Best Online Colleges in California of 2025
Discover the best online colleges in California in 2024 and learn what makes them stand out from the pack.By
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If you’re looking for the best online colleges in California, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve crunched the numbers using the most recent data from the National Center for College Statistics, weighing school performance based on indicators selected by actual college students.
Our top three picks all scored well in affordability, student outcomes, reputation, diversity, and social mobility. And San Diego State — our No. 1 school — knocked it out of the park. Read on to find out more about our top picks.
2025 Best Online Colleges in California
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
34%
56%
$7,176
$19,140
90%
36,637
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
San Diego, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
34%
56%
$7,176
$19,140
90%
36,637
Public
Yes
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
91%
72%
$7,176
$16,680
84%
13,999
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
91%
72%
$7,176
$16,680
84%
13,999
Public
Yes
University of La Verne
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$45,850
$45,850
75%
59%
$14,796
$14,796
77%
4,171
Private
Yes
$45,850
$45,850
La Verne, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$45,850
$45,850
75%
59%
$14,796
$14,796
77%
4,171
Private
Yes
Related Topics
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Colleges
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.
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