As the most populous state in the US, California is home to a whopping 457 institutions of higher education. California State University is the largest university system in the country and prioritizes innovation in distance learning. This is evidenced by their pilot program launched in 2013 in partnership with Udacity, which was designed to create affordable options for underserved populations.
CSU’s efforts are very much in-step with the California state government’s dedication to online postsecondary options. The Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) noted that the Governor’s ’13-’14 budget allotted “tens of millions of dollars to expand online learning in California’s public institutions of higher education.” Furthermore, six state bills were put forth that same year that all dealt with online education “in an attempt to make it more accessible, efficient, and accountable.” While many of these bills remain in flux, such efforts make it clear online education is a major priority for California’s representatives.
Before we look at the very best online colleges in CA, let’s start with the state of higher education and online education in particular in the state today.
A Brief Overview of Higher Education in California
In 2013, the National Center for Education Statistics reported that California had 457 degree-granting institutions, broken down as follows: 149 public schools, 167 for-profits and 141 nonprofits. A recent report, also released by the NCES, found that California has more than 2.7 million enrolled students, the most in the nation.
in 2013, California had 457 degree-granting institutions
- 149 public
- 141 non-profit
- 167 for-profit
Tuition-wise, the College Board found that, in the ’15-’16 school year, the average in-state tuition and fees for four-year public schools was $9,270, while the out-of-state average was $26,920, only increasing by 1% over the last five years.
As for the state’s financial aid efforts, the National Association of State Student Grant & Aid Programs (NASSGAP) reported that California awarded $1.67 billion in need-based grants and $2.38 million in non-need grants for the ’13-’14 school year; combined, this makes California’s grant total the largest in the nation. Grants make up 15.9% of the state’s total fiscal support for higher education. As the nation’s largest education hub, it is reassuring to see that California, when zoomed out, manages to have competitive tuition and generous financial aid.
The State of Online Higher Education in California
While California has made meaningful progress in offering more online courses, with at least 9% of all college courses being offered online, where the state truly shines is in its support of online community college programs. A report by the PPIC stated that by the 2011-12 school year, one fifth of community college students in the state, nearly 530,000 students, were enrolled in at least one online course ― that’s more than seven times the rate a decade prior. When you hone in on specific subjects, the report found the numbers were even more astonishing: with one-third total enrollment in business and IT courses at community colleges taken online.
It’s no surprise then that organizations like the California Community Colleges Online Education Initiative and the California Virtual Campus have emerged as premier facilitators of online learning in the state. Not only do these initiatives let students browse through online courses and programs found all over California, they also work to decrease the costs of online education, improve retention and graduation rates and increase the demand for online courses.
The Virtual Campus has particularly stood out, with the 2015-16 release of a new course exchange program that lets students easily enroll in courses at community colleges throughout the state, making it easier for students to fulfill courses that are either scarce or quickly fill up.
Overall, the NCES estimated in fall 2012 that 6.3% of students enrolled in California’s Title IV institutions were in fully online programs. Of those, 85.9% were undergraduates and 83% lived in California.
Best Online Colleges in California
Below, you will find our rankings of the best online four-year programs in California. Our profiles look at how schools approach online education and then list out their services for distance students and their popular, fully online degrees. After reviewing the best online schools in California, explore our state resources, like a database of every college and university in California or our index of popular in-state scholarships.
| Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | Cost | Address & Contact Info | School Links | Acclaim for Online Programs | School Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California - San Diego | La Jolla | $$$$$ | La Jolla, CA () - | School Profile | UCSD makes learning flexible by offering online options for busy students. One of the top online schools in California, UCSD offers a variety of online degrees, as well as online certification programs, such as gifted and talented education, biotechnology project management, and embedded computer engineering. Online students access lectures at their leisure and can pause, rewind, and rewatch them as needed, and online learning platforms are compatible with different schedules and technology. Application requirements for UCSD’s online programs are the same as for admittance to its La Jolla campus. Financial aid and scholarships are available based on need and merit. | ||
| 2 | Brandman University | Irvine | $$$$$ | 16355 Laguna Canyon Road Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 341-9800 | School Profile | U.S. News & World Report has ranked BU’s online degree program as a top school for the past five years. With online lectures and virtual classrooms available 24/7, BU is certainly one of the best online schools in California. Learning for both online and on-campus students follows BU’s “IDEAL” model: instructional design for engaged adult learning. Online students choose between fully online and hybrid formats; the latter involves a mix of online courses and traditional classroom settings. BU offers online bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, and certifications in concentrations such as criminal justice, early childhood education, and marketing. Classes are offered in year-round sessions, and registration is available on a rolling basis. | ||
| 3 | University of California - Santa Cruz | Santa Cruz | $$$$$ | Santa Cruz, CA () - | School Profile | UC Santa Cruz offers accessible, fully online programs to fit any schedule. Students can also choose a hybrid education, with a mix of online and on-campus classes, which maintains the flexibility of an online program while allowing students to engage with teaching staff and course materials, as well as to network and collaborate with peers. UCSC boasts one of the top online colleges in California, offering five fully online degrees—internet programming, project management, technical writing, computer programming and legal studies—with many more available through its hybrid program. Teaching staff responds to online students’ inquiries with the same priority level as on-campus students, oftentimes within 24 hours. | ||
| 4 | California Baptist University | Riverside | $$$$$ | 8432 Magnolia Ave Riverside, CA 92504-3297 (951) 689-5771 | School Profile | CBU’s fully accredited online college is recognized by Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), meaning degrees are recognized and valued by schools, companies, and industries nationwide. California Baptist offers courses year round, with enrollment operating on a rolling basis, and its academic year spans three semesters, with classes beginning every eight weeks. As a WASC-recognized program and one of the best online schools in California, CSU simplifies the transfer process between WASC-institutions. CBU offers fully online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in an array of subjects, as well as accelerated degree programs. Hybrid formats are also available. | ||
| 5 | California State University - Fullerton | Fullerton | $$$$$ | 800 N State College Blvd Fullerton, CA 92831-3599 (657) 278-2011 | School Profile | CSUF offers two online bachelor’s degrees, in sociology and business administration, both of which may be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. Instructors lead the same courses online as they do on campus, guaranteeing that online students receive the same quality education as on-campus students. As one of the best online colleges in California, CSUF’s instructors provide the same level of priority to inquiries from online students as from on-campus learners. CSUF’s sociology program is based on a practical approach to communication and interaction, with a focus on interpersonal relationships. The business administration program is geared toward professionals who aspire to managerial roles. | ||
| 6 | University of La Verne | La Verne | $$$$$ | 1950 Third St La Verne, CA 91750-4401 (909) 593-3511 | School Profile | For more than 40 years, ULV has been one of the best online colleges in California, offering flexible courses and degree programs to make higher education accessible. ULV offers online bachelor’s and graduate degrees, with BA options including business administration, organizational management, and public administration. Three online graduate degrees are available: business administration, child development, and leadership and management. ULV’s accredited online school offers options for full-time and part-time students; full-time status requires eight unites, and part-time students should take four. As one of the top online schools in California, ULV offers both quality and flexibility in its online programs. | ||
| 7 | California State University - Channel Islands | Camarillo | $$$$$ | Camarillo, CA () - | School Profile | CSU Channel Islands offers a wide array of online bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. Additionally, CSUCI boasts a large number of certification opportunities, making it one of the most comprehensive online colleges in California. CSUCI’s online programs are endorsed by the greater Cal State school system and offer the same coursework as any on-campus programs. Online bachelor’s degree options include computer and information sciences, human development, and social sciences. Master’s programs include education, library sciences, and many more. Two online doctorates are available: education and health professions and health management. CSUCI is working with Cal State to expand offered online degrees in the coming years. | ||
| 8 | National University | La Jolla | $$$$$ | 11255 North Torrey Pines Road La Jolla, CA 92037-1011 (800) 628-8648 | School Profile | NU offers 118 online degree options, including certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees. NU is unique from other online colleges in California in that it deviates from the traditional semester system; students enroll in one class per month. By taking one class at a time, students devote more focus to the subject, which enhances their learning experience. This method also increases enrollment flexibility; NU accepts new students at the beginning of each month, but applications are open year round. NU accepts transfer students from across the country, and online credits earned through NU are easy to transfer to other accredited universities. | ||
| 9 | University of San Francisco | San Francisco | $$$$$ | San Francisco, CA () - | School Profile | Students can enroll in USF online programs at the beginning of spring, summer, or fall semesters. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. As one of the best online schools in California, USF offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees with the option to enroll in the honors program, which requires a 3.7 GPA or above. All undergraduate students are required to complete the general education classes outlined in the school’s core curriculum, including foundational courses in communication, math and sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Students also complete a service learning requirement, which involves community engagement and is considered a capstone learning project. | ||
| 10 | Fresno Pacific University | Fresno | $$$$$ | 1717 S Chestnut Ave Fresno, CA 93702-4709 (559) 453-2000 | School Profile | FPU is the Central Valley’s only accredited university founded in Christian teaching. FPU offers a number of bachelor’s degree completion programs. Although the online school does not offer start-to-finish bachelor’s degree programs, FPU accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions and allows students to complete degrees on campus and/or online. Alternatively, bachelor’s degree holders can earn master’s degrees entirely at FPU. One of the best online colleges in California, FPU offers online biblical seminary programs, such as Mennonite brethren studies and ministry, leadership, and culture. At Fresno Pacific University, online students are guaranteed the same quality education as on-campus students. | ||
| 11 | California State University - Chico | Chico | $$$$$ | First and Normal Sts Chico, CA 95929-0150 (530) 898-6116 | School Profile | CSUC is one of the most flexible online colleges in California, offering fully online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Online students watch live video streaming of lectures, in addition to having 24/7 online access to full lectures and course materials. Requirements and processes are the same for admittance to CSUC’s online programs as for the on-campus college. Online students can opt for fully online programs or hybrid programs, which allow students to choose which courses they take on campus and which they take online. Courses are offered in the summer and winter or in “special” sessions. CSUC offers three bachelor’s programs—social science, liberal studies, and sociology—as well as a master’s degree in nursing and a certification in career and life planning. | ||
| 12 | Vanguard University of Southern California | Costa Mesa | $$$$$ | 55 Fair Dr Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 556-3610 | School Profile | VU offers online associate and bachelor’s degrees in early childhood education. Bachelor’s degree holders can also earn an online master’s of science in nursing, which is only available in a hybrid format; some classes are not available online. Unlike other online schools in California, VU’s entirely online degrees are taught in an accelerated five-week format, and students can earn their master’s in nursing over the course of six semesters. The master’s degree also requires the completion of one faith-based thesis project addressing a need within the community. Online students have access to VU’s 60,000 ebooks and over 80 online databases. | ||
| 13 | California State University - San Bernardino | San Bernardino | $$$$$ | San Bernardino, CA () - | School Profile | Online students at CSUSB can earn bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice or master’s degrees in business administration, education, or social work. Online courses are part of CSUSB’s Extended Learning Program and were developed with working professionals in mind. This is one of the most accessible online colleges in California for those who are employed full time or have daily responsibilities; online course materials are available at all hours. Professors respond to inquiries within twenty-four hours and value online students as much as on-campus learners. CSUSB also offers a number of accredited online certification programs in business, education, and health services. | ||
| 14 | University College - Azusa Pacific University | San Dimas | $$$$$ | 300 North Lone Hill Avenue, #200 San Dimas, CA 91773 (855) 276-8669 | School Profile | Online students at APU choose from thirty-five fully online degree programs, including associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. APU is one of the top online schools in California and offers programs in fully online and hybrid formats, as well as a number of accredited certification programs. Online degree options include a bachelor’s of arts in applied psychology, a master’s of arts in educational leadership, and a certification in pre-nursing/health sciences. Online students have 24/7 access to course materials, including recorded lectures, notes, readings, and discussion forums. APU also encourages online learners to use webcams to speak with instructors in real time. | ||
| 15 | Simpson University | Redding | $$$$$ | 2211 College View Drive Redding, CA 96003-8606 (530) 224-5600 | School Profile | SU offers some of the most intensive courses of online colleges in California. Degrees are completed over five weeks, following a Monday-through-Sunday format—students take classes seven days a week. Class assignments given throughout the week are due at the beginning of the following week. Each course students take at SU are with the same group of students; this group-based approach to learning builds community and understanding and allows students to comfortably collaborate and trade ideas. Each student and professor is given an SU Skype account to facilitate face-to-face interaction between students and faculty. SU currently offers two fully online bachelor’s degree programs: psychology and organizational leadership. | ||
| 16 | Touro University Worldwide | Los Alamitos | $$$$$ | Los Alamitos, CA () - | School Profile | TUW is a Jewish faith-based military university with an extensive list of online degree programs. One of the top online colleges in California, TUW offers degree programs in four key divisions of study: business and management, psychology, health and human services, and general studies. Bachelor’s degree programs are completed in eight weeks, except in the case of transfer students, who may submit up to 90 credit hours from accredited universities or institutions. Students are required to participate in a minimum of two thread discussions each week and complete an average of three graded assignments per course, such as reflective essays and case assignments. | ||
| 17 | Mount Saint Mary's University | Los Angeles | $$$$$ | Los Angeles, CA () - | School Profile | MSMU is a not-for-profit university with one of the top online colleges in California, offering online bachelor’s degrees in fields such as accounting, business management, criminology, and health sciences. Programs can be completed entirely online or in a hybrid format, which involves taking some courses online and others on campus. MSMU takes a project-based approach to learning; students complete a series of comprehensive projects over eight weeks of instruction, applying classroom knowledge to real-world situations. This learning approach enhances students’ practical skills. New enrollment cycles begin every eight weeks, and MSMU offers financial aid and scholarships to eligible students. | ||
| 18 | California State University - Sacramento | Sacramento | $$$$$ | Sacramento, CA () - | School Profile | CSUS online students obtain bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in a variety of fields. Bachelor’s degrees include business and management, fine Arts, education, and human development, and students earn master’s degrees in such areas as agriculture and natural resources, engineering, and social sciences. Two degree programs, health sciences and education, are offered fully online, while other options are available in a hybrid format. At over 56%, more than twice the national average, CSUS is one of the top online schools in California for minority enrollment. Cal State is dedicated to online learning and continues to develop additional degree programs. | ||
| 19 | California State University - East Bay | Hayward | $$$$$ | 25800 Carlos Bee Blvd Hayward, CA 94542 (510) 885-3000 | School Profile | CSUEB offers a broad range of bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including bachelor’s degrees in human development, business administration, and hospitality and tourism and master’s degrees in education, educational leadership, healthcare, and hospitality and tourism. CSUEB is one of the best online colleges in California when it comes to ensuring students’ access to online coursework, with backup servers on campus and at numerous off-campus locations. Students log on to the school’s online learning platforms three to four times per week to take part in student discussions and hand in assignments. Transfer students may enroll with a maximum of seventy semester units from accredited universities. | ||
| 20 | Hope International University | Fullerton | $$$$$ | 2500 E Nutwood Ave Fullerton, CA 92831-3199 (714) 879-3901 | School Profile | Online students at HIU complete associate degrees in the arts, as well as bachelor’s degrees in teacher preparation, business administration, Christian ministry, and human development. Flexible learning opportunities and off-campus resources, such as lectures, notes, and assignments are available to HIU online students at all times. Students conference with professors and students using video chat, drop boxes, and discussion forums and are required to contribute to discussion forums, which encourages collaboration among distance learners. HIU is one of the top online schools in California, and its student website allows all HIU students access to course materials, syllabi, and the school’s online library. | ||
| 21 | San Diego Christian College | Santee | $$$$$ | 200 Riverview Parkway Santee, CA 92071 (619) 201-8700 | School Profile | SDC is one the leading Christian online schools in California, balancing academic learning with spiritual and ethical principles. Students can attend classes fully online, fully on campus, or in a hybrid format. SDCC currently has residency requirements for all students; therefore degree programs can only be completed with some level of on-campus participation. SDC has one of the widest ranges of degree options of online colleges in California, with available bachelor’s degrees including aviation management, business management, communications, liberal studies, and many others. SDCC maintains affordable tuition for low-income students and provides a plethora of financial aid options for qualifying students. | ||
| 22 | California College San Diego | San Diego | $$$$$ | San Diego, CA () - | School Profile | Online courses at CCSD are offered through the college’s affiliated school: Independence University. IU offers classes fully online or in a hybrid format, in which students take some classes at CCSD’s campus. Associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degree programs are available in both formats. Bachelor’s degrees include computer science, accounting, nursing, and graphic arts. IU offers a range of master’s degrees, including information systems, business administration, and nurse education, among others. IU of the best online schools in California, and CCSD clearly marks online classes in the course catalog to make locating them easy. CCSD is a not-for-profit institution that uses tuition money to provide academic and extracurricular programs for both on-campus and online students. | ||
| 23 | Golden Gate University - San Francisco | San Francisco | $$$$$ | 536 Mission Street San Francisco, CA 94105-2968 (415) 442-7800 | School Profile | GGUSF offers a number of fully online bachelor’s degree programs, including business management, international business, and financial planning. Using GGUSF’s online learning platform, students access online classrooms, lecture notes, and discussion boards. The online classroom delivers class lectures, course materials, and discussion forums, where students take part in weekly discussions about course materials—GGUSF believes student collaboration is vital for distance learners. While courses are offered fully online, students may only take one supervised examination per term. These examinations may be on paper or web-based, making this one of the best online schools in California for state residents. Students have 24-hour access to the help desk and can contact instructors by phone or email. | ||
| 24 | Pacific Oaks College | Pasadena | $$$$$ | 55 Eureka Street Pasadena, CA 91103 (626) 529-8500 | School Profile | POC offers four fully online bachelor’s degree programs: early childhood education, early childhood education with preliminary multiple subject teaching credential, early childhood education with dual credential, and human development. These courses are designed for students with associate degrees or 60 hours of transfer credits; students cannot complete an entire bachelor’s degree at POC. This is one of the best online colleges in California for adult learners; the “credit for learning” program allows students to earn 30 hours of credit through work or volunteer experience. CFL students take a placement test and provide letters of recommendation or proof of employment. Online programs at PAO are offered only to California residents. | ||
| 25 | San Francisco Art Institute | San Francisco | $$$$$ | San Francisco, CA () - | School Profile | SFAI is one of the top schools in California for artistic design and creativity. Since 2002, SFAI has offered online courses consisting of the same coursework as on-campus classes. Online bachelor’s degree programs include architectural design, communications and media technologies, and fashion journalism, with additional programs available in a hybrid format. SFAI also offers various associate and master’s degrees, as well as a number of certification options. Course content is divided among 15 segments spread throughout each semester and consists of instructional videos, lecture, slideshows, documentation, and interviews. All course materials are available to online students at the beginning of each semester. |
Most Affordable Online Colleges in California
Below you’ll find a list of online colleges in California sorted by lowest tuition rates.
| Rank | School Name | School Logo | City | School Link | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State University - Dominguez Hills | Carson | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 2 | California State University - Fullerton | Fullerton | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 3 | California State University - East Bay | Hayward | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 4 | California State University - Sacramento | Sacramento | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 5 | California State University - Chico | Chico | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 6 | Touro University Worldwide | Los Alamitos | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 7 | University College - Azusa Pacific University | San Dimas | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 8 | California State University - Channel Islands | Camarillo | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 9 | National University | La Jolla | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 10 | California College San Diego | San Diego | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 11 | Fresno Pacific University | Fresno | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 12 | San Diego Christian College | Santee | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 13 | Hope International University | Fullerton | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 14 | California Baptist University | Riverside | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 15 | Vanguard University of Southern California | Costa Mesa | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 16 | Concordia University - Irvine | Irvine | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 17 | Pepperdine University | Malibu | School profile | $$$$$ | |
| 18 | University of La Verne | La Verne | School profile | $$$$$ |
Scholarships and Financial Aid in California
Cal Grant A
This award covers full tuition and fees at any University of California campus. A minimum GPA of 3.0 and financial need is required. Applicants must also submit either FAFSA or a California Dream Act application by March 2, 2016. Funds are administered by the California Student Aid Commission.
CSU Future Scholars Program
This award is for incoming freshmen at CSU Long Beach who are California residents and who come from an economic, educational or environmentally disadvantaged background. Apply by July 15, 2016.
Dominican Grant
The Dominican Grant is a need-based award available to students attending Dominican University of California. To be eligible, students must first submit a FAFSA. Apply by March 2, 2016, to be given priority consideration.
Karl S. Pister Leadership Opportunity Awards Program
For community college students transferring to UC Santa Cruz. Applicants must have overcome difficult socioeconomic circumstances, and must be committed to community service. Candidates are nominated by the president of a California community college.
President’s Scholarship
Funded by UC Long Beach, this scholarship is for Valedictorians or National Merit Finalists who graduated from any California high school. The award covers full tuition and fees.
Trustee Scholarship
The Trustee Scholarship is available to incoming transfer students at Dominican University of California. The award is renewable for up to 3 years, or until recipient completes their undergraduate degree. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is required.
University of California, Davis Scholarship
UC Davis offers a range of awards for undergraduates based on academic merit. It is not necessary to file the FAFSA to be considered for a UC Davis scholarship; however, doing so will increase the award amount you are eligible for.
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