10 Cheapest Online Master's Degrees in California 2025

Many students choose to continue their education after their bachelor's degree by going to graduate school. Here, they can earn master's degrees and even doctoral degrees if they wish. California has dozens of schools that offer master's degrees, many of which have online programs.

Online learning provides a great option for busy students to continue their education. However, grad school can be expensive, and the cost can often prohibit students from pursuing an advanced degree. Luckily, several schools in the U.S. offer cheap master's degree online. Keep reading to discover affordable online master's programs in California.

10 Most Affordable Online Master's Programs in California

Despite the typically high cost of living in California, the state is home to many affordable colleges and universities, including many that offer cheap online master's degrees. Keep reading to discover the most affordable online master's programs in California.

1. University of the People

University of the People is a private, nonprofit online school dedicated to providing affordable higher education. It's based in Pasadena, CA, and offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science (MS) in information technology, and Master of Education (MEd).

The university has a unique tuition structure, in that it doesn't actually charge for tuition. Instead, it charges an assessment fee per course. The cost is $350 per course for the Master of Education, for a total of $4,550. The MBA and IT degrees are $400 per course, for a total of about $4,800.

• Average cost per credit hour: $127.78
• Financial aid: offers institutional scholarships
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. California State University, Dominguez Hills

At California State University, Dominguez Hills, students can choose from half a dozen online master's degrees. Tuition varies by program, and some of the least expensive options include:

• Master of Arts (MA) in negotiation, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding: $337 per credit
• Master of Science in quality assurance: $347 per credit
• Master of Science in radiologic imaging sciences: $412 per credit
• Master of Science in systems engineering: $553 per credit

CSUDH, a public university, is located in Carson, CA, and is a member of the California State University (CSU) system. It also offers an online Master of Public Administration (MPA) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).

• Average cost per credit hour: $449.80
• Financial aid: accepts aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid, but does not accept state or federal grants for online programs
• Accreditation: WSCUC

3. The Master's University

The Master's University offers five online master's degree programs. The institution is a private Christian school in Santa Clarita, CA.

Tuition varies depending on the program. The MA in biblical studies is only $425 per credit, while the MBA, MEd in teaching, and Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) are $595 per credit. The university also offers an online MA in biblical counseling for $745 per credit.

• Average cost per credit hour: $591
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

4. National University

Nearly 50 online master's degrees and certificate programs are available through National University. These span multiple subjects, including education, business, healthcare, and social sciences.

National University, based in San Diego, is a private, nonprofit institution geared toward adult and non-traditional learners. It charges $442 per credit hour for the majority of its online master's degrees, although some programs have a higher rate.

• Average cost per credit hour: $442
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

5. Humphreys University

Humphreys University is a private, nonprofit institution based in Stockton with an additional campus in Modesto, CA. It offers six master's degrees in an online or virtual format in fields like business administration, education, teaching, and legal studies.

All are $460 per credit, although some specific MEd courses have a lower tuition rate. The MBA offers concentrations in information technology and organizational leadership. A multiple-subject teaching credential is also available online.

• Average cost per credit hour: $460
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

6. California State University, Bakersfield

Students at Cal State Bakersfield can earn two master's degrees online: an MS in kinesiology and an MA in curriculum and instruction. A Master of Social Work (MSW) is also available in a hybrid format.

CSUB, located in Bakersfield, CA, is a public university. It charges $473 for the online degree in curriculum and instruction and $641 per credit for the kinesiology degree. The hybrid MSW is $651 per credit.

• Average cost per credit hour: $588.33
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

7. California State University, San Marcos

The San Marcos campus of the CSU system offers a handful of online master's degrees. Tuition varies by program, but some of the more inexpensive options include:

• Master of Arts in reading, language, and literacy: $475 per credit
• Master of Public Health (MPH): $543.43 per credit
• Master of Arts in educational administration: $530 per credit
• Master of Social Work: $530 per credit

An MS in cybersecurity is also available online through CSUSM, but this program has a higher tuition rate, at $875 per credit hour. Note that some programs offer the same rate for in-state and out-of-state students, while others charge a higher rate to non-California residents.

• Average cost per credit hour: $590.69
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

8. Columbia College

Through Columbia College, students can earn multiple master's degrees online. These include degrees in fields like business, education, criminal justice, and information systems. The tuition rate is $490 per credit hour.

Columbia College, a private, nonprofit school, is based in Columbia, MO. However, it has campuses across the U.S., including one in Imperial, CA, and one in San Diego.

• Average cost per credit hour: $490
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

9. California State University, Sacramento

California State University, Sacramento, is a public institution in Sacramento, CA. It offers a few different online graduate degrees, although some have lower tuition rates than others. These include:

• Master of Science in Nursing: $495 per credit
• Master of Arts in education in curriculum and instruction: $565 per credit
• Master of Public Health: $689 per credit
• Master of Science in accountancy: $740 per credit

In addition to the above degrees, the university also offers a Master of Business Administration as well as degrees in business analytics and finance for online students, but these tuition rates are much higher.

• Average cost per credit hour: $730.57
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

10. Touro University Worldwide

Through Touro University Worldwide, students can earn multiple master's degrees online, including degrees in human resources, counseling, psychology, and healthcare administration. All master's degrees are $500 per credit, with the exception of the MA in marriage and family therapy, which is $525 per credit.

Touro University, a private Jewish university system, is headquartered in New York City. However, its online Worldwide campus is based in Los Alamitos, CA. The university also has a few additional in-person campuses, including one located in Los Angeles.

• Average cost per credit hour: $500
• Financial aid: accepts FAFSA, offers institutional scholarships, accepts private aid
• Accreditation: WSCUC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the affordable online master's programs listed above, our methodology focused on:

• Location: All schools listed above are located in California
• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited, most by the WSCUC.
• Affordability: Once we narrowed down the accredited schools in California offering online master's degrees, we looked at which had the lowest tuition costs.
• Program reputation: All schools on this list are accredited and recognized for offering high-quality online learning options, including online graduate programs.

FAQs About Cheap Online Master's Programs in California

There are several affordable online programs in California to choose from. Below, we've answered some FAQs about these programs to help you decide.

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

The cost of an online master's degree in California depends on several factors, such as what school you choose, your major, and whether you already have graduate credits or not.

In general, public schools tend to cost less than private schools. However, as you may have noticed from the list above, this is not always the case. For example, graduate tuition at CSU Dominguez Hills starts at $337 per credit, but tuition at CSU East Bay starts at over $600 per credit, and CSU Northridge charges over $800 per credit.

Meanwhile, schools like University of the People and The Master's University charge lower rates. However, other private schools, like Pepperdine, the University of San Francisco, and the University of Southern California, charge over $1,000 per credit hour.

Additionally, majors can have a huge influence on costs. MBAs, while some of the highest-paying master's degrees, are often also the most expensive. Meanwhile, education programs usually have lower tuition rates.

Is There Financial Aid for Online Master's Programs in California?

Financial aid is available to grad students in California. All students should fill out their FAFSA each year to see what federal and state aid they qualify for.

As master's degree programs are less likely to receive federal or state aid, many schools also offer institutional aid, like scholarships and grants. Sometimes these are general financial aid options, while other times they're geared toward students in specific fields. For example, a scholarship for STEM students may include majors like computer science or data science.

Are Online Master's Degrees Cheaper Than In-Person Programs?

In many cases, online courses are cheaper than in-person ones, although this is not always the case. It's wise to check tuition rates before you decide whether to take your program online or on campus.

Often, online programs are an especially good deal for out-of-state students, as many schools charge online students the in-state rate. But again, it depends on your graduate school and your program.

How Long Does an Online Master's Program Take?

A typical master's degree requires 30 to 40 credits and takes an average of two years to complete. However, this can vary depending on several factors.

Students who study full-time will be able to finish faster, while those who study part-time take a more leisurely pace through their coursework. Some schools also offer summer semesters, which can allow you to finish your program faster.

You may be able to start taking graduate credits while still in your bachelor's degree program. This reduces the amount of time you have left for your master's as well as the amount you need to pay. Check with your school to see if this option is available for you.

Find an Online Master's Degree

Boost your career prospects by exploring the cheap online master's degrees featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about admissions requirements, enrollment, and financial aid.