Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degrees in California 2025

For busy students, online and distance education options can be the best way to earn a college degree. For those in California, it can also be highly cost-effective, as it doesn't require relocating to higher-cost cities or having to commute through the state's notorious traffic.

Many colleges in the U.S. offer some of the cheapest online bachelor's degrees. In California, prices can vary significantly. Keep reading to discover the cheapest online bachelor's degrees in California.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree Cost in California?

Tuition for bachelor's degrees in California can depend on a variety of factors. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of tuition at a public California institution is $8,637 per year, while the average at a private school is $42,017 per year.

The school you choose can have a huge impact on your tuition costs, and public universities aren't always the least expensive option. Some public schools have high rates, and some private ones offer affordable online bachelor's degree programs.

Additionally, the financial aid you receive will also have a significant impact. Looking for cheap online colleges that accept financial aid can help you lower your costs. California offers programs like the Cal Grant to help residents cover their tuition.

Other things, like your state of residency, program of study, and whether you have transfer credits can also impact your total costs.

Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in California

Several colleges and universities in California offer low-cost online bachelor's degrees. We've featured 10 of the most affordable options below.

1. University of the People

University of the People is a nonprofit, private online school based in Pasadena, CA. It does not charge a tuition fee, and instead charges a $60 application fee and a $140 course assessment fee per online course you take.

Three online bachelor's degrees are available through the University of the People:

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in business administration with available concentrations in areas like entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing
• BS in computer science with specializations in data science and network and application security
• BS in health science with concentrations in behavioral health, biology, epidemiology, and public health

The business and computer science degrees require 40 courses, for a total of $5,660 for the degrees, including the application fee. The health sciences degree requires 39 courses for a total of $5,520.

Average in-state tuition: free

Average out-of-state tuition: free

Financial aid: University of the People offers institutional aid and accepts private aid. Because it does not charge for tuition, it cannot accept aid through FAFSA.

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. California State University, Stanislaus

At California State University, Stanislaus, students can earn three bachelor's degrees through online education. The areas of study are gender studies, with multiple concentrations, leadership studies, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) for students who already have their Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Stanislaus State, a public university, is located in Turlock, CA. Tuition is $6,450 per year, or roughly $268.75 per credit. Note that currently, Stanislaus State is not authorized to offer online programs to students living outside of California.

Average in-state tuition: $268.75 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: N/A

Financial aid: Stanislaus State offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs.

Accreditation: WSCUC

3. California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay offers a variety of online bachelor's degrees to college students. CSUEB is a public university in Hayward, CA.

Online degrees are available in fields like anthropology, business administration, social sciences, and social work. Tuition for in-state students is $7,993 per year or about $333.04 per credit hour.

Tuition for out-of-state students is currently not available through CSUEB, but according to the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator tool, tuition in 2024 was $18,935 for out-of-state students.

Average in-state tuition: $333.04 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $788.96 per credit

Financial aid: CSUEB offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

4. National University

Dozens of bachelor's degrees are available through online learning at National University. Areas of study include computer science, criminal justice, healthcare administration, and social sciences.

National University, located in San Diego, is a nonprofit private institution. The tuition rate for most online bachelor's degrees is $370 per credit. However, tuition ranges from $348 to $407 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $370 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $370 per credit

Financial aid: National University accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

5. California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico, is a public institution in Chico, CA, and another member of the CSU system. It offers online bachelor's degrees in fields like business administration, humanities, nursing, and social sciences.

The in-state tuition rate is $8,896 per year, or about $370.83. Out-of-state students pay an additional $420 per credit or $790.83 per year.

Average in-state tuition: $370.83 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $790.83 per credit

Financial aid: Cal State Chico accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

6. Columbia College

Students at Columbia College will find a number of bachelor's degrees online. Areas of study include computer science, criminal justice, human resources, and psychology.

Columbia College, a private, nonprofit university, is based in Columbia, MO. However, it has campuses across the U.S., including one in San Diego and another in Imperial, CA. Tuition for online bachelor's degrees is $375 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit

Financial aid: Columbia College offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. Humphreys University

Humphreys University offers a handful of bachelor's degrees online. The private, nonprofit university has campuses in Modesto and Stockton, CA.

Online programs are available in fields like business administration, early childhood education, legal studies, and liberal arts. Tuition is $375 per credit hour.

Average in-state tuition: $375 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $375 per credit

Financial aid: Humphreys University offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

8. Touro University Worldwide

Four online bachelor's degrees are available through Touro University Worldwide: business administration, health sciences, psychology, and social work. The business administration and health sciences majors both offer multiple concentrations.

Touro University is a private Jewish university system headquartered in New York City, but its online, worldwide campus is based in Los Alamitos, CA. Online bachelor's programs through TUW are $400 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $400 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $400 per credit

Financial aid: TUW accepts aid through FAFSA and private programs. It also offers institutional aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

9. San Francisco State University

San Francisco State University is a public CSU school in San Francisco. It offers online bachelor's degrees in business administration, criminal justice, and psychology.

Tuition at SFSU is program-dependent. The criminal justice degree is $415 per credit, while the other two options are $495 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $468.33 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $468.33 per credit

Financial aid: SFSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private aid.

Accreditation: WSCUC

10. California State University, San Bernardino

Through California State University, San Bernardino, students can choose from three online bachelor's degrees. These majors are business administration, criminal justice, and social sciences.

CSUSB, a public research institution, is located in San Bernardino, CA. Like SFSU, tuition here is program-dependent, with the criminal justice and social sciences programs costing $420 per credit and the business administration degree costing $475 per credit.

Average in-state tuition: $428.33 per credit

Average out-of-state tuition: $438.33 per credit

Financial aid: CSUSB offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources.

Accreditation: WSCUC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the online universities listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools hold regional accreditation.
• Affordability: Once we narrowed down which accredited schools in California offer online bachelor's degrees, we sorted by lowest tuition costs.
• Program reputation and quality: All schools selected are four-year and public or private nonprofit, so as to ensure high-quality education programs.
• Online format: Every school offers at least three bachelor's degrees through online or distance learning.

FAQs About the Cheapest Bachelor's Degrees in California

It can be tricky to determine what the best and cheapest online bachelor's degree is, especially when you factor in things like transfer credits and financial aid. Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about affordable online bachelor's degrees in California.

What Is the Cheapest Online Bachelor's Degree in California?

Without factoring in financial aid, the cheapest online bachelor's degrees in California come from the University of the People. The university only charges an assessment fee of $140 per course. Considering that most courses are three credits, that breaks down to just over $40 per credit.

However, financial aid opportunities can help eliminate tuition costs. Nearly all schools in California accept aid through the Cal Grant, and there are also many online colleges that accept the Pell Grant, a federal grant option. To find out what you qualify for, fill out the FAFSA every year.

What Is the Cheapest Way To Get a Bachelor's Degree?

If you're still in high school, the cheapest way to get a bachelor's degree is to start taking college-level coursework during your junior and senior years. Options like Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow you to earn college credit for free.

If you're already out of high school, you can reduce your costs by starting your higher education with an associate degree at a community college. This allows you to, at the very least, finish your general education coursework. Community colleges are often much less expensive than four-year schools, especially in California.

Once you have some college credits, look for online colleges that accept transfer credits. Most accept at least some amount. Then you can pursue a degree completion pathway to finish your bachelor's program.

Additionally, financial aid can make a big difference. Fill out the FAFSA to see if you qualify for programs like the Cal Grant or Pell Grant, and look for scholarships for online students.

Is Online College Worth It?

For many students, especially adult learners, online college is worth it. Learning online allows them to earn their degree in a format that offers far more flexibility than learning in person.

Online classes usually allow students to complete their coursework at whatever time suits them best. This is ideal for working adults or those who have family to care for.

What Other Fees Should I Expect for an Online Bachelor's Degree?

Fees can vary between schools. Some charge a technology fee for online learning but waive many of the on-campus fees. Others charge the exact same fees no matter how a student learns. You can usually find a full list of fees on the college website.

Some grants and scholarships will only cover tuition and not fees. If you're concerned, look for online colleges with monthly payment plans and speak with your school's financial aid office.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees

Find the perfect online bachelor's degree by exploring the affordable options on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.