4 Accredited Self-Paced Online Colleges in California 2025

For students with busy schedules, online colleges with flexible schedules can be the perfect way to complete higher education. These programs don't require students to meet in person, which allows them to set their own schedules and choose how to complete their courses.

Online students who need even more flexibility can look into self-paced online colleges. These programs let students move through courses entirely at their own pace. Keep reading to discover some of the best accredited self-paced online colleges in California.

Best Accredited Self-Paced Online Colleges in California

While the best accredited online colleges in California provide flexible study schedules, self-paced online degree programs are a little harder to come by. Some online colleges in California offer self-paced courses, and we've broken these down below.

1. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global is a private online affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts System. It's headquartered in Aliso Viejo, CA, and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university offers numerous online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

Several of UMass Global's business and technology degrees are available in the school's competency-based MyPath format. Students start by taking an exam that assesses their subject knowledge and then receive a custom curriculum that they can complete at their own pace.

Tuition is $3,300 for 24 weeks, making it one of the cheapest self-paced online colleges in the nation. Students can move through as many or as few courses as they like in that time, with no increase in cost even if they zoom through their coursework.

2. Southern California University of Health Sciences

Through the Southern California University of Health Sciences, students can take a range of self-paced online courses. Courses cover topics like anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, psychology, and more. Most courses are five weeks long, and students can complete the coursework at their own pace during that timeframe.

This school is a private university based in Whittier, CA. The majority of courses are worth three credits and cost $1,545 per course.

3. Calbright College

Calbright College offers self-paced online certificate programs in fields like healthcare, human resources, project management, and technology. While this school doesn't offer bachelor's degrees, it could be a great option for students looking to upskill or professionals on a budget who want to change career fields and learn the industry. The online public community college is headquartered in Sacramento, CA, and it's part of the California Community Colleges system.

The school is nationally accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission. Certificate programs at Calbright College are tuition-free for California residents.

4. California Coast University

Self-paced associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees are available online through California Coast University. Areas of study include business, criminal justice, healthcare administration, and psychology.

Cal Coast, a for-profit online school, is based in Santa Ana, CA. It's accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission and charges $170 per credit hour for online programs.

Online Colleges in Other States Offering Self-Paced Programs

As mentioned, there are few accredited self-paced online colleges in the country. Although California may be limited, there are a few more across the U.S. that accept students from all states. We've highlighted some of these below.

1. Western Governor's University

At Western Governors University, students can earn undergraduate and graduate degrees online. All programs are self-paced, and areas of study include business administration, education, healthcare, and information technology.

WGU, a private, nonprofit online university, is headquartered in Salt Lake City. Tuition varies based on the major, from $3,755 to $5,325 per six-month term. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NCCU).

2. Universities of Wisconsin Online

The Universities of Wisconsin Online is the University of Wisconsin System's collaborative distance learning campus. It offers online associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees.

A handful of bachelor's degrees are available through self-paced, competency-based learning, including business administration, health sciences, and information technology. University of Wisconsin schools are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Tuition for the self-paced programs is $2,250 every 12 weeks.

3. University of Maine Presque Isle

Undergraduate and graduate degrees are available online through the University of Maine Presque Isle. It offers competency-based YourPace programs in areas of study like criminal justice, education, project management, and psychology.

UMPI, located in Presque Isle, ME, is a public college. It's accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and charges a flat rate of $1,700 per eight weeks of online classes.

4. Upper Iowa University

Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university in Fayette, IA. It offers online education at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, including self-paced online undergraduate degrees in business, human services, psychology, and social science.

The cost for self-paced programs is $350 per credit hour, and 12 start dates are available each year. UIU is accredited by the HLC.

5. Walden University

Students at Walden University can earn an undergraduate or graduate degree online. Several are available in the university's self-paced Tempo Learning format, including degrees in business administration, criminal justice, education, and healthcare.

The for-profit school, headquartered in Minneapolis, is accredited by the HLC. The tuition rate for bachelor's programs is $2,650 per three-month subscription term.

6. Capella University

Capella University offers online bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, with self-paced FlexPath programs available in fields like: *business

• computer science
• healthcare
• psychology

Tuition for FlexPath bachelor's degrees is $2,500 per 12-week billing session. This for-profit online school is based in Minneapolis and it's accredited through the HLC to offer distance education programs.

Our Selection Criteria

To choose the programs listed above, we focused on:

• Location: We started by looking at just colleges in California with self-paced online degree programs and courses, before expanding our search to the rest of the country.
• Accreditation: Every school on this list is institutionally accredited.
• Self-paced learning: All programs offer at least a few programs with self-paced, competency-based online learning experiences.

How Self-Paced Degree Programs Make College More Affordable

Choosing a school with affordable online degrees can go a long way toward bringing your costs down. Self-paced programs can help even more since they typically charge a flat rate per term, rather than per credit.

Because these programs are self-paced, you're allowed to complete as many courses during the term as you're able. The more courses you complete, the more money you save.

Another great way to increase the affordability of your degree is to look for flexible online colleges that accept FAFSA. Most accredited programs, including those above, accept some amount of financial aid.

How To Choose Online Programs With Self-Paced Options in California

When choosing a self-paced college, there are a few things to consider. These include:

• Accreditation: Make sure you choose an accredited school; regionally accredited self-paced online colleges are better than nationally accredited ones.
• Major: Not all majors are available in a self-paced format. Common majors for self-paced programs include business, healthcare, and technology.
• Cost: Tuition rates can vary significantly between schools, as can the financial aid options offered.
• Student Success Services: Some colleges have better student support and academic success services than others.

Self-Paced Courses vs. Other Online Courses

In traditional, asynchronous courses, the pace is typically set by the instructor. You're usually given weekly due dates for assignments, but you're allowed to complete the coursework on your own time during the week. There are usually no set class times.

These courses typically last a full term � and that term can be anywhere from a month to 16 weeks. Students may take more than one course per term.

Self-paced classes don't have set due dates and don't have term limits; you proceed through the coursework at your own pace. While the format can vary slightly between schools, you'll generally complete a course and test your competency. Then, if you meet the grade requirement, you can move on to any other courses.

FAQs About Enrollment and Costs for Self-Paced Online Learning

Below, we've answered some frequently asked questions about self-paced online programs.

How Long Does It Take To Enroll and Start Classes at Online Colleges With Flexible Schedules?

The amount of time it takes to enroll and start classes at flexible online colleges depends on the institution. Self-paced colleges may allow you to enroll and start immediately, although some may make you wait until the start of the next billing term.

Other flexible colleges typically allow you to start when the next term starts. Many offer rolling admissions, meaning you can apply and enroll at any time of the year.

How Much Does Online College Cost in California?

As mentioned above, UMass Global is one of the cheapest self-paced online colleges in the country; however, if you're looking at online programs in general in California, the least expensive schools are generally those in the California State University (CSU) system.

CSU Stanislaus charges just $253.50 per credit hour for online undergraduate degrees. Tuition varies throughout the state, especially at private schools, with the University of San Francisco charging over $1,000 per credit hour.

What Are the Benefits of Attending a Self-Paced Online College in California?

The biggest benefit to attending a self-paced online college is the immense flexibility these programs offer. You can work through courses at the pace that works best for you, with the ability to do more coursework when your life isn't so busy and cut back when things get hectic.

Another benefit is that competency-based programs often consider your work experience and overall skill set, allowing you to earn credit for the things you already know. Finally, self-paced programs can often be less expensive than per-credit programs.

Find Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Today

Find the right online bachelor's degree for you by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Contact individual schools to learn more about their online programs and student services.