10 Most Affordable Online Colleges in California 2025

Students in California can find flexible, convenient, and affordable online degree programs through accredited colleges and universities in their state.

Earning a degree can make a huge difference in your career, but for many students, it's hard to find the time or money to go to school. Affordable online colleges can make this easier.

Many online colleges in California offer low-cost degrees, and many also offer financial aid that can significantly reduce these costs. Below, we've listed the cheapest colleges in California.

List of the Cheapest Online Colleges in California

While there are plenty of expensive universities in California, there are also several affordable online universities. We've highlighted the 10 cheapest online colleges in California below.

1. University of the People

University of the People is a private online college based in Pasadena, CA. It offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in business administration, computer science, health science, and more.

University of the People is nearly free; students just have to pay a $60 application fee and a $140 assessment fee per course. However, it's important to note that UoPeople is not yet regionally accredited but is in candidacy for regional accreditation by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). In the meantime, it holds national accreditation through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

2. California State University, Stanislaus

At California State University, Stanislaus, students can earn online bachelor's or master's degrees. Areas of study include business administration, gender studies, and leadership studies.

Stanislaus State, located in Turlock, CA, is part of the public California State University system. Tuition for undergraduate programs is $6,084 per year or roughly $253.50 per credit, and students may qualify for financial aid opportunities like the Cal Grant or the State University Grant.

3. California State University, East Bay

California State University, East Bay offers bachelor's and master's degrees online in fields like anthropology, business, healthcare administration, and social work. Another member of the CSU system, this campus is located in Hayward, CA.

Tuition for undergraduate in-state students is $7,583 per year or about $315.96 per credit. Out-of-state students pay an additional $420 per credit hour, although students from states participating in the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) receive a discount on out-of-state tuition.

4. The Master's University

Online bachelor's and master's degrees are available at The Master's University. Areas of study include biblical studies, business, healthcare administration, and public relations.

Undergraduate lower-level general education courses cost $350 per credit, while upper-level major courses cost $450 per credit. Financial aid options, including scholarships and grants, are available to help students cover the cost of their higher education.

5. California State University, Chico

California State University, Chico is a public institution in Chico, CA. It offers bachelor's and master's degrees through online learning in fields such as business administration, computer science, humanities, and social science.

In-state tuition at CSU Chico is $353 per credit hour. Like at CSUEB, out-of-state students pay an additional $420 per credit and WUE students receive a discount.

6. California State University, Bakersfield

Students at California State University, Bakersfield can take advantage of online degree programs at the bachelor's and master's levels. Areas of study include communication, education, and sociology.

The tuition rate for undergraduate college degrees at CSUB is $370 per credit. Students may qualify to have a significant amount of their coursework covered through programs like the Cal Grant and the State University Grant.

7. National University

National University offers online degrees from the associate degree through the doctoral degree levels. Numerous fields are available, including business administration, criminal justice, public health, and social sciences.

National University is a private institution based in San Diego and geared toward adult and nontraditional learners. Tuition costs vary by program, but most undergraduate online degrees have a tuition rate of $370 per credit.

8. Columbia College

Associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees are available online through Columbia College. Though based in Columbia, MO, the private school has campuses in San Diego and Imperial, CA.

Columbia College offers online education programs in areas of study like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and psychology. Tuition for undergraduate programs is $375 per credit hour.

9. Humphrey's University

Humphrey's University is a private institution with campuses in Stockton and Modesto, CA. It offers online undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business administration, criminal justice, education, and legal studies.

The tuition rate at Humphrey's University is $375 per credit hour. College students may qualify for scholarships and grants, like the Cal Grant, to help cover the cost of their online courses.

10. San Diego Christian College

Through San Diego Christian College, students can earn associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees online. Areas of study include communication, leadership, and psychology.

SDCC, a private school, is located in southern California. Tuition for undergraduate programs is $399 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the affordable online colleges above, we started our methodology by narrowing down the best online colleges in California by focusing on:

Location: All schools are based in or have at least one campus in California.
Accreditation: Every school is regionally accredited or, in the case of the University of the People, in candidacy for regional accreditation.
Type: We focused on four-year public and nonprofit private schools. While many California Community Colleges have affordable distance learning programs, we wanted to focus specifically on affordable online bachelor's degree programs.

Once we had this list of schools, we sorted them by which had the lowest tuition rates to find the most inexpensive online universities in California.

How Much Do Online Schools in California Cost?

Online schools in California can range from virtually free, like at the University of the People, to over $1,000 per credit hour for bachelor's degrees. However, your total tuition costs will vary depending on many factors, including the financial aid you qualify for. According to U.S. News, the average cost of an online bachelor's degree is $338 per credit.

How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable?

To make an online degree affordable, it's crucial to consider the financial aspects before enrolling in a program. Fortunately, there are multiple options available to ease the cost of online classes.

Federal grants like the Federal Pell Grant provide an opportunity to pursue online classes without incurring debt, as they don't require repayment. It's important to maintain satisfactory academic performance to remain eligible.

Scholarships are valuable resources for covering the costs of online education. They do not require repayment and can significantly alleviate financial burdens. Scholarships are offered by colleges and private institutions, and are awarded based on factors like GPA and extracurricular activities.

Many employers provide tuition reimbursement programs for employees, considering factors like financial situation and academic achievement. These programs often require a commitment to stay employed for a specific duration after graduation as part of the agreement.

Learn more on how to make an online degree more affordable below:

FAQs About the Cheapest Online Colleges in California

Below, we've addressed some frequently asked questions about the cheapest online colleges in California.

What Is the Cheapest Online College in California?

For really cheap online courses and degrees, you can't beat the almost free University of the People. For regionally accredited schools, Stanislaus State is the next cheapest, with a tuition rate of $253.50 per credit.

Can I Get Free Online College in California?

It is possible to go to school for free in California. You could attend a school like the University of the People, or take advantage of grants and scholarships. By filling out the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education, you may qualify for programs like the Pell Grant or Cal Grant which could completely eliminate your tuition costs.

Are Affordable Online Degrees Accredited?

While not all affordable online degrees are accredited, the ones above are. Look for regionally accredited schools to ensure you get a high-quality education.

What Is the Easiest Online College in California?

The easiest online colleges for most students are community colleges, as these are typically more laid back than four-year institutions. Schools geared toward adult students, like National University, are often more flexible, making it easier to fit your online learning into your busy life.

What Is the Cheapest Online Business Degree in California?

The cheapest online business degree in California comes from the University of the People. After that is CSU East Bay, which charges $315.96 per credit.

Find Affordable Online Colleges and Degree Programs

Find the right affordable online degree for you by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.