California’s fastest-growing industries include talent agents and business managers, information security analysts, and data scientists. You can prepare yourself for one of these positions by earning your degree in business management, computer engineering, or another tech-related field. With so many online colleges in California to choose from, we ranked our top picks to help you take the next step toward your new career.
Top 5 online schools in California: Quick facts
The 10 best online colleges in California
Using ZDNet’s ranking methodology, we found our top picks for online colleges in California. Our formula uses federally-reported data sets and schools cannot pay for placement on our lists. Our inclusion and ranking criteria include the number of available bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Hayward, CA La Mirada, CA Los Alamitos, CA Loma Linda, CA Irvine, CA Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard. Note that for public colleges, the average annual net price given is for in-state students.
- California State University, East BayHayward, California About the school: California State University, East Bay is one of 23 campuses of California State University. The school offers a flexible learning format to fit your schedule.
Acceptance rate: 73%Graduation rate: 66%Avg. annual net price: $13,298Student body population: 13,041Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: 29Number of master’s degree programs: SixAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 800-1020Minimum GPA: 3.19Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: California State University, East Bay is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 2. Biola UniversityLa Mirada, California About the school: Biola University’s nondenominational Christian faith-based online programs allow you to work at your own pace and complete a degree in as little as 24 months.
Acceptance rate: 64%Graduation rate: 70%Avg. annual net price: $33,269Student body population: 3,683Student-to-teacher ratio: 14:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: 16Number of master’s degree programs: 26Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 1070-1290Minimum GPA: 3.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Biola University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 3. Touro University WorldwideLos Alamitos, California About the school: Touro University Worldwide offers 20 online programs and does not require entrance fees or exams to apply. This Jewish-sponsored institution is dedicated to “social justice, intellectual pursuit and philanthropic duty.”
Acceptance rate: 100%Graduation rate: 53%Avg. annual net price: $17,031Student body population: 494Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: SevenNumber of master’s degree programs: 13Avg. SAT range for admitted students: N/AMinimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Touro University Worldwide is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 4. Loma Linda UniversityLoma Linda, California About the school: Loma Linda is a Seventh-day Adventist university that boasts 19 online undergraduate and graduate degrees. All undergraduate degrees are degree-completion programs requiring transfer credits.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 89%Avg. annual net price: Not publicly availableStudent body population: 4,514Student-to-teacher ratio: 3:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: SixNumber of master’s degree programs: 13Avg. SAT range for admitted students: Not publicly availableMinimum GPA: 2.75Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Loma Linda University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 5. Concordia University IrvineIrvine, California About the school: Concordia University Irvine is a Lutheran-affiliated university offering 20 undergraduate majors and 50 specializations. That includes a computer science degree and minor.
Acceptance rate: 78%Graduation rate: 66%Avg. annual net price: $27,201Student body population: 1,703Student-to-teacher ratio: 20:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: 26Number of master’s degree programs: NineAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 1020-1210Minimum GPA: 3.54Course delivery method: Asynchronous
Accreditation: Concordia University Irvine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 6. University of Massachusetts GlobalIrvine, California About the school: The University of Massachusetts Global offers over 31 bachelor’s and 20 master’s degree programs. Students take flexible eight-week courses.
Acceptance rate: 93%Graduation rate: 57%Avg. annual net price: $26,346Student body population: 10,986Student-to-teacher ratio: 22:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: 31Number of master’s degree programs: 20Avg. SAT range for admitted students: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 7. Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los AngelesLos Angeles, California About the school: Mount Saint Mary’s University is a Catholic women’s college. The school offers five accelerated undergraduate degree programs in business, criminal justice, accounting, communications, and human services.
Acceptance rate: 89%Graduation rate: 67%Avg. annual net price: $30,938Student body population: 2,745Student-to-teacher ratio: 10:1 Number of bachelor’s degree programs: 30Number of master’s degree programs: 11Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 900-1,110Minimum GPA: 3.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Mount Saint Mary’s University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 8. California Baptist UniversityRiverside, California About the school: California Baptist University is a Southern Baptist Convention-affiliated institution. The university offers 28 undergraduate programs and requires no application fees.
Acceptance rate: 80%Graduation rate: 61%Avg. annual net price: $26,719Student body population: 8,093Student-to-teacher ratio: 19:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: 28Number of master’s degree programs: 13Avg. SAT range for admitted students: 960-1150Minimum GPA: 3.6Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: California Baptist University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 9. Simpson UniversityRedding, California About the school: Simpson University, which belongs to the Christian and Missionary Alliance, offers unique programs like a computer science degree with a focus on graphic art and interactive media.
Acceptance rate: 60%Graduation rate: 74%Avg. annual net price: $24,482Student body population: 696Student-to-teacher ratio: 13:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: 18Number of master’s degree programs: FourAvg. SAT range for admitted students: 960-1185Minimum GPA: 2.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Simpson University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). 10. Golden Gate UniversitySan Francisco, California About the school: Golden Gate University offers many online bachelor’s programs like finance degrees and project management degrees. Undergraduate degrees require transfer credit and are designed for working adults.
Acceptance rate: Not publicly availableGraduation rate: 47% Avg. annual net price: Not publicly availableStudent body population: 2,472Student-to-teacher ratio: 12:1Number of bachelor’s degree programs: SevenNumber of master’s degree programs: 12Avg. SAT range for admitted students: Not requiredMinimum GPA: 3.0Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
Accreditation: Golden Gate University is accredited by Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).
In conclusion
These top online colleges in California, several of which have high acceptance rates, make earning your degree closer than you think. After choosing your school, make sure you complete the FAFSA.
