The Best Online Colleges in California

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $270
Undergrad, out of state | $666
Graduate, in state | $532
Graduate, out of state | $928

Founded in 1997, San Diego State University began as a training institution for elementary school teachers. Now a public research institution in San Diego, California, SDSU enrolls 36,000 students annually. Undergraduates pick from 91 majors in the different schools, including engineering, business, and international business. The graduate school offers 76 master's and 23 doctoral programs. 

Like other online colleges in California, SDSU offers many different online degrees, such as finance, education, and history. SDSU faculty members and industry experts teach the online 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 enrollment requirements for degree programs. 

New students apply in the spring and fall semesters. The institution is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $425-$500
Undergrad, out of state | $821-$896
Graduate, in state | $366
Graduate, out of state | $762

Part of the CSU system, Cal State Fullerton is one of many accredited online colleges in California. The public university educates over 40,000 students annually from its Fullerton, California, campus. CSUF's online programs provide the same lectures and assignments as in-person classes with added convenience and flexibility. 

Distance learning lets students virtually ask questions and interact with faculty, as well as communicate with other students. The online 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.

First-year admission 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.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $352
Undergrad, out of state | $748
Graduate, in state | $270
Graduate, out of state | $666

Cal State Northridge is a public university in Los Angeles, California, located in the suburb of Northridge. The institution offers one of many online colleges in California. The online program involves live classes and an opportunity to communicate with other students online. A two-week online orientation class helps new students navigate the online technology and meet peers online. 

Course offerings include master's classes in social work, nursing, humanities, and engineering. Bachelor's degrees include nursing and public sector management. Students interested in online certificate courses choose from radiologic technology, speech-language pathology assistant, perioperative nursing, 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 online programs are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $500
Undergrad, out of state | $31,420 per academic year
Graduate, in state | $680
Graduate, out of state | $26,060 per academic year

UMass Global, formerly Brandman University, in Irvine, California, opened its doors in 1958. The university is a private nonprofit institution. UMass offers over 90 unique career programs online in the areas of nursing, education, business, arts, and sciences.

UMass counts itself among many online colleges in California designed for working professionals. These students need a flexible 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. UMass offers associate, bachelor's, and master's classes online. 

The program gives distance learners an opportunity to meet with an advisor to develop their yearly education plan. They also get a chance to work with a specialist to navigate the financial aid process. Online learning takes place via Blackboard. Prospective students view a tutorial on how to participate in classes, access online learning materials, and submit lessons. 

Admission requirements include a high school diploma or GED with a 2.0 GPA. Applicants must score at least a C on math and English entrance exams. The UMass online program is fully accredited by WSCUC.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $1,290
Undergrad, out of state | $1,290
Graduate, in state | $1,365
Graduate, out of state | $1,365 

A private 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 online program at Pepperdine features classes in real time. Online classes integrate collaborative tools, such as small breakout group chat rooms. Classes available online include those offered through the Graziadio Business School, School of Public Policy, and the Caruso School of Law. 

Other subjects students can take online include psychology, education, and human resources. The school offers 24/7 tech support for all distance learners. Pepperdine graduates get access to job boards with listings from employers interested in hiring alumni. They also enjoy access to virtual networking events.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $360-$855
Undergrad, out of state | $360-$855
Graduate, in state | $1,115
Graduate, out of state | $1,115

Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, California, boasts a rich history. Several local Pasadena families founded the elementary school, run by Quakers, in 1945. Pacific Oaks College then opened in 1958 and applied the education model to train future early childhood educators. The college has grown to offer undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, and social work. 

The online college is one of many colleges in California offering a flexible program through the Canvas platform. Distance learners get direct online access to faculty and other students. Most online classes follow seven-week sessions. Topics include early childhood and elementary education, leadership and management, and credentialing for teachers. 

Admission requirements include an admissions interview, a personal statement, and a high school diploma with a 2.0 GPA. The institution is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $400
Undergrad, out of state | $400
Graduate, in state | $500
Graduate, out of state | $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 nationwide. The institution is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

TUW's online courses include those in business, psychology/counseling, human services, and health science. Students pursue associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees online. Admission requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent. TUW accepts international students, but they must meet the school's English proficiency criteria. 

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $450
Undergrad, out of state | $450
Graduate, in state | $595
Graduate, out of state | $595 

A private Christian institution in Santa Clarita, California, The Master's University started in 1927 as Los Angeles Baptist Theological Seminary. Each subject incorporates a religious world view. The institution is accredited by The WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Online classes cover biblical studies, Christian ministries, business administration, education, accounting, and the arts. First-year applicants must submit an official high school transcript with a 2.75 GPA. As part of the process for acceptance to TMU, applicants must show their religious faith.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $395
Undergrad, out of state | $395
Graduate, in state | $550
Graduate, out of state | $550

Located in LaJolla, California, NCU is a private, non-profit university with a religious affiliation. The regionally accredited online institution started in 1996. The university also holds several programmatic accreditations.

NCU offers online courses in business administration, digital media, and church and humanitarian leadership. Admission requirements for first-year undergraduate applicants include a high school diploma. Although NCU does not set a strict grade requirement, most accepted students boast a 3.14 or higher GPA.

Avg. Cost per Credit
Undergrad, in state | $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 beliefs. Its on-campus and online programs enroll over 6,000 students each year. The institution is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. 

Like at many online colleges in California, Biola students can do online classes at their own pace. Distance learners use the Canvas platform to communicate with faculty members and other students. 

Bachelor's programs include psychology, early childhood education, biblical ministries, business administration, communications, and public relations. Biola also offers online master's degrees in theology, business, education, fine arts, and technology and health.