How many online colleges are in California?

California is home to more than 250 four-year colleges and universities, many of which have online programs. In 2022, 27% of the state's students were enrolled exclusively in online programs. Students in the California State University (CSU) system — the largest university system in California — have access to 170 fully online and 140 hybrid programs at 23 colleges.

What is the cheapest online college in California?

Schools within the CSU system offer relatively affordable tuition. CSU Fresno and CSU Los Angeles offer the lowest in-state tuition and fees for the 2023-2024 school year at $6,980 and $6,813, respectively. NCES data shows that CSUs charge between $18,500-$19,600 for out-of-state tuition and fees. Tuition at schools outside of the CSU system also varies. Be aware that some online colleges in California may charge affordable per-credit tuition but pair it with exorbitant fees that make your education more expensive.

Can you attend online college in California for free?

If you are a California resident, you can reduce the cost of your college education by attending community colleges for free if you qualify. You can then transfer an associate degree or a block of credits to a four-year online college in California, lowering the cost of your tuition. Alternatively, students living in any state can explore student aid options such as scholarships and grants that offer free money for college.

Is attending online college in California worth it?

Attending college in California gives you access to some of the best online schools in the country. California ranks in the world's top five largest economies, providing college graduates with a wealth of job and entrepreneurial opportunities that many other communities may lack. But make sure to do your research on the cost of attending online colleges in California and explore career options and salary projections to see what path is right for you.

Best Online Colleges in California of 2025

Q: How much does online college cost in California?

Students in California paid an average of $8,637 in in-state tuition in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Comparatively, out-of-state students paid $32,967 for the same programs. Some colleges waive out-of-state charges for online learners, so online colleges in California might cost less than on-campus programs. Additionally, you can save money on expenses such as transportation and childcare if you study online.

Discover the best online colleges in California in 2025 and find the perfect match for your educational goals.

Edited by

Updated January 6, 2025

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California is a highly sought-after destination for earning a degree. Colleges and universities in the Golden State constitute 13% of full-time equivalent enrollment across all higher education institutions in the United States.

For those looking to attend a California college without the commute, many schools offer online programs that provide flexibility for students seeking a degree without the requirement of being physically present on campus.

Read on to discover the best online colleges in California in 2025.

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Best Online Colleges in California

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

34%

Acceptance Rate

56%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,140

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

36,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

San Diego State University

San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

34%

Online Enrollment

56%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,140

Retention Rate

90%

Students Enrolled

36,637

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

California State University, Chico

Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

91%

Acceptance Rate

72%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

13,999

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

California State University, Chico

Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment

72%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

84%

Students Enrolled

13,999

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$45,850

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$45,850

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

75%

Acceptance Rate

59%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,796

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,796

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,171

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$45,850

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$45,850

University of La Verne

La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$45,850

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$45,850

Acceptance Rate

75%

Online Enrollment

59%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$14,796

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,796

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

4,171

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why You Should Get a Degree in California

Academic Institutions
California is home to some of the country’s top colleges, many of which offer fully online and hybrid degree programs.
Work Opportunities
Students in California can benefit from learning opportunities at prominent California-based companies, including those in the technology and entertainment fields.
Cultural Diversity
California is renowned for its cultural and racial diversity, known for being a more progressive state and having LGBTQ+ friendly schools.

Benefits of Getting a Degree Online

43% of students enrolled full time in online programs of any major are also employed full time.
73% of online program graduates say their education prepared or will prepare them for their first job after graduation well, very well, or extremely well.
93% of students say their degree will have or has a positive return on investment (ROI). And 97% say they would recommend online education to others.

How Much Does Online College Cost in California?

The typical annual tuition and fees at a public college in California are just over $8,500 for in-state students. The cost rises to just under $33,000 for out-of-state students and increases to $42,000 for students enrolled at a private institution, more than four times the in-state rate of public colleges.

However, many students qualify for financial aid, including grants and scholarships, that lower the overall cost of attendance. California residents can benefit from state-specific financial aid programs like Cal Grant awards and the Middle Class Scholarship.

Additionally, many online colleges offer their own scholarships and financial aid opportunities for students. Some online universities also offer flat-rate tuition prices regardless of where you live.

Public, In-State

Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)

$8,637

Public, Out-of-State

Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)

$32,967

Private

Avg. Tuition & Fees (2022-23)

$42,017

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Find Financial Aid for Your Degree

→ California Scholarships

→ Cheapest Colleges in California 2024

→ Your Guide to the FAFSA

→ Your Guide to College Loans

Accreditation for Online Colleges in California

Accreditation ensures that institutions are providing students with a quality education. In the U.S., accreditation is granted by independent regional and/or national accrediting agencies.

Online colleges typically receive accreditation from the same agencies that evaluate on-campus programs. Accreditation for online colleges is important because it prevents fraudulent or unreputable institutions from masquerading as legitimate online learning institutions.

Students can search the Department of Education’s accreditation database to determine their school’s accreditation status.

Fastest-Growing Careers in California

The fastest-growing jobs in California are predominantly in the healthcare industry, with positions such as nurse practitioners, physical therapist assistants, and physician assistants in high demand.

The education requirements for these roles vary from associate degrees to master’s degrees, many of which can be pursued online. Degrees obtained from online institutions are equivalent to those from traditional in-person institutions and can serve as a pathway to employment in a rapidly growing field.

Below are 10 of the fastest-growing jobs in California. Note that the projected growth and salary information are specific to California.

10 of the Fast-Growing Jobs in California (2022-2032)
Job	Projected Job Growth	Median Annual Salary (2023)	Minimum Education Required
Nurse Practitioners	59%	$163,201	Master’s degree
Physical Therapist Assistants	42%	$83,888	Associate degree
Physician Assistants	40%	$147,998	Master’s degree
Medical and Health Services Managers	40%	$134,498	Bachelor’s degree
Statisticians	39%	$137,032	Master’s degree
Occupational Therapy Assistants	33%	$83,773	Associate degree
Data Scientists	33%	$131,684	Bachelor’s degree
Information Security Analysts	31%	$140,012	Bachelor’s degree
Counselors	30%	$40,426	Master’s degree
Nurse Anesthetists	30%	$244,157	Master’s degree

Source: Employment Development Department

Learn More About Jobs in California

→ What Are the Fastest-Growing Careers in California?

→ 10 Highest-Paying Jobs in California

→ 10 Degrees That Make Sense to Earn in California

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges in California

California residents can receive a tuition fee waiver through the California College Promise Grant if they meet certain criteria. These include meeting low-income criteria, demonstrating financial need, or being classified as a youth without housing. Students are required to reapply for the program annually to continue to receive the fee waiver.