 50 other degree and certificate programs. The most popular majors regularly chosen are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Police and Criminal Science, and Business. Imperial Valley College provides students with online course options that remove time and location restrictions from learning. Attendees are still provided a high-quality education but are offered more convenience and flexibility to complete their courses.
Imperial Valley College. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/imperial-valley-college/
Distance education. (2023). Imperial Valley College. Retrieved from: https://www.imperial.edu/courses-and-programs/distance-education/
7. City College of San Francisco
Score: 89.8
Average Net Price: $6,382
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 26%
Salary After Attending: $46,731
City College of San Francisco is a public community college founded in 1935. It is located in San Francisco, California. The highest degree earnable at this college is an associate degree in any of 17 different associate degrees. The most common areas usually chosen are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Social Science Research Methods, Natural Sciences, Child Care Provider, Automotive Mechanics, and Nursing. If students enjoy learning online, are busy parents with children, or are working professionals with hectic schedules, City College of San Francisco offers them the option of taking online courses. Some online courses offered at this community college are Financial Accounting, Anthropology, Art History, Drawing, Biology, Nutrition, Business, Chemistry, Film Studies, and many more. The online courses at this school require students to participate regularly and are not self-paced to ensure that students don't procrastinate.
Online learning. (2023). City College of San Francisco. Retrieved from: https://www.ccsf.edu/en/educational-programs/distance-learning.html
Browse classes. (2023). City College of San Francisco. Retrieved from: https://ssb-stureg.ccsf.edu:8100/StudentRegistrationSsb/ssb/classSearch/classSearch
8. Grossmont College
Score: 89.8
Average Net Price: $4,653
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 68%
Salary After Attending: $53,964
Grossmont College is a public community college founded in 1961 in El Cajon, California. Most graduates of Grossmont College studied Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Economics, Police and Criminal Science, Natural Sciences, Culinary Arts and Food Services, and Nursing. For those who are too busy or unable to attend on-campus classes, Grossmont College understands and provides online courses to help students to receive an outstanding education regardless of distance. Some of the online courses offered at this school are Anthropology, Criminal Law, American Sign Language, History, Algebra, Politics and Political Analysis, Java Programming, Cybersecurity, Biology, and Statistics. Grossmont College will guide students every step of the way and ensure their success in their online learning experience.
Online learning for students. (2023). Grossmont College. Retrieved from: https://www.grossmont.edu/canvas/students/default.aspx
Grossmont College. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/grossmont-college/
9. Palomar College
Score: 89.6
Average Net Price: $4,982
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 30%
Salary After Attending: $37,250
Palomar College is a public community college founded in 1946 in San Marcos, California. Most students choose to study Liberal Arts and Humanities, Social Science Research Methods, Emergency Medical Technician, Natural Sciences, Business, and Fire Protection and Prevention. Many students have decided that online education works better for them and their schedules, and Palomar College recognizes this. This college offers a large variety of online courses able to be taken at one's own pace. The online degrees offered at Palomar College are American Indian Studies, Business degree and certificate, Computer Science, Information Technology, Library and Information Technology, and Real Estate license.
Palomar college online education. (2023). Palomar Community College. Retrieved from: https://www2.palomar.edu/pages/onlineeducation/
Palomar College. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/palomar-college/
10. Fresno City College
Score: 89.4
Average Net Price: $2,584
Retention Rate: 61%
Graduation Rate: 28%
Salary After Attending: $32,786
Fresno City College is a public community college founded in 1910 in Fresno, California, that provides education up to associate's degrees. Students at FCC often choose Nursing, Business, Police and Criminal Science, Psychology, Child Care Provider, and Human Services as their majors. Fresno City College also features online course options for students unable to be on campus or attend classes for various reasons. Students are still given the same optimal education as they would get in person, with easier access to accomplishing educational goals from the comfort of home. Some online courses offered at Fresno City College are Financial Accounting, Health Careers, American Sign Language, Technical Report Writing, Occupation Safety, Art Appreciation, Biology, Medical Management Software, Group Communication, Computer Literacy, and many more.
Online learning. (2023). Fresno City College. Retrieved from: https://www.fresnocitycollege.edu/academics/online-learning/index.html
Fresno city college. (2023). Niche. Retrieved from: https://www.niche.com/colleges/fresno-city-college/
2023 Honorable Mentions
Glendale Community College
Glendale Community College is a public community college founded in 1927 and has two campuses in Glendale and Montrose, California. The highest degree this community college offers is an associate degree. The most popular fields pursued at this college are Business, Nursing, Real Estate, Accounting Technician and Bookkeeping, and Psychology. Glendale Community College provides fully online courses led by instructors who are experts in their fields. The online programs featured at Glendale Community College are Accounting and Finance, Business, College Readiness, Computer Applications, Design and Composition, Healthcare and Medical, Language and Arts, Law and Legal, Personal Development, Teaching and Education, Technology, and Writing and Publishing.
Browse catalog. (2023). Glendale Community College. Retrieved from: https://www.ed2go.com/gcc/
Online classes community service education. (2023). Glendale Community College. Retrieved from: https://www.glendale.edu/academics/community-services-education/online-classes
Further Reading: Cheapest Affordable Online Colleges
Porterville College
Porterville College is a public community college founded in 1927 in Porterville, California. The highest degree available at Porterville is an associate degree. Porterville College offers many online and hybrid degree programs in Early Childhood Education, History, Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, Advanced Information Systems, Business Information Systems, Business Management, Child Development, Computer Information Systems, and Social Science. For the Business Management degree, students can specialize in entrepreneurship, accounting, human resources, or logistics. Porterville College seeks to help students achieve their unique goals, even at a distance.
Degrees and certificates. (2023). Porterville College. Retrieved from: https://www.portervillecollege.edu/general-education/certificates-degrees-offered
Oxnard College
Oxnard College is a public community college founded in 1975 in Oxnard, California. The highest level degree achievable at this college is an associate degree, and students can choose between a wide range of different associate degree fields. Common areas of study chosen are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Natural Sciences, Business, Fire Protection and Prevention, Sociology, Child Care Provider, and Substance Abuse and Addiction Counseling. Oxnard College also offers hybrid and online courses for convenience each semester. This community college is open to any student who is seeking to earn an excellent education, and this includes online students. The website does not list the online degree programs or courses available. Still, it does mention that the school does offer several online degree courses as well as online tutoring and support for its students.
Distance education. (2023). Oxnard College. Retrieved from: https://www.oxnardcollege.edu/online-services/distance-education
Cañada College
Cañada College is a public community college founded in 1968 in Redwood City, California. The highest degree earnable at this college is an associate degree. Students have the option to choose between many different fields of study. Most choose Liberal Arts and Humanities, Child Care Provider, Psychology, Medical Assistant, Business, and Economics. Cañada College offers students the benefit of taking some courses online around their schedule, as well. Some of the fields of study available online courses are Accounting, Administration of Justice, American Sign Language, Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Astronomy, Biology, Business, Counseling, Dental Assisting, Digital Media, Fashion Design, and many more.
Distance education gateway. (2023). SMCCCD. Retrieved from: https://www.smccd.edu/degateway/
Cuyamaca College
Cuyamaca College is a public community college founded in 1978 in El Cajon, California. The most popular fields typically chosen by students are Liberal Arts and Humanities, Business, Natural Sciences, Human Services, Child Care Provider, and Mathematics. Cuyamaca College also provides online courses for ease in busy schedules or lifestyles. Some of the online courses this school features are Art Appreciation, History of Graphic Design, American Sign Language, Automotive Technology, Business Office Technology, Child Development, Computer and Information Science, Communication, Counseling, Real Estate, and many more.
Fall 2019 online course offerings. (2023). Cuyamaca College. Retrieved from: https://www.cuyamaca.edu/_common/campus-wide-files/online-courses.pdf
Reedley College
Reedley College is a public community college founded in 1926 in Reedley, California. Students are only able to receive an associate degree from this community college. The most popular majors usually selected are Biology, Business, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Child Care Provider, and Agricultural Mechanics and Machinery. RC will provide learners with the support and guidance to develop their current career skills for a promotion, gain new job skills for a new career, take the courses needed to transfer to a university, or earn associate's degrees in a healthy learning environment.
About. (2023). Reedley College. Retrieved from: https://www.reedleycollege.edu/about/index.html
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