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2022 Best Online Colleges in California
Browse the best on-line colleges in the state of California. Read on to explore different programs and learn about job outlooks in the submit. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported web site. Featured or trusted spouse programs and all school research, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This recompense does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this locate. For many students, remote learning is a way to expand educational opportunities regardless of geographic barriers. But while on-line learning allows many students to access degree programs that they would not normally have access to, there are numerous reasons to take location into account when choosing an on-line college.
Students often choose to attend online colleges in California because many of these institutions offer more low-cost tuition for in-state learners, specially for low- or middle-income residents .
California is besides celebrated for its pioneer engineering and entertainment companies, including diligence leaders like Google and Apple. Schools ‘ proximity to major metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco besides attract students looking to pursue competitive internships or jobs in demand in California .
For more data about going to college in the Golden State, check out our Resources for Students in California page .
Top Online Degree Programs in California
Related Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about starting signal dates, transferring credits, handiness of fiscal help, and more by contacting the universities below .
California Employment Outlook
In 2019, California had a GDP of over $ 3 trillion, exceeding that of India and the United Kingdom. As a hub for aggressive industries like healthcare, entertainment, technology, and clean department of energy, the submit had a work force of 14 million employees the same year .
Although unemployment rates reached a record high in 2020, California ‘s job commercialize has made a considerable recovery in 2021. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, available jobs increased 5 % between September 2020 and September 2021. The Employment Development Department ( EED ) of California reports that the phone number of available jobs has increased by an average of 101,500 each calendar month from February 2021 to September 2021 .
5 In-Demand California Jobs
Software Developer
- Annual Median Salary (May 2020): $135,930
- Job Outlook (2018-2028): 29%
These professionals design and wield software programs. They may work aboard programmers to develop systems and demeanor tests to monitor how programs will work in practice. In California, the motivation for these professionals has increased dramatically. According to Forbes, there were 106,000 developers in the state in 2014 compared to 250,000 in 2019, making it one of the most in-demand jobs in California .
Physicians Assistants
- Annual Median Salary (May 2020): $129,950
- Job Outlook (2018-2028): 34%
doctor assistants perform substantive duties alongside doctors, nurses, and surgeons. They may diagnose illnesses or injuries, review medical records, order medications, recommend diagnostic tests, and administer basic treatments .
Marriage and Family Therapists
- Annual Median Salary (May 2020): $49,230
- Job Outlook (2018-2028): 24%
In California, the number of marriage and family counselors increased by fourfold between 2014 and 2019, according to Forbes. These mental health professionals guidance couples or families, taking into history individuals ‘ mental and emotional diagnoses, relationships, communication styles, and life style needs. They use clinical and behavioral assessments to improve the functionality of syndicate units .
Statisticians
- Annual Median Salary (May 2020): $108,060
- Job Outlook (2018-2028): 41%
These specialized mathematicians gather, measure, and present data, using principles of statistics to generate real-world applications or insights from raw data. Statisticians may work aboard professionals from divers fields and interpret data within assorted niches, such as business, selling, economics, or agriculture .
Information Security Analysts
- Annual Median Salary (May 2020): $121,510
- Job Outlook (2018-2028): 33%
These professionals design, evaluate, and maintain security infrastructures to protect networks and information, such as digital files. They typically monitor existing security systems, looking for weak points, repairing likely deficits, and ridding systems of security system threats or viruses .
Popular Career Paths in California
2022 Best Accredited Online Colleges in California
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
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Our rankings are grounded in a few directing principles and use the latest statistical data available from sure sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you .
#1 Online College in California
The Master’s University and Seminary
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Santa Clarita, California |
| Admission Rate | 67% |
| Graduation Rate | 70% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 18% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state of matter | $450
Undergrad, out of state of matter | $450
Graduate, in state | $595
Graduate, out of state | $595
A secret christian institution in Santa Clarita, California, The Master ‘s University started in 1927 as Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary. Each capable incorporates a religious world scene. The institution is accredited by The WASC Senior College and University Commission .
on-line classes cover biblical studies, christian ministries, business administration, education, accounting, and the arts. freshman applicants must submit an official high school transcript with a 2.75 GPA. As partially of the process for credence to TMU, applicants must show their religious faith .
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#2 Online College in California
San Diego State University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | San Diego, California |
| Admission Rate | 34% |
| Graduation Rate | 73% |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 50% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in department of state | $270
Undergrad, out of submit | $666
Graduate, in state | $532
Graduate, out of state | $928
Founded in 1997, San Diego State University began as a train institution for elementary school teachers. now a public research institution in San Diego, California, SDSU enrolls 36,000 students per annum. Undergraduates pick from 91 majors in the unlike schools, including engineering, business, and external business. The alumnus educate offers 76 passkey ‘s and 23 doctoral programs .
Like other on-line colleges in California, SDSU offers many different on-line degrees, such as finance, education, and history. SDSU faculty members and industry experts teach the on-line classes. additionally, the Open University online school offers over 200 courses for non-degree-seeking students. Enrollees sometimes qualify to bypass some of the usual registration requirements for degree programs .
New students apply in the leap and fall semesters. The institution is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .
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#3 Online College in California
Biola University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | La Mirada, California |
| Admission Rate | 70% |
| Graduation Rate | 74% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 36% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in country | $1,894
Undergrad, out of state | $1,894
Graduate, in state | $667-$796
Graduate, out of state | $667-$796
Founded in 1908, Biola University offers an education centered around biblical and christian impression. Its on-campus and on-line programs enroll over 6,000 students each year. The institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges .
Like at many on-line colleges in California, Biola students can do online classes at their own yard. distance learners use the Canvas platform to communicate with staff members and other students .
Bachelor ‘s programs include psychology, early on childhood education, biblical ministries, business administration, communications, and public relations. Biola besides offers on-line passkey ‘s degrees in theology, occupation, education, fine arts, and technology and health.
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#4 Online College in California
Pepperdine University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Malibu, California |
| Admission Rate | 32% |
| Graduation Rate | 86% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 18% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state of matter | $1,290
Undergrad, out of state of matter | $1,290
Graduate, in submit | $1,365
Graduate, out of state of matter | $1,365
A secret Malibu, California, christian institution founded in 1937, Pepperdine University enrolls 3,500 undergraduate students annually. The university is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .
The on-line plan at Pepperdine features classes in real fourth dimension. Online classes integrate collaborative tools, such as small break group chat rooms. Classes available on-line include those offered through the Graziadio Business School, School of Public Policy, and the Caruso School of Law .
other subjects students can take on-line include psychology, education, and human resources. The school offers 24/7 technical school support for all distance learners. Pepperdine graduates get access to job boards with listings from employers interest in hiring alumni. They besides enjoy entree to virtual network events .
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#5 Online College in California
Touro University Worldwide
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Los Alamitos, California |
| Graduation Rate | 100% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 98% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in express | $400
Undergrad, out of state | $400
Graduate, in state | $500
Graduate, out of submit | $500
A Los Alamitos, California, nonprofit university, TUW started in 1970 in New York to incorporate jewish traditions into higher education. today, the university operates five campus locations, enrolling over 19,000 students countrywide. The mental hospital is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .
TUW ‘s on-line courses include those in business, psychology/counseling, human services, and health science. Students prosecute consociate, knight bachelor ‘s, master ‘s, and doctoral degrees online. entrance fee requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent. TUW accepts external students, but they must meet the school ‘s English proficiency criteria .
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#6 Online College in California
Northcentral University
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | La Jolla, California |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $395
Undergrad, out of state | $395
Graduate, in submit | $ 550
Graduate, out of express | $550
Located in LaJolla, California, NCU is a secret, non-profit university with a religious affiliation. The regionally accredited on-line institution started in 1996. The university besides holds several programmatic accreditations .
NCU offers on-line courses in occupation government, digital media, and church and humanitarian leadership. admission requirements for freshman undergraduate applicants include a high school diploma. Although NCU does not set a stern grade prerequisite, most accepted students boast a 3.14 or higher GPA .
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#7 Online College in California
Pacific Oaks College
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Pasadena, California |
| Admission Rate | 5% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 68% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $360-$855
Undergrad, out of state | $360-$855
Graduate, in submit | $1,115
Graduate, out of department of state | $1,115
Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California, boasts a deep history. several local Pasadena families founded the elementary school, run by Quakers, in 1945. Pacific Oaks College then opened in 1958 and applied the department of education model to train future early childhood educators. The college has grown to offer undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, and social workplace .
The on-line college is one of many colleges in California offering a elastic program through the Canvas platform. distance learners get direct on-line access to faculty and early students. Most on-line classes follow seven-week sessions. Topics include early on childhood and elementary education, leadership and management, and credentialing for teachers .
entree requirements include an admissions interview, a personal argument, and a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA. The initiation is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission .
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#8 Online College in California
California State University-Northridge
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Northridge, California |
| Admission Rate | 59% |
| Graduation Rate | 55% |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 55% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in submit | $352
Undergrad, out of department of state | $748
Graduate, in state | $270
Graduate, out of state | $666
Cal State Northridge is a populace university in Los Angeles, California, located in the suburb of Northridge. The initiation offers one of many on-line colleges in California. The on-line program involves live classes and an opportunity to communicate with early students online. A two-week on-line predilection class helps new students navigate the on-line technology and meet peers online .
course offerings include passkey ‘s classes in social work, nursing, humanities, and technology. Bachelor ‘s degrees include nurse and public sector management. Students interested in on-line certificate courses choose from radiologic technology, speech-language pathology adjunct, perioperative breastfeed, and others .
Applicants need a high school diploma, GED certificate, or California High School Proficiency Examination certificate. CSU does not require ACT/SAT scores for the 2021-2022 school year. The on-line programs are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges .
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#9 Online College in California
California State University-Fullerton
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Fullerton, California |
| Admission Rate | 53% |
| Graduation Rate | 69% |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 38% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state of matter | $425-$500
Undergrad, out of department of state | $821-$896
Graduate, in state | $366
Graduate, out of country | $762
share of the CSU system, Cal State Fullerton is one of many accredited on-line colleges in California. The populace university educates over 40,000 students per annum from its Fullerton, California, campus. CSUF ‘s on-line programs provide the same lectures and assignments as in-person classes with total convenience and flexibility .
Distance learning lets students virtually ask questions and interact with staff, equally well as communicate with other students. The on-line college offers certification courses and three-year degree completion courses. Certificate classes include human resources management and digital marketing. available completion programs include business, sociology, humanities, and social sciences .
freshman entree to Cal State Fullerton requires a high school diploma with a C or better GPA. CSU does not require ACT/SAT scores for the 2021-2022 school year. The university is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission .
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#10 Online College in California
University of Massachusetts Global
| School Information | |
|---|---|
| Location | Irvine, California |
| Admission Rate | 89% |
| Graduation Rate | 60% |
| Instituation Type | Private |
| Accreditation | Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission |
| Percent Online Enrollment | 96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online. |
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Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $500
Undergrad, out of state | $31,420 per academic year
Graduate, in state | $680
Graduate, out of country | $26,060 per academic year
uma Global, once Brandman University, in Irvine, California, opened its doors in 1958. The university is a private nonprofit institution. uma offers over 90 unique career programs online in the areas of nurse, education, commercial enterprise, arts, and sciences .
uma counts itself among many on-line colleges in California designed for working professionals. These students need a elastic format that lets them study any time of day, around their work schedules. Online classes include those in the arts and sciences, education, and business categories. uma offers associate, knight bachelor ‘s, and master ‘s classes online.
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The course of study gives distance learners an opportunity to meet with an adviser to develop their annually education plan. They besides get a chance to work with a specialist to navigate the fiscal care serve. Online learning takes put via Blackboard. prospective students view a tutorial on how to participate in classes, access on-line eruditeness materials, and take lessons .
entree requirements include a high school diploma or GED with a 2.0 GPA. Applicants must score at least a C on mathematics and english capture exams. The UMass on-line program is fully accredited by WSCUC .
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in California
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