Best Online Colleges in California

Cost per Year:
In-State | $30,510
Out-of-State | $30,510

Credits to Graduate: 51-60

San Diego State University's online degrees include bachelor's-completion and master's programs. You can finish your communication, criminal justice, or economics bachelor's degree. You can also advance your career in the education field by earning an online master's in teacher leadership. 

Undergraduate admission requirements include at least 60 transferable credits and a minimum 2.75 undergraduate GPA. You need a valid teaching license to enroll in a master's in education program. You can reduce your tuition burden through institutional scholarships. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $442-$1,193
Out-of-State | $442-$1,193

Credits to Graduate: 30-180

National University offers online degrees, along with robust student support services, such as free tutoring and personalized financial aid guidance. Fully online associate degrees include general education, business, and paralegal studies. Experienced educators can qualify for leadership positions by earning an online doctorate in education or educational leadership. 

If you don't have previous undergraduate credit or Advanced Placement scores, you must take an English and math placement test. National University uses a 2.0 GPA cutoff for transfer credit, and institutional scholarships require a separate application. 

Cost per Year:
In-State | $7,105 undergraduate; $8,539 graduate
Out-of-State | $7,105 undergraduate; $8,539 plus $396 per unit graduate

Credits to Graduate: 34-120

Cal State East Bay's online degrees include bachelor's-completion programs in hospitality, ethnic studies, and social and behavioral sciences. Living near the university's Hayward campus gives you access to over two dozen hybrid bachelor's degrees. Cal State East Bay also offers online master's degrees in public administration and special education. 

Undergraduate application materials include unofficial transcripts and test scores. Graduate programs require a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Institutional scholarships can lower your out-of-pocket expenses by up to $10,000. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499 undergraduate; $660 graduate
Out-of-State | $499 undergraduate; $660 graduate

Credits to Graduate: 30-120

Consider the online programs at Los Angeles Pacific University if you want a school specializing in adult online education. The university awards associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in subjects that include the humanities and organizational leadership. 

The LAPU application takes only 10 minutes to complete and requires official high school or undergraduate transcripts. Prior learning assessments can help you turn work and life experience into college credit. LAPU's financial aid resources explain the FAFSA process and provide information on other ways to save money on a degree. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $665
Out-of-State | $665

Credits to Graduate: Varies

A private college dating back to 1891, the University of La Verne operates from its main campus 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Students can also earn a degree online through La Verne Online. 

Choose from online degree completion programs for undergrads or a graduate-level degree. Majors like criminal justice, educational studies, information technology, and organizational management prepare graduates for in-demand careers. In addition to a tuition discount for active duty military, online learners also qualify for state and federal financial aid programs. 

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $450
Out-of-State | $450

Credits to Graduate: 60-120

Situated in Fullerton, Hope International University features fully online programs at the associate and bachelor's levels. Online bachelor's degrees include business administration, Christian ministry, and psychology. Enroll in the online AA program if you plan to transfer to a four-year school. 

You submit only official high school or college transcripts to apply. A private Christian school, HIU does not charge out-of-state tuition. California residents with financial need may qualify for up to $9,220 in Cal Grants. 

Cost per Year:
In-State | $32,540 undergraduate; $34,285 graduate
Out-of-State | $32,540 undergraduate; $34,285 graduate

Credits to Graduate: 48-114

A Christian university, LLU offers online degrees in five schools. Bachelor's degrees include RN-to-BSN, advanced practitioner respiratory care, and healthcare administration. Some programs use a hybrid curriculum with coursework on LLU's Loma Linda campus.

Applicants must submit three recommendation letters and a high school or GED diploma. Some programs require standardized test scores. Although LLU does not award institutional scholarships, in-depth financial aid guides can help you fill out and submit the FAFSA.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $462 undergraduate; $1,090-$1,250 graduate
Out-of-State | $462 undergraduate; $1,090-$1,250 graduate

Credits to Graduate: 30-120

Research Golden Gate University's online programs if you want to start or continue your college education. The university features undergraduate and graduate programs in accounting, human resource management, and industrial-organizational psychology. Most online degree programs offer a hybrid option for San Francisco Bay Area residents. 

Undergraduate and graduate programs use a GPA cutoff to consider applicants and require you to submit a resume. No program at GGU requires standardized test scores. Submitting the FAFSA can help you qualify for an institutional grant. Some financial aid awards cover the full cost of tuition and fees.