Nearly 3 million students choose to study at one of California's many private and public colleges. The state is a top destination thanks to its location and the wide array of prestigious schools available.
As more learners look to online learning as a way to meet their higher education aspirations, California colleges provide many opportunities to learn at a distance. Keep reading to learn all about top online colleges in California and get answers to commonly asked questions.
AffordableCollegesOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Featured Online Programs
Find a program that meets your affordability, flexibility, and education needs through an accredited, online school.
Best Online Colleges in California of 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in California
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Year:
In-State | $30,510
Out-of-State | $30,510
Credits to Graduate: 51-60
San Diego State University's online degrees include bachelor's-completion and master's programs. You can finish your communication, criminal justice, or economics bachelor's degree. You can also advance your career in the education field by earning an online master's in teacher leadership.
Undergraduate admission requirements include at least 60 transferable credits and a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. You need a valid teaching license to enroll in a master's in education program. You can reduce your tuition burden through institutional scholarships.
Percent Online Enrollment
64%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#2 Best Online Colleges in California
National University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442-$1,193
Out-of-State | $442-$1,193
Credits to Graduate: 30-180
National University offers online degrees, along with robust student support services, such as free tutoring and personalized financial aid guidance. Fully online associate degrees include general education, business, and paralegal studies. Experienced educators can qualify for leadership positions by earning an online doctorate in education or educational leadership.
If you don't have previous undergraduate credit or Advanced Placement scores, you must take an English and math placement test. National University uses a 2.0 GPA cutoff for transfer credit, and institutional scholarships require a separate application.
Percent Online Enrollment
80%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#3 Best Online Colleges in California
California State University-East Bay
- Hayward, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Year:
In-State | $7,105 undergraduate; $8,539 graduate
Out-of-State | $7,105 undergraduate; $8,539 plus $396 per unit graduate
Credits to Graduate: 34-120
Cal State East Bay's online degrees include bachelor's-completion programs in hospitality, ethnic studies, and social and behavioral sciences. Living near the university's Hayward campus gives you access to over two dozen hybrid bachelor's degrees. Cal State East Bay also offers online master's degrees in public administration and special education.
Undergraduate application materials include unofficial transcripts and test scores. Graduate programs require a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Institutional scholarships can lower your out-of-pocket expenses by up to $10,000.
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#4 Best Online Colleges in California
Los Angeles Pacific University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499 undergraduate; $660 graduate
Out-of-State | $499 undergraduate; $660 graduate
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Consider the online programs at Los Angeles Pacific University if you want a school specializing in adult online education. The university awards associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in subjects that include the humanities and organizational leadership.
The LAPU application takes only 10 minutes to complete and requires official high school or undergraduate transcripts. Prior learning assessments can help you turn work and life experience into college credit. LAPU's financial aid resources explain the FAFSA process and provide information on other ways to save money on a degree.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in California
University of La Verne
- La Verne, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665
Credits to Graduate: Varies
A private college dating back to 1891, the University of La Verne operates from its main campus 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Students can also earn a degree online through La Verne Online.
Choose from online degree completion programs for undergrads or a graduate-level degree. Majors like criminal justice, educational studies, information technology, and organizational management prepare graduates for in-demand careers. In addition to a tuition discount for active duty military, online learners also qualify for state and federal financial aid programs.
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#6 Best Online Colleges in California
Hope International University
- Fullerton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450
Credits to Graduate: 60-120
Situated in Fullerton, Hope International University features fully online programs at the associate and bachelor's levels. Online bachelor's degrees include business administration, Christian ministry, and psychology. Enroll in the online AA program if you plan to transfer to a four-year school.
You submit only official high school or college transcripts to apply. A private Christian school, HIU does not charge out-of-state tuition. California residents with financial need may qualify for up to $9,220 in Cal Grants.
Percent Online Enrollment
57%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#7 Best Online Colleges in California
Loma Linda University
- Loma Linda, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Year:
In-State | $32,540 undergraduate; $34,285 graduate
Out-of-State | $32,540 undergraduate; $34,285 graduate
Credits to Graduate: 48-114
A Christian university, LLU offers online degrees in five schools. Bachelor's degrees include RN-to-BSN, advanced practitioner respiratory care, and healthcare administration. Some programs use a hybrid curriculum with coursework on LLU's Loma Linda campus.
Applicants must submit three recommendation letters and a high school or GED diploma. Some programs require standardized test scores. Although LLU does not award institutional scholarships, in-depth financial aid guides can help you fill out and submit the FAFSA.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#8 Best Online Colleges in California
Golden Gate University
- San Francisco, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Cost per Credit:
In-State | $462 undergraduate; $1,090-$1,250 graduate
Out-of-State | $462 undergraduate; $1,090-$1,250 graduate
Credits to Graduate: 30-120
Research Golden Gate University's online programs if you want to start or continue your college education. The university features undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, human resource management, and industrial-organizational psychology. Most online degree programs offer a hybrid option for San Francisco Bay Area residents.
Undergraduate and graduate programs use a GPA cutoff to consider applicants and require you to submit a resume. No program at GGU requires standardized test scores. Submitting the FAFSA can help you qualify for an institutional grant. Some financial aid awards cover the full cost of tuition and fees.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
56%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system to help you find the best schools for your needs. Our most important metric, affordability, accounts for 60% of our weighted formula. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rate.
You can learn more about our school ranking methodology here.
Cost of Living in California
California consistently ranks among the states with the highest cost of living in the United States. The cost of living for students in California varies dramatically, with the urban centers of Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego costing considerably more.
But even in the face of higher-than-average cost of living, students can lower expenses in both obvious and creative ways.
By sharing housing; utilizing student discounts for food, entertainment, and travel; and taking advantage of campus services, college in California can become relatively affordable.
Average Cost of Living in California
Cost of Living Category |
Average Price |
Monthly Mortgage |
$2,548 |
Monthly Rent |
$1,750 |
Monthly Electricity Bill |
$124 |
Monthly Grocery & Food Costs |
$322 |
Annual Transportation Costs |
$5,316 |
Annual Healthcare Costs |
$8,501 |
Source: SoFi
Price Check
In-state students paid an average of $8,559 in tuition and fees at public California colleges in 2021-2022, compared to $39,068 for out-of-state students.
California Scholarships
Even with rising tuition rates and higher-than-average cost of living, the Golden State is home to a long list of scholarships that can help you cover the cost of your college degree.
We've found five scholarships for California students to get you started.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in California
California is home to a long list of fast-growing careers, including fields like software development, healthcare management, business management, and event planning.
As many of the growing jobs in the Golden State require a degree, online college expands access to higher education while allowing students to balance the responsibilities of school, work, and home.
Fast-Growing Careers in California 2020-2030
Job |
Projected Growth |
Median Annual Wage |
Logisticians |
39.1% |
$83,845 |
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
36.1% |
N/A |
Medical and Health Services Managers |
35.5% |
$129,646 |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists |
34.3% |
$79,331 |
Operations Research Analysts |
32.4% |
$87,922 |
Coaches and Scouts |
31.8% |
N/A |
Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes |
29.7% |
$102,128 |
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners |
29.4% |
$62,150 |
Interpreters and Translators |
28% |
$73,611 |
Financial Managers |
27% |
$161,262 |
Source: California Employment Development Department
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in California
With an average annual net price of just over $5,000, California State University-Dominguez Hills ranks as the most inexpensive online college in the state.
Still, when considering the right school for you, look further than price. Scholarships and various financial aid opportunities can help you pursue your goals while making school more affordable.
San Diego's National University boasts a 100% acceptance rate while simultaneously offering a deep roster of flexible online programs. Popular majors include teaching, business, nursing, and social sciences.
On average, students in California pay $8,559 for in-state tuition at four-year public colleges.
The cost of online college in California varies by school, with in-state students at public colleges paying the least. Typically, online colleges charge the same tuition as on-campus programs. Students can help cut costs by securing scholarships or various financial aid options, including work-study programs and loans.
Many community colleges in California have free tuition programs for online students and on-campus programs. Due to their affordability, cost-conscious students can complete a two-year associate degree at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution.
No, you do not need to be a resident to attend online college in California. While there are often tuition benefits to attending an in-state school, California is home to numerous online programs that happily enroll students from all over the world.