Best Online Colleges in California (CA) for 2024

As a Californian, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to quality colleges offering accredited online degree programs. From big-name schools within the UC and Cal State university systems to local community colleges, you can be confident you’ll find an online program that fits your schedule, career goals, and budget. And because you’re a resident, you’ll be eligible for state scholarships and in-state tuition rates. If you live close enough to school, you can even take advantage of campus amenities and get in-person support when you need it.

Ready to begin your search for an online degree in California? This guide introduces you to the best colleges in California with online degree programs to help you find the perfect program for your needs. You’ll also learn about the different ways you can earn your degree online and where to get financial aid and other valuable student resources as a California resident.

Top Online Colleges in California: 2024 Rankings

The ranking below showcases the very best colleges in California that offer online degrees. We picked schools that scored the highest on factors that matter most to students, including small class size, low tuition, generous financial aid, a wide range of degree programs to choose from, and robust online student support services. Use this ranking as a starting point for your school search and see if one has the features and programs that meet your needs.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Public $$$
UC Berkeley offers a variety of online degree programs through Berkeley Extension. These programs fall into one of three different categories: live online, start anytime, and fixed-date. Programs in the “live online” format provide students with a classroom-style interactive learning experience, while requiring them to attend scheduled online sessions and interact with their instructor and classmates. This option is great for students who are looking for an online experience that is most similar to a traditional in-person one. The “start anytime” has continuous enrollment so students can get started at any point that works best for them, and then they have 90 to 180 days to complete the course. This is the best option for students looking for flexibility. Finally, the “fixed-date” format has a firm start and end date for the course, but there are no live sessions that students are expected to attend. Despite this, there are still sufficient opportunities for peer collaboration. This last option is perfect for students looking for a middle-ground of the other two options.
Program Highlights:
Certificate Program in Writing
- Credits: Minimum 16 semester units
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $4,800 estimated total cost
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Advanced Biosciences Program
- Credits: 10 semester units
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $4,200 estimated total cost
- Mode: Fixed-Date and Start Anytime
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

19/1
2
Cal Poly Humboldt

Arcata, California

Public $$
Cal Poly Humboldt offers three online degree programs and five online certificate programs. Online students receive the same opportunities, resources, and skills as students enrolled in traditional face-to-face courses. Online students learn from Humboldt faculty in a variety of course offerings, and courses provide convenience and flexibility with coursework and material always accessible for flexible study. Courses are delivered via Canvas, and student support is available through the university and Canvas.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, Concentration in Leadership Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $299/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Social Work Online MSW
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $510/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
MA Applied Anthropology
- Credits: 33
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $375/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

17/1
3
University of California-Davis

Davis, California

Public $$$
UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education’s online programs give students a convenient, interactive, high-quality, flexible, and engaging learning experience. The three different types of online learning from UC Davis include fully online, remote learning, and self-paced. The school prides itself on how their online courses mirror the same quality and academic rigor as their traditional courses, all while allowing students more flexibility and responsibility for their own learning. While there are no formal degrees available through UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education department, there are a handful of certificate programs that interested students can take advantage of.

Program Highlights:

Accounting Principles Certificate Program
- Credits: 16 units
- Length: 12-15 months
- Cost: $2,992 – $3,520
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC
Project Management Certificate Program
- Credits: 17.5 units
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $5,610 – $6,725
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

20/1
4
University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Public $$$
No matter where a student lives, they can experience a UCLA education through UCLA Extension. Online students get the benefits of learning anytime and anywhere, with the same high-quality education that everyone hsa come to expect out of UCLA. The three format options for online instruction are online, remote, and hybrid (remote). The online format does not have any required class meeting times, but the course content is delivered on a set schedule and assignments are due regularly. This format is great for students who want to do their coursework anywhere, anytime, and on their own schedules. The remote option has class meetings that are scheduled and held in real-time online, but the course materials can be accessed at any time. Finally, the hybrid (remote) schedule combines remote and online instruction to have some scheduled, live class meetings and also some pre-recorded instruction, activities, discussion boards, and other class materials.
Program Highlights:
Certificate in Professional Selling and Sales Management
- Credits: 7 courses
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $5,050 program tuition
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC
Certificate in Project Management
- Credits: 6 courses
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $6,000 program tuition
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
5
California State University-Northridge

Northridge, California

Public $$
California State University-Northridge offers both full-time and part-time programs in a wide range of subjects. Courses are based on a carefully planned sequence with each building on earlier lessons to give students a powerful, cumulative learning experience. Online programs help students gain the skills and confidence they need to accelerate their careers, grow their businesses, and explore their passions. The online degrees and certificates feature live class sessions and on-demand access to course materials and daily networking opportunities. In live online sessions, instructors lead virtual discussions, teach learning modules, and connect students from around the country. Students access course material at their convenience and can view recordings of previous classes and lessons. Assignments and group work can be flexible, but the heart of each course is direct engagement between faculty and students and among students.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts Diverse Community Development Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $852/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Master of Science Communicative Disorders
- Credits: 63
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $832/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Bachelor of Arts Public Sector Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2.5 years
- Cost: $690/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

28/1
6
California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

26/1
7
California State University-Fresno

Fresno, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

23/1
8
California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

23/1
9
University of California-Irvine

Irvine, California

Public $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

18/1
10
California State University-Stanislaus

Turlock, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

22/1
11
California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

27/1
12
San Diego State University

San Diego, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

27/1
13
California State University-Channel Islands

Camarillo, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

22/1
14
California State University-East Bay

Hayward, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

26/1
15
San Jose State University

San Jose, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

25/1
16
California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

27/1
17
California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

27/1
18
California State University-Chico

Chico, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

25/1
19
California State University-San Marcos

San Marcos, California

Public $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

27/1
20
California Aeronautical University

Bakersfield, California

Private for-profit $$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

6/1
21
Life Pacific University

San Dimas, California

Private not-for-profit $$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
22
California Miramar University

San Diego, California

Private for-profit $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
23
DeVry University-California

Ontario, California

Private for-profit $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
24
Westcliff University

Irvine, California

Private for-profit $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

9/1
25
Pacific College of Health and Science

San Diego, California

Private for-profit $$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

15/1
26
Platt College-Los Angeles

Alhambra, California

Private for-profit $$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

19/1
27
Musicians Institute

Hollywood, California

Private for-profit $$$$$

Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

4/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, California

Public $
Santa Rosa Junior College offers degrees that can be completed entirely online, as well as partially online programs. When you enroll in one of the school’s online or hybrid programs, you’re able to access services for virtual learners, including a welcome and connect center that provides an orientation and video tutorials designed to help students navigate the school’s learning management system. In addition, through the MySRJCApp, you’ll be able to connect with other students, manage your classwork, keep abreast of news from the school, and engage in co-curricular activities. Online students are also able to take advantage of academic tutoring, career services, and mental health counseling.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Natural Sciences
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $16,994/year in state; $26,228/year out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Associate of Arts in Humanities
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $16,994/year in state; $26,228/year out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Associate of Arts in Paralegal Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $16,994/year in state; $26,228/year out of state
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

19/1
2
Cabrillo College

Aptos, California

Public $
Cabrillo College is not only dedicated to providing education to students who many not otherwise have access to it, but also offering services that foster student success as they pursue this education. For example, if you need to build up the skills necessary for becoming a strong online student, you will have access to content that helps you develop time management and study skills. In addition, you can learn strategies for managing the stress associated with being a college student, which goes a long way toward fostering success. There are also counselors available to help you make the right course choices and keep on track with graduation requirements every step of the way.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in History
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $46/credit in state; $353/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

20/1
3
Coastline Community College

Fountain Valley, California

Public $
Coastline Community College offers over 70 degree programs that can be completed entirely online. Whether you’re interested in beginning an entry-level position right after graduation or moving on to earn a higher-level degree, you have a variety of program choices to help you achieve your goals. The school provides services to assist online students, so you have access to tutoring that you can take advantage of 24 hours a day, and an online library that houses the resources you need. Also, there are virtual counselors that can help you with educational planning and career exploration, and their services can be accessed online or by phone.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science Degree in Health Care Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $46/credit in state; $361/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Associate of Science in Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $46/credit in state; $361/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Associate of Arts in Retail Management
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $46/credit in state; $361/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

31/1
4
San Joaquin Delta College

Stockton, California

Public $
San Joaquin Delta College, which offers associate’s degree and certificate programs, delivers its fully online courses through the Canvas learning management system, and provides 24/7 support if you need help with the technology. You are able to receive academic support to help you navigate your way through your coursework. For example, if you’re enrolled in a nursing program, you can receive allied health tutoring services that address the specific issues that come up during your nursing coursework. Additionally, you can receive help with your math and English coursework through the school’s NetTutor service that is available 24 hours a day, and those who speak English as a second language can receive tutoring catered to their specific challenges.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in American Sign Language
- Credits: 62
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $46/credit in state; $324/credit out of state
- Mode: $46/credit in state; $324/credit out of state
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Associate of Science in Computer Science
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $46/credit in state; $324/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Associate of Arts in World Languages and Global Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $46/credit in state; $324/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

37/1

Popular Online College Learning Modes in California

There are many ways to earn an accredited online degree in California. Whether you want to learn fully through online learning or with a mix of online and in-person classes, knowing how and when you learn best can help you make the right choice among the online program options available.

Fully Online vs. Hybrid/Blended

Not all online schools make their programs exclusively online. Some also encourage, and some even require, hands-on, in-person classes. A blended program uses online courses in conjunction with in-person learning, while hybrid learning uses online courses to either fully or partially replace in-person instruction. Both options usually keep hands-on learning for in-person experiences. If you want connection with others as you learn, a blended learning experience may be best for you. If you need to fit learning in between a busy work/life schedule, fully online learning is probably a better fit. The programs detailed below are examples of what fully online and hybrid/blended learning can look like.

Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy at Cal State East Bay (Blended/Hybrid)

Philosophy majors who want lively, in-person discussions with their professors and peers alongside flexible, online learning should consider the hybrid BA in Philosophy program atCal State East Bay. You’ll learn to read, analyze, and write effectively about classical philosophy while exploring human concerns. Courses include Epistemology: Knowing and Not Knowing, Metaphysics: Being and Not Being, and Exploring Modern Thought: From Descartes to Kant. Philosophy majors pursue a variety of careers, including those in writing, law, journalism, business, religion, and consulting. Cal State online uses its 53,000 staff and 23 campuses to give more options to students wanting a hybrid approach. Courses may be taught by professors from anywhere, while in-person learning takes place on the Cal State East Bay campus.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Sacramento State (Fully Online)

Sacramento State has been offering criminal justice classes since the 1960s and now offers its Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice as a fully online degree program. The program totals 60 units, and students can transfer in 12 prerequisites and take the remaining 48 major units online. While courses are similar to what’s taught on-campus, they are viewed at your convenience as long as deadlines for each course are met. Course fees are set by unit, and students won’t have access to some of the in-person student services that make on-campus courses more expensive. Prerequisites include at least 45 transferable units, including a C- or better in select courses (e.g., written communication, oral communication, etc.) An overall GPA of 2.6 is required for admission to this program.

Asynchronous vs. Synchronous

California’s online degree programs seek to fit how students learn best. This may mean offering courses asynchronously through recorded videos and offline materials that can be accessed 24/7 to suit students who have demanding schedules. Or it could involve synchronous courses (i.e., those that happen live at the same time each day or week) that require students to attend much in the same way they would an in-person course. The program profiles below will help you see how each of these learning modes might work.

Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Data Analytics at San Jose State University (Asynchronous)

The fully asynchronous Information Science and Data Analytics BS at SJSU requires that you have 60 hours completed before transferring in, and two-year or three-year roadmaps are given to help you plan for the schedule that works best for you. You must have a C or better in some prerequisites (e.g., web development, Python programming, and others) to be accepted into this program. You’ll take courses like Information Security, Human-Centered Cybersecurity, Information Assurance, and User-Centered Interface Architecture, all delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Labs are also virtual, so you never have to attend in person.

Master of Business Administration at California Baptist University (Synchronous)

One of the few fully online and synchronous programs available, this MBA program is really an “MBA+” because all the courses happen in real-time with live instructors at the same time each session. It can be completed within a year, making it a great option if you want to dig in and get your degree done quickly. Courses simulate real-world business environments through meetings with peers and professors while also offering two in-person, on-campus intensives to connect students and staff. You’re always welcome to join a class if you live locally, too, and classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Attendance is required, just like with in-person classes. Prerequisites and admission requirements are the same for this online program as for its in-person counterpart, and the degree is both WASC and ASCSB-approved.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time

While part-time learning takes you longer to complete, you can spend less money per semester and more easily work learning around other commitments. If you pick a full-time journey, the cost per semester is higher, but financial aid is more common for full-time students. As a full-time learner, you’ll also complete your degree in much less time, just three or four years, for a quicker entry into the workforce than if you attend part-time. The California colleges detailed below show you how each pace might work for you.

Concord Law School at Purdue University Global (Part-Time)

Purdue University makes it possible for you to earn your law degree as a part-time student with its 100% online program. The LSAT is not required, and the program is accredited by the Committee of Bar Examiners of the State Bar of California. Externships, a competitive moot court program, and a supportive law faculty help the program stand out as does the over 2,500 graduates who have completed the program. Those with an existing bachelor’s degree can complete the program in four years of part-time study, equating to three years in the full-time, traditional programs. The admissions team looks for students who have earned a 3.0 GPA or better. You’ll also need to take an entrance exam designed specifically for the program.

Business Information Systems Professional AS Degree at Shasta College (Full-Time)

If you’re ready to complete your associate’s degree in under two years, Shasta College’s Business Information Systems Professional AS Degree may be a great pick. Courses include those in accounting, computer science, worksite learning, Microsoft programs, humanities, communication, and more. You’ll earn a total of 60 units, and many are transferable to other institutions toward the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Shasta allows you to personalize your education path for this degree. A tutoring and learning center and many online learning options make this program a great way to start your educational journey toward an in-demand career in technology.

Accreditation for Online Colleges in California

College is a significant investment of time and money, so you want to make sure your education is high-quality and recognized by companies and other educational institutions. Accreditation shows that a school meets requirements for learning and outcomes, and national, regional, and state educational organizations each offer their own level of accreditation for students to consider. For example, the Western Association of Schools and Colleges/Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) recognizes four-year colleges in the Western region, including California, and programs earning this accreditation may meet requirements set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Before enrolling at any school, see that its programs meet at least one credentialing requirement at the regional or national level.

Cost of Earning your Online College Degree in California

Many factors go into determining how much earning your online degree in California will cost. Many online programs are very affordable compared to in-person programs in the same field, you may find it’s much cheaper to get a quality education through online learning since you don’t have to pay to live on campus or for parking or other fees often bundled into the cost of an education. Online degrees are typically created with working parents and other non-traditional students in mind, so they often skip some of the extras (e.g., on-campus activities, meal plans, etc.) that appeal to on-campus students but that aren’t necessary when learning from home.

Tuition cost varies greatly, too, and depends on factors like whether a school has in-state tuition discounts and how financial aid is available. Below are examples of what it costs to enroll each year in five California online degree programs.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
California Baptist University	$38,368/year	$38,368/year	$23,163/year	$23,163/year
CSU – Dominguez Hills	$7,059/year	$16,563/year	$7,059/year	$16,563/year
Sacramento State	$7,484/year	$16,998/year	$12,750/year	$12,750/year
Cal State East Bay	$6,995/year	$16,498/year	$6,995/year	$16,498/year
William Howard Taft University	n/a	n/a	$ 6,750/year	$6,750/year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

Financial Aid for California Online College Students

While filling out the FAFSA to receive federal aid for your college education is an important first step, there are many other ways to help finance your online degree in California. Here are a few places to investigate when looking for money to pay for college.

College-specific scholarships: Whether it’s merit aid based or a degree-specific scholarship for studying art or music, institutional aid can take a big chunk off your total bill. Look at the financial aid page of the college you want to attend as soon as you apply, and ask the admission department what opportunities may be available for online degree students.

State-specific scholarships: California offers many scholarship opportunities for students. The Cal-Grant, for example, does not need to be paid back, and you are considered for it when you fill out your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. California also has a GI Bill for military dependents as well as funding specifically for teachers and youth leaving foster care.

Other scholarships and grants: There’s no one place to find all funding available for online students in California, and it’s never too early to start making a list of those you can apply to. Use this financial aid resource to get a jump on finding funding for your degree.

Fastest-Growing College-Level Careers in California

If you’re unsure of what degree you want to pursue, knowing which career fields are most in-demand can help you narrow down your choices. The table below provides job growth and wage data for some of the fastest-growing college-level careers in California to help you begin the process of narrowing down your options.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Median Annual Earnings (2021)
Nurse Practitioner	55.5%	$151,830
Statistician	45.5%	$114,360
Data Scientist	45.1%	$133,110
Occupational Therapy Assistant	43.3%	$75,080
Computer/Information Research Scientist	41.2%	$131,490
Logistician	39.1%	$88,870
Physical Therapy Assistant	36.9%	$73,150
Software Developers, Quality Assurance, and Testers	36.1%	$146,770
Physicist	36%	$173,440
Medical and Health Services Manager	35.5%	$132,180

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Additional Resources for Online College Students in California

California Community College – OEI Online Learner Readiness

OEI Online Learner Readiness helps all college students be better online learners by showing them how to adapt to the technology they’ll be using and how virtual courses work.

CaliforniaColleges.edu

This all-in-one portal requires registration but provides resources to help you find your interests, apply to schools, get financial aid, and pursue a career.

Basic Needs Initiative

Whether you require food, mental health support, or a place to live, this resource hub is available to California State University students.

California Student Aid Commission

With resources for almost every type of aid available to California students, use this site to seek funding for college after you’ve filled out the FAFSA.

California Department of Social Services

With links to several programs for California students, this site includes financial resources, career planning, and more.

Best Online Colleges in California