Best Online MBA Programs in California

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Academic Influence Staff

Published: Jun 3, 2022
Updated: Feb 1, 2024

Your most affordable online MBA options will usually be those offered in your home state. Find the online MBA program in California at a school you and employers will trust.

University of Southern California
Pepperdine University
Biola University
University of Redlands
Golden Gate University
Azusa Pacific University
National University
Notre Dame de Namur University
California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, Stanislaus

California State University, Stanislaus 97%
California State University, Monterey Bay 92%
California State University, San Bernardino 91%
Azusa Pacific University 87%
University of Redlands 82%
California Baptist University 80%
The Master's University 78%
Fresno Pacific University 75%
Jessup University 66%
Biola University 57%

California State University, San Bernardino 23 to 1
California State University, Monterey Bay 20 to 1
California State University, Stanislaus 18 to 1
California Baptist University 18 to 1
National University 16 to 1
Bethesda University 15 to 1
The Master's University 13 to 1
Pepperdine University 13 to 1
Golden Gate University 13 to 1
Biola University 13 to 1

University of Southern California $64,726
Pepperdine University $63,142
University of Redlands $55,678
Biola University $44,382
Azusa Pacific University $42,330
California Baptist University $38,058
Jessup University $37,150
Fresno Pacific University $34,188
The Master's University $32,870
Notre Dame de Namur University $15,792

University of Southern California $63,468
Pepperdine University $39,100
Touro University California $31,145
University of Redlands $24,060
Golden Gate University $19,620
Azusa Pacific University $17,661
National University $15,912
Fresno Pacific University $15,369
Notre Dame de Namur University $15,300
Jessup University $14,196

Bethesda University
The Master's University
Touro University California
California State University, Monterey Bay
Notre Dame de Namur University
California State University, San Bernardino
Fresno Pacific University
Jessup University
California Baptist University
California State University, Stanislaus

Jessup University
Bethesda University
Fresno Pacific University
The Master's University
California State University, Monterey Bay
California Baptist University
Touro University California
California State University, Stanislaus
California State University, San Bernardino
Notre Dame de Namur University

University of Southern California 12%
Pepperdine University 49%
Biola University 57%
Jessup University 66%
Fresno Pacific University 75%
The Master's University 78%
California Baptist University 80%
University of Redlands 82%
Azusa Pacific University 87%
California State University, San Bernardino 91%

University of Southern California 9 to 1
University of Redlands 10 to 1
Fresno Pacific University 10 to 1
Azusa Pacific University 10 to 1
Jessup University 11 to 1
The Master's University 13 to 1
Pepperdine University 13 to 1
Golden Gate University 13 to 1
Biola University 13 to 1
Bethesda University 15 to 1

California State University, Stanislaus $5,742
California State University, San Bernardino $5,742
California State University, Monterey Bay $5,742
Bethesda University $6,560
Golden Gate University $11,088
National University $13,320
Notre Dame de Namur University $15,792
The Master's University $32,870
Fresno Pacific University $34,188
Jessup University $37,150

Bethesda University $6,200
California State University, Stanislaus $7,176
California State University, San Bernardino $7,176
California State University, Monterey Bay $7,176
The Master's University $8,400
Biola University $12,006
California Baptist University $13,680
Jessup University $14,196
Notre Dame de Namur University $15,300
Fresno Pacific University $15,369

Table of Contents

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in California

California’s higher education institutes span across the entire state, allowing students to study by the beach, in the forest, in small towns, and in large cities. There are over 30 high quality online programs that would allow you to earn a degree from literally anywhere in California, or the world.

The state’s largest university is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). UCLA serves nearly 44,000 students and offers a tuition rate around $13,000. This isn’t the only school with a large student body though. California is home to 23 colleges and universities with student populations of over 20,000 students.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

However, more than half of the state’s schools serve smaller student populations, offering plenty of options for students who crave a more intimate campus experience. Additionally, California boasts 50 religiously affiliated schools. Many of these schools have high graduation rates. However, tuition costs can range greatly, from $8,000 at Bethesda University up to $54,000 at Pepperdine University.

Additionally, many of California’s colleges and universities boast influential faculty and alumni, including Neil Armstrong, Jerry Lewis, and Weird Al Yankovic. In addition to famous alumni and professors, California’s schools are also home to some of the country’s top degree programs, including nursing, business, religious studies, education, literature, and law. Many of these schools offer online courses and complete online programs in these same disciplines.

Though Hollywood has given us an inside look into California’s most popular landmarks and attractions, these one-of-a-kind places aren’t the only reason people flock to The Golden State. With hundreds of colleges and universities, as well as community and junior colleges, to choose from, students have countless opportunities to further their education in California.

Many of these opportunities are also accessible through online courses and online colleges. A growing number of online programs in California have received accreditation from the Western Association of Schools, which means online students have a higher level of quality assurance than ever before. It’s also worth noting that students who live in California can still get an in-state discount on their associate degree or bachelor’s degree even when completing online courses or online programs.

To learn more about earning your degree in California, check out some of the state’s top programs and career paths.

What are California’s Colleges & Universities?

California’s Best Overall

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Learn more about what you can do with an MBA.

How do we determine the best online MBA programs in California?

Methodology

Pursuing your degree online doesn’t mean you need to settle for an inferior school. Today, most universities and colleges offer online degrees, and many respected schools are seeing significant growth in their numbers of online students.

The people affiliated with a school are ultimately what make it great. This is why influence — i.e., the academic impact of faculty and alumni associated with a school — gets at the heart of what is truly best in education. The combined influence score of a college or university’s top academic influencers is the best indicator of academic excellence. For our online degree rankings, we focus on the academic influence of faculty and alumni in the specific disciplines we’re ranking.

If you are serious about finding the best online colleges, you should be asking where the most influential professors are teaching, and whether their graduates themselves are advancing the school’s reputation for academic excellence. Most ranking sites rely on an opaque combination of reputation surveys and arbitrary performance metrics. Influence, as measured by our InfluenceRanking engine, provides a ranking that is free from bias, insulated from manipulation, and reflective of real-world educational outcomes.

Best Online MBA Programs in California

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Location: California (Private Schools)
Avg. Cost of Degree*: $9,206
Avg. Expenses*: $20,733
Avg. Starting Salary*: $87,458
Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 4 years
Job Growth: 4.86%
Number of Jobs: 11,888,900
* denotes ‘annually’
** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

Career	Job Growth	Avg. Salary
Chief Executives	-8.21%	$212,360
Computer and Information Systems Managers	15.41%	$198,950
Managers, All Other	3.35%	$162,690
Human Resources Managers	5.22%	$155,790
Purchasing Managers	4.39%	$147,490
Compensation and Benefits Managers	1.71%	$134,610
Medical and Health Services Managers	28.40%	$131,880
Training and Development Managers	6.54%	$130,980
Sales Managers	4.06%	$130,150
Industrial Production Managers	1.62%	$123,910

Average Career Salaries

Bottom 10%	Median	Top 10%
$60,878	$107,572	$168,595

Promising Job Markets

State	Cost of Living	Avg. Salary
#41 California	26% higher than average	$107,572
#2 New York	5% higher than average	$116,372
#3 Virginia	5% higher than average	$104,589
#4 Michigan	15% higher than average	$90,047
#5 Georgia	13% higher than average	$90,306
#6 Illinois	7% higher than average	$96,596
#7 Delaware	2% higher than average	$106,159
#8 Ohio	14% higher than average	$88,985
#9 New Jersey	13% higher than average	$116,786
#10 Alabama	13% higher than average	$89,100
#11 Missouri	16% higher than average	$86,291
#12 Texas	10% higher than average	$91,909
#13 Colorado	3% higher than average	$105,194
#14 Tennessee	14% higher than average	$86,864
#15 Minnesota	4% higher than average	$95,799
#16 Wisconsin	7% higher than average	$92,681
#17 Washington	7% higher than average	$105,360
#18 North Carolina	11% higher than average	$87,235
#19 Kansas	9% higher than average	$88,261
#20 Kentucky	14% higher than average	$82,807
#21 Indiana	11% higher than average	$85,766
#22 Pennsylvania	5% higher than average	$90,464
#23 South Carolina	8% higher than average	$87,188
#24 Louisiana	9% higher than average	$85,590
#25 Utah	4% higher than average	$90,368
#26 Oklahoma	13% higher than average	$81,069
#27 West Virginia	11% higher than average	$82,432
#28 Florida	6% higher than average	$87,100
#29 Nebraska	6% higher than average	$86,635
#30 Arizona	5% higher than average	$87,855
#31 New Mexico	7% higher than average	$84,955
#32 Arkansas	16% higher than average	$76,800
#33 Iowa	9% higher than average	$82,805
#34 South Dakota	7% higher than average	$84,133
#35 Rhode Island	20% higher than average	$108,149
#36 Connecticut	18% higher than average	$105,095
#37 Mississippi	18% higher than average	$72,688
#38 New Hampshire	13% higher than average	$98,866
#39 Maryland	18% higher than average	$102,544
#40 Massachusetts	24% higher than average	$106,805
#41 Wyoming	2% higher than average	$84,203
#42 California	26% higher than average	$107,572
#43 Montana	3% higher than average	$82,439
#44 North Dakota	average	$84,322
#45 Oregon	11% higher than average	$92,032
#46 Idaho	7% higher than average	$76,051
#47 District of Columbia	49% higher than average	$120,672
#48 Maine	9% higher than average	$85,124
#49 Alaska	23% higher than average	$95,250
#50 Vermont	13% higher than average	$87,431
#51 Nevada	5% higher than average	$79,841
#52 Hawaii	40% higher than average	$90,634

Top Industries

Industry	Avg. Salary
Chief Executives	$212,360
Computer and Information Systems Managers	$198,950
Managers, All Other	$162,690
Human Resources Managers	$155,790
Purchasing Managers	$147,490
Compensation and Benefits Managers	$134,610
Medical and Health Services Managers	$131,880
Training and Development Managers	$130,980
Sales Managers	$130,150
Industrial Production Managers	$123,910

Data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Department of Education College Scorecard, The Department of Education NCES, and The Council for Community and Economic Research.

California is just one of many states offering excellent online MBA programs. To check out our rankings, look into the best online associate’s degrees in Massachusetts, Indiana, New Hampshire, and more!

Students’ Submitted Questions on Online MBA Programs in California

David asks, “How do online MBA programs in California stay current in sectors such as tech and innovation?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Many schools will have faculty members involved in the industry. This means that they will bring real world experience and their knowledge of the current industry into their classes. The best programs will also make frequent curriculum updates to ensure that what students are learning is relevant. Look for courses in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and blockchain, just to name a few. It’s wise to look over the curriculum before you commit to a school to make sure this you’ll be receiving the education you’re hoping for.

Because of the nature of the California business industry, many schools with partner with tech companies so that students learn from the best. Look into networking opportunities or alumni networks to make sure you are seeing all that is available. Competition for internships in general, and specifically in the tech and innovation sector, is fierce, so you want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to land a prime opportunity. The programs might require students to find their own internship opportunity, but professors usually want to help guide students and provide recommendation letters.

Lizzy asks, “Given the unique real estate market in California, are there electives focusing on real estate management or urban development?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Many programs will offer electives focusing on real estate management or urban development. My recommendation is to check out what concentrations your program offers so that you can become an expert in your chosen area. In a real estate concentration, you will most likely study topics such as real estate finance and investment, urban and regional development, real estate laws and ethics, property management, sustainable development and green building, and technology in real estate. California’s real estate market tends to have diverse geography and high demands, making the industry particularly competitive. This means it’s important to pick a top program if real estate is your chosen career path.

Lawson asks, “Are there specializations or electives available that focus on the entertainment industry?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Yes, given California’s entertainment industry, many of the state’s MBA programs will include concentrations in entertainment management or media. Students will most likely study topics such as entertainment business strategy, media and entertainment finance, digital media and technology, and marketing and branding in entertainment. To find which programs offer concentrations in media, check out the program’s curriculum and course description. You might also find it helpful to talk to a faculty member or someone at the admission’s office.

Frequently Asked Questions About MBA Degrees

MBA degrees are the most popular advanced degree in American higher education. This versatile degree offers a variety of specializations that can help working professionals build leadership skills, expand their network, and enhance their overall business knowledge. MBA degrees are excellent options for anyone needing business fundamentals covered while having the chance to study more in a selected concentration. An MBA in Marketing is different than a MS in Marketing because the MBA degree doesn’t assume previous business education, whereas the MS program likely would.

Go to Online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer responsive test designed to assess certain analytical, writing, quantitative, verbal, and English reading skills used by graduate management programs, such as MBA programs, to assist with admissions selections.

The GMAT is still required by many graduate schools of all shapes and sizes – elite research universities, public universities, liberal arts colleges, online colleges, etc. There’s no real common denominator for which types of schools require the GMAT, or don’t.

If you are considering a graduate business school that requires the GMAT, then you certainly want to do well on the exam. Even if schools you’re considering don’t require it, you may want to take the test because a high score could still help your application, and because there may be another college that suddenly interests you, and it might require successful completion of the GMAT.

If you’re going to take the test, at minimum you’ll want to study with solid guidance provided by quality resources. People have many different opinions about which GMAT test prep resources are the best, therefore we recommend that you start looking at and comparing the best-selling GMAT test guides.

On the other end of the spectrum, if you are aspiring to be admitted into an elite university’s program, you may want to work with a graduate or business school admissions expert. An admissions consultant can give you the most customized information about your prospects and many will work with you on whatever specific need you might have – test prep, applications, personal essays, and even help with finding meaningful internships.

There is a growing number of high quality MBA programs that don’t require the GMAT. Furthermore, there are a lot of highly reputable colleges and universities offering online MBA programs that do not require the GMAT. If standardized testing simply isn’t a strength of yours, you may want to move your search to focus specifically on online MBA programs with no GMAT requirements.

Typically, online MBA degrees can be earned in about 2 years. However, specializations range from healthcare management to entrepreneurship to international business. Because MBAs offer so many educational paths, program requirements can vary greatly, from 30 to 60 credits, which means this degree may take anywhere between two and four years to complete.

MBA courses are available both online and on campus, and many programs require a thesis or professional experience component. Students will study topics like corporate law, organizational behavior, and negotiations. Most online MBA programs will be asynchronous for maximum flexibility. This means students watch lectures and read when they can, and likely join web forums for class discussions. While online MBA courses can be “self-paced”, there usually are still mid-term and end of term deadlines. Typical online MBA courses will have multiple deadlines throughout the semester for various assignments.

MBA graduates can advance to leadership roles in accounting, finance, human resources, organizational administration, and more. MBAs are popular because of their versatility. With so many choices of concentrations, your MBA can prepare you for leadership or executive roles in virtually any industry.

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time taking an online course, the experience may require some adjustment. While you’ll generally learn the same content and take the same exams as your on-campus peers, the medium will likely require you to manage much of this experience independently. You’ll be accountable for your own time management, your ability to harness the technology at your fingertips, and your ability to focus on the lectures, lessons, and assignments at hand. This means you’ll need to create a suitable workspace for yourself, maintain a realistic schedule, and take it upon yourself to build relationships with your instructors and classmates. With online college, your goal is to find a balance between independence and engagement.

No. The only part of online education that’s easier is actually getting there. Taking the commute out of the equation means getting to class should be a lot more manageable. But that’s where it ends. In general, your online courses will incorporate the very same materials, concepts, and testing methods as would a traditional classroom.

And in many cases, you’ll even have the same instructors as your on-campus counterparts. In fact, if you are adjusting to the experience of independent learning or working with remote learning technology for the first time, online college may even be a little more challenging for you. For a few insights on how to manage this new experience, check out our 10 Tips for Adjusting to School Online.

Accreditation is especially important when it comes to online college. This is because the online education landscape is a mix of highly-reputable institutions and less-than-reputable for-profit schools. Accreditation gives you the power to differentiate between the two. Accreditation is a stamp of approval from an independent accrediting agency which indicates that a college or university is meeting standards of quality, credibility, and currency. School-wide accreditation falls into two major categories: regional and national accreditation. Regional accreditors generally hold jurisdiction only over schools in the states comprising their region, whereas national accreditors hold jurisdiction over schools in all states. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as a more rigorous standard of quality and credibility than national accreditation.

Attending a college or university which is not regionally accredited could limit your opportunities. When seeking an online education, we strongly recommend that students opt for regionally accredited schools. Regional accreditation ensures eligibility for federal loans and grants, ensures your college credits can be transferred between schools, and ensures that your degree credits can be accepted if you wish to earn an advanced degree.

As long as your online college degree is regionally accredited, you should have little difficulty transferring most of your credits or credentials to another regionally accredited undergraduate school. Every school carries its own standards and procedures for granting a transfer. In many cases, you will be required to navigate a bureaucracy in which some of your credits will be transferred and others will be jettisoned. However, provided that you have attended an online school with the proper regional accreditation, you should have plenty of options for transfer.

In most cases, as long you graduate from a well-regarded, regionally-accredited online college, prospective employers won’t look sideways at your degree. In fact, unless you attend an exclusively online college or university, there will likely be no specific indicator on your degree, transcript or resume differentiating your school from its brick-and-mortar counterpart. This means that your employer will likely only differentiate between an online and in-person degree if you mention this distinction.

While some employers may express concern about making the adjustment from online education to in-person workplace collaboration, many other employers will view your online degree as evidence of valuable 21st Century professional skills such as independence, self-motivation, time management, and tech savvy.

If you are a student who thrives on the dynamic energy of in-person discussion, who requires the physical surroundings of a classroom to feel engaged, or who considers the social aspects of education to be of equal importance to the actual content of your courses, online education will require some adjustment.

While there is much that can be supplanted or simulated through the online medium, some students may find that there is nothing which can replace the conversation, collaboration, and motivation that occur in an actual classroom setting. As you make the adjustment to online education, one of the biggest challenges you will likely face is overcoming this difference in order to the get the most out of your classes. Fortunately, we’ve got some great Tips for Online Education Beginners.

The advantages of online classes are many. First and foremost, online courses give you the freedom and flexibility to attend class from anywhere that works for you, whether you’re at home, in a coffee shop, or in a quiet conference room at work. In many cases, you’ll also enjoy the convenience of asynchronous learning opportunities-educational experiences that you can complete on your own schedule. This may include pre-taped lectures, ongoing chat-board discussions, and 24/7 access to digital materials. And of course, just as there are some learners who prefer the energy of a live classroom, there are those who learn best when working in their own personal space, free from distractions. If this sounds like you, you might find the solitude of online learning to be a major advantage.

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

Best Online MBA Programs in California

California's Best Online MBA Programs

Featured Programs

Colleges and Universities in California

What are California’s Colleges & Universities?

What’s the Difference between an Online MBA and Traditional MBA?

Best Online MBA Programs in California

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Pepperdine University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Southern California

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Golden Gate University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Biola University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at University of Redlands

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Azusa Pacific University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at National University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at California State University, Stanislaus

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at California Baptist University

Online Master’s Degrees

Concentrations

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Jessup University

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Fresno Pacific University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at California State University, San Bernardino

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at Notre Dame de Namur University

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at California State University, Monterey Bay

Online Master’s Degrees

Online Master’s Degrees

Career Outlook for MBA degree at The Master's University

Online Degrees

Online Degrees

Career Outlook for Students with MBA Degree

Business Administration And Management

Degree Level: Master's

Career Salaries

Average Career Salaries

Promising Job Markets

Top Industries

Students’ Submitted Questions on Online MBA Programs in California

Frequently Asked Questions About MBA Degrees

What is an MBA?

Do Online MBA Programs Require the GMAT?

How long does it take to get an MBA?

What are the courses like?

What can you do with an MBA?

Online Degree Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect from an online college course?+

Is online college easier?+

Why does accreditation matter in online college?+

Will I be able to transfer my online college degree?+

Will employers respect my online degree?+

What are the disadvantages of online classes?+

What are the advantages of online classes?+

Resources for Prospective Grad Students