Best Online Colleges in Los Angeles
California State University, Fresno Pacific University, and California Baptist University are among the best online colleges for students near Los Angeles.
Online learning offers a fantastic opportunity to earn a degree from home or anywhere with an Internet connection. Schools nationwide provide online degree programs in areas of study like business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity, mathematics, and English.
But what if you live near Los Angeles? Are reputable online programs available in the area? Students in Los Angeles and surrounding cities can choose from great online universities, including California State University, Fresno Pacific University, and California Baptist University.
The best online colleges are accredited and provide multiple online bachelor's degree options. Below, we'll explore colleges near Los Angeles offering online degrees. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about online schools.
Online Degree Programs Near Los Angeles
Beginning a great career in your field of choice often starts with earning a bachelor's degree. If you live near Los Angeles or in the surrounding states and want to earn a degree online, explore some of the best online colleges in the area.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University is a private Christian school that has earned high rankings for career preparedness. College students interested in attending this school online can pursue bachelor's degrees like:
- Christian ministries, BA
- English, BA
- graphic design and digital media, BA
- public administration, BA
- public health, BS
Graduate programs from California Baptist University include MBAs in accounting and management and an MPA in public administration. The university offers online doctoral degrees in business administration, leadership studies, and medical science.
Other Online Degree Programs
Even though there's only one university with online degrees near Los Angeles, you can look into several other great programs that are in California and nearby.
1. California State University at East Bay
California State at East Bay offers multiple fully online bachelor's degree programs in areas of study like business administration, history, human development, and hospitality. Some programs include:
- accounting, BS
- health sciences, BS
- Asian-American studies, BA
- migration and globalization, BA
- computer science, BS
The school offers online master's degrees in healthcare administration, marketing analytics, and community mental health. Online education programs are also available at the graduate level. They include early childhood education and educational leadership.
2. Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University offers online degree completion programs in several fields. Learners can choose from bachelor's degrees like the following:
- liberal arts, BA
- criminology, BA
- social welfare, BA
- healthcare administration (business administration), BA
- early childhood development, BA
Online students can also find multiple online master's programs at the university. Graduate degrees are available in kinesiology, school counseling, teaching, special education, and school library and information technology.
3. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers dozens of online degree programs for undergraduate students. A handful of the many bachelor's degree options include:
- organizational leadership, BA
- justice studies, BS
- engineering management, BSE
- user experience, BS
- communication, BA
ASU Online also offers more than 120 master's degrees and doctoral programs. Master's programs include global security, business analytics, and social work. Doctoral degrees are available in behavioral health, engineering, and leadership and innovation.
4. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) offers plenty of programs for students who prefer online courses over on-campus learning. Students can choose from four-year undergraduate programs like the following:
- anthropology, BA
- communication studies, BA
- multidisciplinary studies, BA
- psychology, BA
- urban studies, BS
UNLV offers online graduate certificate programs in addiction studies and business analytics. Online master's and doctoral degrees are available in nursing, public health, and urban leadership.
5. Oregon State University
At Oregon State University, students can choose from more than 110 online programs. Bachelor's degrees like the following are available:
- French, BA
- crop and soil science, BS
- horticulture, BS
- supply chain and logistics management, BS
- zoology, BS
The university offers online master's degrees in business, education, environmental sciences, and public policy. Students can earn doctoral degrees in adult and higher education and counseling.
6. Eastern Oregon University
Students attending Eastern Oregon University who prefer online classes can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees in various areas of study. Bachelor's degrees include:
- accounting, BS/BA
- English/writing, BS/BA
- health and human performance, BS/BA
- data analytics, BS/BA/BAS
- cybersecurity, BS/BA/BAS
An associate degree is available in early childhood education. Graduate degree seekers can enroll in master's programs in teaching, business administration, creative writing, and clinical mental health counseling.
7. Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is known as being an affordable online college and has been ranked one of the most cost-friendly schools in the state. It offers fully online coursework via dozens of undergraduate and graduate programs. Bachelor's degrees include:
- career and technical education, BSED
- psychological sciences, BS
- parks and recreation management, BS
- respiratory care, BS
- medical assisting, BS
Master's degrees are offered in strategic communication, cybersecurity, educational technology, geography, and science teaching. Students can also pursue a DMSC in medical science or a DNP in nursing practice.
8. Washington State University
Washington State University offers the WSU Global Campus for students who want to earn their degrees from home. The university provides highly ranked 100% online bachelor's degrees like the following:
- history, BA
- human development, BA
- sociology, BA
- political science, BA
- psychology, BS
WSU Global Campus offers graduate degrees in agriculture, electrical power engineering, healthcare administration and leadership, and more.
9. University of Phoenix
Dozens of online degrees in business, education, communication, and more are available at the University of Phoenix. Online bachelor's degrees include:
- English, BA
- communication, BS
- data science, BS
- social work, BS
- management, BS
Enrollees can pursue master's degrees in health administration, elementary teacher education, and business administration. Online Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Management programs are also available.
FAQs About Online Degree Programs in Los Angeles
Want to learn more about online degree programs at schools in California and neighboring states? Review the following frequently asked questions.
Is There Financial Aid for Online College?
Yes, financial aid is often available to online learners. Schools like Cal State East Bay help students reduce tuition rates and other school costs by offering access to scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study jobs.
Qualifying for financial aid typically starts with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Eligibility is usually granted to full-time, part-time, in-state, and out-of-state students. U.S. citizens and international students can receive aid. Transfer students usually also qualify.
Is an Online College Degree Worth It?
Yes, online degrees are worth it. They are great options for students who want a high-quality education from an accredited institution. These degrees allow students to learn from home and often provide flexible class schedules, which is great for busy learners.
Some worry that employers don't take online learning seriously. However, studies show that many employers view the credibility of online degrees similarly to on-campus degrees.
The perks of online learning have helped increase online enrollment. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), in the fall of 2021, 9.4 million students (61% of all undergraduates) were enrolled in at least one distance learning course.
Are There Online Community Colleges in Los Angeles?
Yes, there are community colleges in Los Angeles offering online learning opportunities. For example, West Los Angeles College offers online associate degrees for transfer in business administration, biology, art history, and communication studies. An AS to BS degree completion program in dental hygiene is also available.
Students attending Los Angeles City College and Los Angeles Southwest College can take some courses in fully online or hybrid formats.
Find an Online College in Los Angeles Today
If you're ready to earn an online degree from an accredited online college near Los Angeles, explore the degree programs offered by schools on Learn.org. Contact one of these colleges directly to learn how their programs can help you reach your career goals.