Best Online Colleges in California 2025
According to the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC), California colleges and universities account for 13% of full-time enrollment in the United States, with nearly half of those students attending community college. Almost 80% of college students in California attend a public institution.
California invests heavily in its students. Online colleges in California can help you access these resources from anywhere in the world. On this page, you’ll find the fastest-growing majors, the best online colleges, scholarships, and other resources in California.
Top Online Colleges in California for 2025
California State University-East Bay
Hayward, CA- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Developed with working adult learners in mind, Cal State East Bay's online programs stand out for their academic quality and flexibility. Students work with experienced faculty and support staff to reach their educational goals.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $3,042
Out-of-State | An additional$420 per credit
Why Students Choose Cal State East Bay:
- Five Online Bachelor’s Programs: In addition to online graduate programs, degree seekers can choose from five online bachelor’s programs in areas such as business administration and ethnic studies.
- Flexible Learning Format: Online courses use video lectures, online discussions, and virtual meetings to give learners flexibility, particularly for those working while in college.
- Certified Online Courses: Over 190 online courses at Cal State East Bay hold certification from Quality Matters or Quality Learning & Teaching, indicating a high standard for online classes.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online Learning Academic Support: Distance learners can get help from the online writing lab, online tutoring services, or online academic research support through the University Libraries.
- Semester-Based Courses: Cal State East Bay uses a 15-week semester system that offers three semesters each year, allowing students to attend classes year-round.
- Cost Savings with Online Learning: Distance learners save on gas, housing, and parking, making an online program potentially more cost-effective than an in-person degree.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate75%
- Acceptance Rate96%
- Students Enrolled13,673
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment73%
- AccreditationYes
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
With programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, San Diego State University's online and hybrid offerings make it easier for students to earn a degree. You can strengthen in-demand skills while studying diverse fields such as public health, business, and criminal justice.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $6,465-$7,965
Out-of-State | $6,465-$7,965
Why Students Choose SDSU:
- Online and Hybrid Programs: If you prefer some in-person classes, SDSU Global Campus offers several hybrid programs that blend online and on-campus coursework.
- Financial Aid and Scholarships: Distance learners qualify for Aztec Scholarships and other forms of financial aid. The university’s student financial aid services connect learners with financial aid opportunities.
- Degree-Completion Programs: Students with transfer credit can enroll in one of SDSU’s degree-completion programs to finish a bachelor’s degree.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Career Development Opportunities: Online students can access the university’s online employment and career development resources or connect with career services to prepare for the workforce.
- Cost Varies by Major: Instead of charging the same tuition rate for all learners, tuition costs vary depending on the major, so make sure to research the total cost for your chosen degree.
- Virtual Programs for Students: To connect with college life, online learners can join virtual programs, participate in esports leagues, or attend virtual wellness sessions.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$19,140
- Retention Rate90%
- Acceptance Rate34%
- Students Enrolled36,637
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment56%
- AccreditationYes
Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses
- Stockton, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
A private institution with campuses in the Central Valley, Humphreys University offers individualized attention to online learners. Students take classes on a flexible schedule and can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree, including through the university’s law school.
Cost per Quarter:
In-State | $4,500
Out-of-State | $4,500
Why Students Choose Humphreys:
- Flat Tuition Rate: You’ll pay the same tuition rate regardless of where you live, which can make Humphreys a more affordable option for out-of-state learners.
- Career-Focused Majors: Major in areas like accounting, court reporting, paralegal studies, or business administration and strengthen career-ready skills.
- Year-round, Open Enrollment: Humphreys accepts applications throughout the year, and new quarters start roughly every 13 weeks, making it possible to start your degree sooner.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Quarter System: Humphreys uses the quarter system rather than the semester system, which means you’ll finish classes in less time — but make sure to factor that into your cost calculations.
- Low Student-to-Teacher Ratio: Receive more individualized attention from faculty thanks to the private institution’s 7-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.
- Placement Tests: Humphreys requires the successful completion of reading and writing placement exams as part of its admission requirements.
- In-State$14,760
- Out-of-state$14,760
- In-State$9,360
- Out-of-state$9,360
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled393
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
California State University-Chico
- Chico, CA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
What Sets It Apart:
Part of the state’s public university network, Cal State Chico offers online degrees and degree completion programs. Chico stands out for its flexibility and the variety of undergraduate and graduate programs offered online.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $4,236
Out-of-State | $9,276
Why Students Choose Chico State:
- Eight Online Bachelor’s Programs: Choose from eight online majors, including business administration, humanities, nursing, religious studies, and social science.
- Accessible Online Courses: Learners complete 100% of coursework online, with no required campus visits. You’ll also have the option to watch recorded lectures if you can’t make a live class session.
- Financial Aid Opportunities: Chico State distributed $131 million in financial aid in 2022-2023, reaching about 3 in 4 students. That helps make a degree more affordable.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Online Student Communities: Distance learners can participate in online student organizations and clubs, participate in online discussion boards, network with alumni, and access student resources.
- Tutoring and Career Help: You’ll work with a major advisor to make academic progress, along with access to tutoring and career services to plan your post-graduate path.
- Hispanic-Serving Institution: Chico State is a Hispanic-Serving Institution, with 38% of the student body identifying as Hispanic or Latino/a.
- In-State$5,742
- Out-of-state$17,622
- In-State$7,176
- Out-of-state$16,680
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate91%
- Students Enrolled13,999
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment72%
- AccreditationYes
Los Angeles Pacific University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 year
- Online
What Sets It Apart:
Designed for busy adults, Los Angeles Pacific University is also one of the most affordable online Christian colleges in California. Learners can earn an associate, bachelor’s, or master’s degree online, with the opportunity to take classes through the university’s mobile app when students don’t have access to their computer.
Cost per Semester:
In-State | $7,725
Out-of-State | $7,725
Why Students Choose LAPU:
- Business and Health Majors: LAPU offers many online bachelor’s degrees, including those in business administration, digital marketing, health science, and supply chain management.
- Transfer-Student Friendly: Transfer students can apply up to 70 credits earned at a two-year college or up to 90 credits from a four-year college toward their degree. On average, transfer students arrive with 45 credits.
- Inspire Discount: LAPU offers a unique discount for those who inspire a friend to enroll in a program — both you and your friend receive a 10% tuition discount.
Know Before You Enroll:
- Personal Success Coaches: Every student works with a personal success coach to help with academic planning, advising, and personal guidance.
- Christian Perspective: The university integrates a Christian perspective into courses, with general education courses in Biblical literature.
- Flexible Schedule: You can take classes asynchronously with no set class times, and use the university’s app to complete coursework or message instructors when you don’t have your laptop.
- In-State$11,400
- Out-of-state$11,400
- In-State$11,340
- Out-of-state$11,340
- Retention Rate25%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,895
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Price Check
California spent just over $21 billion, about 7% of the state budget in 2023, to support its higher education institutions and financial aid system.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in California
California is known for its tech industry. In the state, you can find roles with faster-than-average projected growth, such as software developer, quality assurance tester, or operations research analyst. Other California jobs growing faster than average extend across industries, from business logistics to medical and health services management.
Home to Hollywood, California also offers fast-growing opportunities for interpreters, coaches, scouts, event planners, and financial planners.
| Job | Projected Growth in CA, 2022-2032 | Annual Mean Wage in CA, May 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Logisticians | 39% | $97,810 |
| Software Developers | 36% | $185,750 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 35% | $154,620 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | 34% | $106,780 |
| Operations Research Analysts | 32% | $108,220 |
| Coaches and Scouts | 31% | $62,850 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 30% | $96,310 (median salary) |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | 29% | $73,840 |
| Interpreters and Translators | 29% | $76,490 |
| Financial Managers | 27% | $210,640 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for California’s Job Market
Majors in business administration, finance, public relations, and computer science can offer graduates opportunities to enter some of the fastest-growing fields in California.
Business Administration
A bachelor’s in business administration could be the first step to landing a role as a business manager, financial manager, market research analyst, or health services manager. Many colleges allow you to pair your bachelor’s in business administration via a dual degree or specialization, such as in information security analysis or marketing.Public Relations
If you want to become a talent agent, coach, scout, event planner, or marketing manager, a bachelor’s degree program in public relations can help you build the diverse skill sets necessary to succeed in these careers. You can also choose public relations specializations like corporate communication, brand specialist, event management, or social media marketing.Computer Science
Computer science degrees often include specializations in information technology, software development, computer engineering, or cybersecurity. To become a software developer, you can choose a bachelor’s degree in software development or computer science. Quality assurance testers may opt for a cybersecurity or computer science bachelor’s degree. You could also enter these growing careers by completing a bootcamp.Communication
If you want to become a translator or interpreter, a bachelor’s degree in communication or a language can be the first step. California requires certification for its court interpreters for certain languages and registration for others. In addition to working as a translator, you could work as a sign language interpreter.
What Is the Cost of College in California?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), four-year public colleges in California charge in-state undergraduates an average of $8,6400 for tuition and fees, which is less than the national average of $9,750. While out-of-state tuition in California is higher than the national average, online learning and tuition reciprocity agreements can lower costs.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees in California | Average Tuition & Required Fees in the U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $8,640 | $9,750 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $32,970 | $28,300 |
| Private Four-Year | $42,020 | $35,250 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in California
Even with rising tuition rates and a higher-than-average cost of living, you can find scholarships for Golden State schools that can help you cover the cost of your college degree.
We’ve found five scholarships for California students to get you started.
CAC Educational Scholarship Foundation
The Dorrance Scholarship Program supports first-generation learners. Incoming first-year students can renew this scholarship and receive up to $12,000 over four years. Must be an Arizona resident, high school senior, and incoming student at Arizona State University in Tempe, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, or University of Arizona in Tucson.
California Scholarship Federation
The California Scholarship Federation considers high school seniors nominated by CSF chapters and includes the Seymour Award and the Michelson Award. Applicants are chosen based on academic performance, community engagement, and letters of recommendation.
Middle Class Scholarship
Offered through the California Student Aid Commission, eligible undergraduates must pursue a teaching credential and have a family income and assets not exceeding $217,000. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA and CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the March 2 deadline.
National Hispanic Business Women Association Educational Scholarship
Earmarked for students living in Southern California and pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees, scholarships range from $250-$1,200. You must demonstrate financial need and submit essays, letters of recommendation, and official college transcript by the March 31 deadline.
Professional Businesswomen of California
If you’re a high-achieving woman high school senior in California who plans to attend an accredited institution, you can apply for a generous financial award of up to $15,000. Applications open on Nov. 1, 2024, and close on Jan. 27, 2025.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in California
Tuition reciprocity allows you to save money on California colleges by accessing in-state tuition as an out-of-state student. California is part of the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) offered by the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).
If you’re a student from a WUE state, you’ll pay a maximum of 150% of the college’s in-state tuition if you’re from a state within the WUE.
WUE participating states are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in California
Cal State Dominguez Hills is the least expensive online college in the state, with an average annual net price of just over $5,000.
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.
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