Best Online Colleges in California 2024
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
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.