Are you looking for the best online college in California? If so, you have plenty of choices. California is known to have the largest economy in the nation, due in part to Hollywood and the Silicon Valley. They also hold the most populated cities in the country, such as Los Angeles and San Diego. It has more than 500 institutions of higher learning education, and its University of California system is the largest in the US.
California’s higher learning institutions offer various learning settings for different types of students. But commutes in the state, especially in the said cities, are long. This is why earning a degree through an online program would be a great option; therefore, allowing you to use your time and money more wisely.
For a good many years, California has a well-organized education system with colleges and universities that embody quality education. This means studying in California can get you a prestigious degree, but the ability to learn, earn a degree and discover ways to advance your career while balancing work and busy schedules make online schools appealing to California students.
METHODOLOGY
Several colleges and universities in the state offer online courses and programs as a flexible advantage to working or busy adults seeking the distance learning option. To guide you in making that decision, OnlineSchoolsCenter.com has put together the 5 Top Online Schools in California. These reputable providers of web-based learning all meet these criteria to make it to the list:
- Online education excellence demonstrated by extensive and rigorous program coursework that is equivalent to on-campus college curricula,
- Quality courses and online classes to educate and train students to succeed in their chosen job or career path,
- Healthy student-to-professor ratio to highlight that each online school strives to provide high-quality instruction,
- A superior virtual learning platform that allows for easy access to online coursework.
For more information about our ranking process, check out our Methodology Page.
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California has grown from serving only 53 students in the year it was founded, 1880, to having almost 48,000 students in the present. Known as the oldest public research university, USC has transformed from offering few programs in one campus to delivering multiple programs to several campuses and centers over the years. USC’s programs run areas of study like Business, Accounting, Education, Technology, Engineering, Health and Medicine, Law, Social Work, and more. These are not only provided on-campus but also through their online education called USC Online. USC Online gives academic opportunities for students who want to continue their studies and pursue a graduate degree. It is home to the oldest academic research library and has one of the nation’s leading research programs in arts, science, and technology. It has been linking distance students to the university’s Information Sciences Institute even before the World Wide Web was established.
Online graduate students share the same experience with on-campus learners when it comes to interaction with peers and faculty. Students are provided with high-quality programs accessed through virtual discussions with classmates and faculty. USC Online also aides graduate students who want to shift careers, pursue career advancements, and those who serve the military. USC has dedicated a special page to give information featuring programs for in-demand jobs and competitive professional degrees.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from accredited schools
- Satisfactory scores on GRE/GMAT
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
National University
Founded by a retired US Navy Lieutenant Commander, David Chigos, National University is the largest private non-profit institution in San Diego that has admitted over 17,000 students. It is located in La Jolla, California (a few miles from San Diego) and has been operating since 1971. It was initially formed to give attention to non-traditional students and working adults who wanted to pursue a degree. The university aimed to provide accessible and achievable education and has been doing it up to the present. It has grown to manage 20 campuses located across areas in California and centers across the nation. The School of Engineering and Computing, College of Letters and Sciences, School of Business and Management, Sandford College of Education, School of Health and Human Services, School of Professional Studies, Language Institute, Division of Extended Learning, and Early College make up the academic divisions of the university.
This massive university ensures that all types of student needs are provided including distance or remote learners. National University offers a wide variety of online certificate, credential, and degree programs from areas in Business and Marketing, Healthcare and Nursing, Social Sciences and Psychology, Engineering and Technology, Criminal Justice and Law, Art and Humanities, Teaching and Education, Science and Math and more. You can expect programs offered either 100 percent online or in a hybrid format and classes are held every four weeks. National University’s online education guarantees students access to more interactive tools for lectures, presentations, quizzes, readings, and exams ready 24 hours a day.
Location: La Jolla, California
Admission Requirements:
- Application form online
- High school transcripts or College transcripts
- ACT or the SAT scores
- GPA of at least 2.0 or higher
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University is one of the first faith-based universities in California founded in 1899. This evangelical Christian university first opened its classes in Whittier, California as the Training School for Christian Workers. After a few mergers with Southern Californian colleges, it became Azusa Pacific University. Today, APU offers over 100 programs at its campus in Azusa and seven other off-site locations in High Desert, Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Monrovia, Murrieta, Orange County, and San Diego. It houses seven schools, three colleges and an online school for its almost 10,000 students.
There are certificate, degree, and career-building programs available in APU’s online school. Areas of study covered are Arts, Business, Communication, Education, Health Sciences, Nursing, Humanities, Leadership/Organizational Psychology, Social Work, and STEM. Students take courses that are offered in an asynchronous format; therefore, making it accessible at any convenient time, including holidays. Online programs have the same quality of mentors and advisors with on-campus assistance ready to support, and coach students. Assignments have allotted time frames and have to be submitted entirely online.
Location: Azusa, California
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- ACT/SAT scores
- A letter of recommendation
- Program-specific requirements
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Brandman University
With over 7,000 enrollees, Brandman University helps working adults who want to pursue higher education. This private non-profit institution was established in 1958 and was originally named as Chapman University College. It was created to provide education to the former El Toro Marin Corps Air Station in Irvine, California. Brandman offers a myriad of degree programs through its colleges and departments in Arts and Sciences, Business and Professional Studies, Education, Nursing and Health Professions, and Extended Education. Its campuses are geographically dispersed in the state, and online programs are available nationwide.
Fully online programs are available at Brandman University at the certificate, associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These programs are offered for your convenience. You may take it on-campus, entirely online, in a hybrid format or self-paced online. The university features the Brandman MyPath (Business and IT bachelor’s and master’s degree programs) where you can use your past working experience to finish courses quickly and move on to courses you need to learn. It also allows you to customize your learning and schedule.
Location: Orange, California
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum of 2.0 cumulative GPA
- High school diploma, GED equivalent OR official high school transcript
- Admissions exam in English and Math
- Program-specific requirement and exams
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
California Baptist University
Riverside is home to the California Baptist University which is a private Christian liberal arts institution. The California Southern Baptist Convention founded California Baptist University in 1950. It has a student body of more than 10,000 enrolled in its 11 colleges and schools. CBU offers plenty of programs and has been awarding associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees over time. CBU has 1005 Christian faculty who teaches students courses with some biblical principles to them.
Its online education, CBU Online and Professional Studies, provides several career-oriented programs to busy working adults. Undergraduate and master’s programs are Accounting, Business Administration, Christian Ministries, Human Services, English, Kinesiology, Liberal Studies, Nursing, Psychology, Public Administration, to mention a few. In addition to these programs, doctorate programs in Business Administration and Public Administration are available. CBU Online utilizes Blackboard software to accommodate and provide assistance to online students. Additionally, the university offers academic advising and counseling centers for students to contact regarding planning, scheduling assistance, and as a helpful resource.
Location: Riverside, California
Admission Requirements:
- Online admissions require official high school transcript or college transcript
- Personal statement, resume, and other documents (if applicable)
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Living in California is a dream shared by millions. California epitomizes the American dream. It has got great weather and good food. It is a perfect place for healthy living, a whole lot of adventures and culture. The state is also flourishing with some of the best colleges in the nation. One can pursue a degree in practically any field you want. Despite these facts, for most college students, choices still boil down to cost. To many, earning a degree means a pricey purchase. The good news is, it is possible to get into college with affordable tuition.
METHODOLOGY
To address the need of many online students in California for inexpensive online schools, we have put together the best online colleges featuring affordable programs. It is also worth noting that these online schools award adequate financial aid to qualified students. These 5 Best Value Online Schools in California are also home to the most competent professors who deliver high-quality instruction. These reputable academic institutions highlight budget-friendly degree programs delivered online that do not in any way sacrifice academic excellence.
San Diego State University
San Diego State University is one of the oldest members of the California State University system. Its foundation dates back to 1897 when it was named San Diego Normal School. It was formed to provide education to local women interested in becoming elementary school teachers. Over the years, the school has expanded its teacher education curriculum from English, Mathematics, and History to programs like business, engineering, public health, psychology, and more. It has also been recognized by Carnegie and classified as an R2 Doctoral University with higher research activity.
There are about 36,000 Aztecs enrolled in San Diego State University and among them are students of the College of Extended Studies. This division offers online programs and degree completion programs that focus on career advancement, in areas such as Business, Education, Public Administration, and Public Health. This prestigious university delivers top-rated programs at the most affordable rates. Undergraduate in-state tuition rate is at $7,510 ($396 per unit) while out-of-state tuition is $7,510. Graduate In-state tuition costs $8,944 ($396 per unit) while graduate out-of-state tuition is at $8,944.
Location: San Diego, California
Admission Requirements:
- GPA requirements
- Testing requirements, including ACT and SAT composite scores
- Document requirements based on the degree program
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
California State University-Dominguez Hills
California State University-Dominguez Hills is a public, co-educational institution and a member of the California State University system. It was built in 1960 in Rancho San Pedro, the oldest land-grant in the Los Angeles area. It prides itself on being the top university which admits the most number of students belonging to the minority. Practically 16,000 students have been enrolled at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Its six colleges, College of Arts and Humanities, College of Business Administration and Public Policy, College of Education, College of Extended and International Education, College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, and College of Health, Human Services and Nursing hold 44 majors for bachelor’s degree and 19 graduate programs.
In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs offered through their online studies, CSU offers certificate and credential programs, which are all delivered fully online. Students can choose from concentrations in College Counseling, Criminal Justice Policy and Administration, Dual Language Learning, Orthotics & Prosthetics, Family Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Psychology, or General Sociology, to name a few. Annual tuition for undergraduate resident students is $5,742 ($239.50 per unit) and non-residents is at $396 per unit. Full-time graduate students pay $8,375 while part-time students at $5,363.
Location: Carson, California
Admission Requirements:
- Good standing from last attended academic institution
- Minimum GPA 2.5
Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Bethesda University
Bethesda University is a Christian university that was created to train and provide professional skills and training to students who will become leaders in the future. It is a small university based in Anaheim, California and delivers programs for certificate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees. Bethesda offers certificate programs in Preschool and ESL. Its undergraduate programs have majors in Religion (Theology), Music, Business Administration, and Early Childhood Education. Master’s degree programs include Biblical Studies, Business Administration, Music, and Divinity; and its only doctorate program, Doctor of Ministry.
Bethesda University offers one of the fewest online programs, but the cheapest ones in the state. Certificate program tuition fees are from $170 to $200 per unit, undergraduate programs $235 to $265 per unit, graduate programs tuition fee range from $265-$343 per unit, and lastly, doctorate program tuition fee is at $320 per unit. Online programs available at Bethesda University are Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts in Religion (Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, and Christian Education), Master of Arts in Biblical Studies, and Master of Divinity. The university is accredited by the Association of Biblical Higher Education and the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools.
Location: Anaheim, California
Admission Requirements:
- High School GPA
- High School Transcript
- College Prep Courses (recommended)
- SAT/ACT scores
Accreditation:
- Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
- California Bureau for Private Post-secondary Education
California State University-Chico
California State University-Chico is the second-oldest campus of the California State University system. Chico State was established in 1887 as the site for a new teachers college. It has grown its normal school status and has expanded its academic offerings into more than 100 degree programs. Today, its largest majors are Business Administration, Psychology, Pre-Nursing, Criminal Justice and Liberal Studies. Chico State is proud to have continuously provided quality education, including its online learning. It is a pioneer in distance learning, offering online courses for more than four decades now.
California State University offers low-cost completely online programs such as Bachelor of Arts in Social Science (with specializations), in Liberal Studies, in Religious Studies, and Sociology. Apart from these programs, a Masters in Nursing and a certificate program in Career and Life Planning are also available. Tuition rates for undergraduate programs start at $1,673 for 0-6units (approx. $279 per unit). Tuition for graduate programs starts at $2,090 for 0-6 units and credential programs at $1,940 for 0-6 units.
Location: Chico, California
Admission Requirements:
- Cumulative GPA of at least 2.0
- Good standing at the last attended school
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
San Diego Christian College
San Diego Christian College is a private, evangelical Christian college. It was founded in 1970 as Christian Heritage College dedicated to integrating faith and service into higher learning. In 2005, it changed its name into San Diego Christian College. This small college has only an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers traditional and non-traditional degree programs. Its purpose is to produce students with a biblical worldview mirror. Academic offerings include ten undergraduate majors, four graduate programs, and eight adult and online programs.
You can earn an associate degree in Liberal Studies, or a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Christian Ministries, Communication, Human Development, Leadership, or Psychology through SDCC’s distance education programs. You can either have fully online classes or take them in the evenings. Its tuition of $1,283 cover 1-11 units (per credit) and 19+ units rate is at $452.
Location: Santee, California
Admission Requirements:
- Believer of the Christian faith
- High school diploma or GED
- GPA of at least 2.5
Accreditation: Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges