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.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Colleges in California 2025
#1 Best Online Colleges in California 2025
California State University-East Bay
- Hayward, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
73%
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 2025
San Diego State University
- San Diego, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
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
#3 Best Online Colleges in California 2025
Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses
- Stockton, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
87%
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 2025
California State University-Chico
- Chico, CA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
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.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
#5 Best Online Colleges in California 2025
Los Angeles Pacific University
- Los Angeles, CA
- 4 years
- 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.
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
At Affordable Colleges Online, we use a proprietary ranking system and data from reputable sources like the U.S. Department of Education to help you find the best school for your needs. Our most important metric — affordability — accounts for 60% of our formula on our most affordable rankings. We also consider academic quality, program offerings, online enrollment, and graduation rates.
This ranking is from 2025. To learn more, consult our school ranking methodology.
Price Check
According to the PPIC, in 2022-2023, California spent just over $21 billion, about 7% of the state budget, 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.
Fast-Growing Jobs in California
| Job |
Projected Growth in CA, 2022-2032 |
Annual Mean Wage in CA, May 2023 |
| Logisticians |
39% |
$94,310 |
| Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers |
36% |
$173,780 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers |
35% |
$156,140 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists |
34% |
$100,040 |
| Operations Research Analysts |
32% |
$92,150 |
| Coaches and Scouts |
31% |
$65,560 |
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes |
30% |
$136,450 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners |
29% |
$69,280 |
| Interpreters and Translators |
29% |
$69,930 |
| Financial Managers |
27% |
$196,670 |
Source: California Employment Development Department
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.
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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.
Average Cost of College in California
| 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 |
Source: NCES
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.
This scholarship offers up to $2,500 for high school juniors and seniors. Applicants must submit an essay on the importance of establishing good financial credit during college. Applications are due by the first Friday of June each year.
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.
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.
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.
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
What is the cheapest 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.
What is the easiest online college to get into in California?
California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt is the easiest college to get into in California, with a 99% acceptance rate. Other California colleges with an acceptance rate over 90% include Cal State Chico, Cal State Los Angeles, and Cal State Monterey Bay, as well as San Francisco State University and Sonoma State University.
Is community college free in California?
Many community colleges in California have free tuition programs for online and on-campus students alike. Due to their affordability, cost-conscious students can complete a two-year associate degree program at a community college before transferring to a four-year institution.
What colleges accept a 2.0 GPA in California?
Cal State Monterey Bay accepts California residents with a GPA of 2.0. The Cal State system's site encourages students with a GPA of at least 2.0 to apply, as additional factors go into application approval. Cal State transfer students need a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all college coursework.
Do I need to be a resident of California to attend an online college in California?
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 enroll students from all over the world.
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