Best Online Colleges in California
1. San Diego State University
Established in 1897, San Diego State University is home to a diverse student population of approximately 35,000 individuals. The university boasts an extensive alumni network, with over 400,000 graduates, including notable figures such as basketball star Kawhi Leonard and actress Raquel Welch.
The SDSU Global Campus provides a range of fully online degree programs, offering more than a dozen options. Online bachelor’s programs cover fields such as business administration, communication, criminal justice, economics, and public health. Additionally, SDSU supports hybrid learning in various other subjects.
During the 2021-22 academic year, SDSU awarded 8,750 degrees. Graduates who initially enrolled as first-time first-year students achieved an average GPA of 3.35. For tuition costs, in-state students pay $5,742, while out-of-state students pay a fee of $17,622.
2. Humphreys University
As a student at Humphreys University, you’ll enjoy considerable flexibility in pursuing your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or law degree. Humphreys University students have the option to attend on-campus classes in either Stockton or Modesto, engage in online courses, or opt for a more immersive virtual learning experience.
Humphreys University enables you to advance through your educational journey at a pace that suits you. With the 11-week quarter system, you can enroll in new courses throughout the academic year.
As a student at Humphreys University, you’ll have a great deal of flexibility in earning your associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or law degree. The cost of tuition per year at this college is $14,580 for both in-state students and out-of-state students.
3. California State University-Chico
California State University, Chico provides fully online programs in eight fields, including business, humanities, liberal arts, sociology, social science, religious studies, and multicultural or gender studies. Additionally, there is an online RN-to-BSN program tailored for registered nurses. Recognized as a Hispanic-serving institution, Chico State has a notable history of promoting educational accessibility for underserved communities.
According to data released by Chico State, the six-year graduation rate was recorded at 63.2% in 2017, and the retention rate stood at 82.8% in 2022. Both of these statistics align with national averages. The cost of tuition per year at this college is $5,742 for in-state students and $ 17,622 for out-of-state students.
4. University of La Verne
Consider the University of La Verne if you are seeking a fully online degree. The university provides nine undergraduate and eight graduate degrees, along with three certificates and credentials. Both the MBA and bachelor’s programs are highly regarded, not only within the state but also among online institutions nationwide. Active military personnel benefit from a reduced tuition rate.
It’s important to note that the bachelor’s programs in nursing and child development are exclusively open to California residents. Additionally, out-of-state online students are ineligible for the master’s in teaching and the three certificate programs. The cost of tuition per year at this college is $44,700 for both in-state students and out-of-state students.
5. California State University-San Marcos
At California State University, San Marcos, students have the flexibility to shape their curriculum by participating in online, on-campus, and hybrid courses tailored to their schedules. The university provides an extended learning program featuring online bachelor’s degrees in various fields, including criminology and justice studies, cybersecurity, nursing, sociology, and wildlife science.
For college graduates and working professionals, there are five online master’s programs and nine certificate programs to choose from, allowing them to continue their education or enhance their career prospects. The university’s outreach initiatives, including extended learning, are specifically designed to encourage continuous education and lifelong learning. The cost of tuition per year at this college is $5,742 for in-state students and $17,622 for out-of-state students.
6. National University
National University provides online degree programs accompanied by comprehensive student support services, including complimentary tutoring and individualized assistance in navigating financial aid. The selection of fully online associate degrees encompasses general education, business, and paralegal studies. Seasoned educators aiming for leadership roles can pursue an online doctorate in education or educational leadership.
Applicants without prior undergraduate credit or Advanced Placement scores are required to undergo English and math placement tests. Transfer credit at National University follows a 2.0 GPA cutoff, and a distinct application is necessary for institutional scholarships. The cost of tuition per credit at this college ranges from $442-$1,193 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
7. California State University – East Bay
California State University, East Bay, provides online degree options that encompass bachelor’s-completion programs in hospitality, ethnic studies, and social and behavioral sciences. For those residing in proximity to the Hayward campus, there are over two dozen hybrid bachelor’s degrees available. The university also extends online master’s degree programs in public administration and special education.
Application requirements for undergraduate programs include unofficial transcripts and test scores. Graduate programs necessitate a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5. Institutional scholarships are available, potentially reducing out-of-pocket expenses by up to $10,000. The cost of tuition per year at this college is $7,105 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
8. Golden Gate University
Explore the online programs at Golden Gate University if you’re looking to initiate or advance your college education. The university provides both undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as accounting, human resource management, and industrial-organizational psychology. San Francisco Bay Area residents can often opt for a hybrid format in many online degree programs.
Admission considerations for both undergraduate and graduate programs at GGU involve a GPA cutoff, and applicants are required to submit a resume. Standardized test scores are not mandatory for any program at the university. Completing the FAFSA can make you eligible for an institutional grant, with some financial aid awards covering the entire cost of tuition and fees. The cost of tuition per credit at this college is $462 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
9. Los Angeles Pacific University
If you are interested in a school that focuses on adult online education, explore the online programs offered by Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU). LAPU grants associate, bachelor’s, and master’s programs in areas such as humanities and organizational leadership.
The LAPU application is a brief 10-minute process and necessitates official high school or undergraduate transcripts. Utilizing prior learning assessments can assist you in translating work and life experience into college credit. LAPU’s financial aid resources guide you through the FAFSA process and offer details on alternative methods to reduce costs for your degree. The cost of tuition per credit at this college is $499 for both in-state and out-of-state students.
10. Hope International University
Located in Fullerton, Hope International University offers full online programs at the associate and bachelor’s levels. Online bachelor’s degree options encompass business administration, Christian ministry, and psychology. If you intend to transfer to a four-year school, consider enrolling in the online AA program.
To apply, you only need to submit official high school or college transcripts. As a private Christian institution, HIU does not impose out-of-state tuition fees. California residents with financial need may be eligible for Cal Grants of up to $9,220. The cost of tuition per credit at this college is $450 for both in-state and out-of-state students.