20 Best Online Colleges In California

A ranking of the best online colleges in California. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated on January 13, 2023

Looking for reasons to go to school in California, but can't actually move away? Perhaps you have a career already and need to complete a degree, or maybe you have domestic obligations that preclude you moving to another state.

If so, you should consider a digital education program from one of the best online colleges in California.

What kind of online college in California should I attend?

Some of the best online colleges are in California. With diverse program offerings from online programs at large national research universities to the parochial, private digital classrooms of Christian colleges, one can find an assortment of program offerings, from the best online MBA programs to the best online nursing programs.

How much money will you make with an online degree?

Because you can earn an array of degrees online, from nursing to engineering, fine arts to criminal justice, there's no way to determine an average salary. However, we can say this much. A degree on your resume ups the ante. Employers will see that you're committed to your education, that you have experience, and that you've developed the skills necessary to move you up the career ladder.

Plus, an online degree is often way more affordable than "traditional" education. This makes the return on investment even better. And it makes the decision to earn a degree even more incentivizing.

What can you do with an online degree?

The opportunities are as many as the state is big! With an online degree from one of these esteemed colleges in California you can find yourself in a variety of industries. Indeed, while some of the programs below are focused on professional development, others are academically oriented. It all depends on your career goals.

For example, graduates from these schools have earned degrees in:

  • Business Administration

  • Early Childhood Education

  • Nursing

  • Psychology and Sociology

  • Engineering, and so much more

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What are the requirements for an online degree?

The requirements for earning an online degree from one of these California universities and colleges varies depending on the program itself. For example, an environmental engineering degree will look worlds different than a degree in clinical psychology.

However, one thing you can anticipate are due dates. With distance education, you can work flexibly through your program, but you'll have to meet deadlines in order to progress. You'll also be required to connect with professors online. And you may even take virtual classes or participate in online forums.

What are the best online colleges in California?

Alongside diverse programs offerings, California schools have diverse classrooms serving multi-cultural student populations. This goes for non-traditional students who take online classes. Perhaps you're over the age of 25 or are returning to school after a significant absence or are trying to complete a degree while you support a family. All of these might make attending one of the best online colleges in California a better decision than dropping your responsibilities and enrolling in a traditional-format higher ed program.

No matter your circumstance, College Choice is committed to helping you discover the schools that best fit your needs, so take a look at our ranking of the Best Online Colleges in California to see what's right for you. Happy hunting!

Best Online Colleges in California

See our rankings methodology page.

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