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Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California

24 Schools Ranked
$5,569 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$16,665 Avg Student Debt

A business student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. Along with traditional schools that require in-person attendence, you can attend one of many reputable online schools. Some programs even offer a hybrid experience. Or you may find the programs at a trade school or bootcamp to be a better alternative for you.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Business Degree Central has developed this Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 24 schools in California to see which online associate degree programs were the most popular for business students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Rio Hondo College

Whittier, California
291 Total Awards
$1,360 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,088 Avg Student Debt

Our 2023 rankings named Rio Hondo College the most popular school in California for business students working on their associate degree. Located in Whittier, California, the fairly large public school awarded 291 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend RHCCD full time pay an average of $1,360 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,780. Associate Degree recipients from RHCCD accumulate an average of $18,088 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 52% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 30% took at least some of their classes online.

Read full report on Rio Hondo College

#2

College of San Mateo

San Mateo, California
251 Total Awards
$1,440 Average Tuition & Fees
$16,091 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 24 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, College of San Mateo landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in San Mateo, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 251 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend CSM full time pay an average of $1,440 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,114. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $16,091 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 55% were women.

Read More…

#3

Merced College

Merced, California
213 Total Awards
$1,180 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,503 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Merced College. It ranked #3 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California list. Merced Community College District is located in Merced, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 213 associate degrees to qualified students.

Students from California who attend Merced Community College District full time pay an average of $1,180 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,444. On average, associate degree students take out $10,503 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 97% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Merced College

#4

University of the People

Pasadena, California
69 Total Awards

Out of the 24 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, University of the People landed the # 4 spot on the list. This large private not-for-profit school is located in Pasadena, California, and it awarded 69 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

If you are interested in distance education, University of the People is an excellent choice, since the school is online.

Read More…

#5

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
73 Total Awards
$20,946 Avg Student Debt

The excellent associate degree programs at San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia helped the school earn the #5 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular business schools in California. San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia is located in Visalia, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 73 associate degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,946 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 67% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 68% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read More…

#6

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
465 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,428 Avg Student Debt

Santa Monica College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California list. Located in Santa Monica, California, the large public school awarded 465 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SMC is $1,146. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,090. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,428 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 45% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Santa Monica College

#7

Laurus College

San Luis Obispo, California
33 Total Awards
$35,609 Avg Student Debt

Laurus College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #7 on the list. Located in San Luis Obispo, California, the very small private for-profit school awarded 33 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

On average, associate degree students take out $35,609 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 21% of those degree recipients were women.

Since Laurus College is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Full Laurus College Report

#8

Compton College

Compton, California
31 Total Awards
$1,142 Average Tuition & Fees

Compton College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #8 on the list. This small public school is located in Compton, California, and it awarded 31 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,142 in tuition and fees if they attend Compton College full time. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,990. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

Around 34% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#9

Saddleback College

Mission Viejo, California
451 Total Awards
$1,332 Average Tuition & Fees

Saddleback College landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree business programs. Located in Mission Viejo, California, the fairly large public school awarded 451 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Saddleback College full time pay an average of $1,332 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,292. Of those students who received their degree, 42% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 89% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Saddleback College

#10

National University

La Jolla, California
16 Total Awards
$16,212 Avg Student Debt

National University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #10 on the list. National University is a fairly large private not-for-profit school situated in La Jolla, California. It awarded 16 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Associate Degree recipients from National University accumulate an average of $16,212 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 50% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 39% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#11

Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, California
348 Total Awards
$1,312 Average Tuition & Fees
$12,188 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, Diablo Valley College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. Diablo Valley College is a fairly large public school located in Pleasant Hill, California that handed out 348 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,312 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Diablo Valley. Out-of-state students pay an average of $8,328. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $12,188 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 44% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 42% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Diablo Valley College Report

#12

National Career College

Panorama City, California
9 Total Awards

National Career College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #12 on the list. Panorama City, California is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out associate degrees to 9 students in 2020-2021.

Around 44% of those degree recipients were women.

Since National Career College is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#13

Fremont College

Cerritos, California
7 Total Awards

Fremont College landed the #13 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree business programs. Located in Cerritos, California, the very small private for-profit school awarded 7 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out Fremont College. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Full Fremont College Report

#13

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, California
355 Total Awards
$1,232 Average Tuition & Fees
$21,459 Avg Student Debt

Santa Barbara City College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. SBCC is a public institution located in Santa Barbara, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 355 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,232 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend SBCC. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $8,912. Associate Degree recipients from SBCC accumulate an average of $21,459 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 45% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 59% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Santa Barbara City College

#15

University of Antelope Valley

Lancaster, California
5 Total Awards
$18,319 Avg Student Debt

University of Antelope Valley landed the #15 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular associate degree business programs. University of Antelope Valley is a very small private for-profit school located in Lancaster, California that handed out 5 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $18,319 in student loans. Around 80% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 7% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on University of Antelope Valley

#15

Los Angeles Harbor College

Wilmington, California
101 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$13,073 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #15, Los Angeles Harbor College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. LAHC is a public institution located in Wilmington, California. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 101 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,238 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend LAHC. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,012. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,073 in student loans. Around 56% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 57% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

3 Total Awards
$10,805 Average Tuition & Fees

With a ranking of #17, California Intercontinental University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. California Intercontinental University is a private for-profit institution located in Irvine, California. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 3 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at California Intercontinental University is $10,805. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 33% were women.

California Intercontinental University is one of the schools on our list that is primarily online. Each undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on California Intercontinental University

#17

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, California
3 Total Awards
$25,424 Average Tuition & Fees
$34,310 Avg Student Debt

Academy of Art University came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. Located in San Francisco, California, the medium-sized private for-profit school handed out 3 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Academy of Art University is $25,424. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. On average, associate degree students take out $34,310 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 100% were women.

In 2019-2020 about 91% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Academy of Art University

#19

Brandman University

Irvine, California
2 Total Awards
$12,480 Average Tuition & Fees
$18,359 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Brandman University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working on their associate degree. Located in Irvine, California, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 2 associate degree awards in 2020-2021.

Brandman does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $12,480. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Associate Degree recipients from Brandman accumulate an average of $18,359 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.

Brandman is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read full report on Brandman University

#21

Abraham Lincoln University

Los Angeles, California
$6,440 Average Tuition & Fees

Abraham Lincoln University came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California ranking.

The average tuition and fees at Abraham Lincoln University is $6,440. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Since Abraham Lincoln University is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on Abraham Lincoln University

#21

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut, California
601 Total Awards
$1,352 Average Tuition & Fees
$10,559 Avg Student Debt

Mt. San Antonio College came in at #21 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in California ranking. Mt. San Antonio College is a large public school located in Walnut, California that handed out 601 associate degrees in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Mt. SAC full time pay an average of $1,352 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $10,032. By the time they get their associate degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $10,559 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 69% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Mt. San Antonio College

#21

Solano Community College

Fairfield, California
132 Total Awards
$1,163 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,561 Avg Student Debt

Solano Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list. Located in Fairfield, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 132 diplomas to qualifed associate degree students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Solano College full time pay an average of $1,163 in tuition and fees. Out-of-state students pay an average of $7,039. Associate Degree recipients from Solano College accumulate an average of $14,561 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 59% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 94% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Solano Community College

#21

Golden Gate University - San Francisco

San Francisco, California
$11,343 Average Tuition & Fees

Golden Gate University - San Francisco did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students to get an associate degree. It came in at #21 on the list.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $11,343 to cover tuition and fees at Golden Gate University - San Francisco. The school does not offer an in-state discount.

In 2019-2020 about 96% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Read full report on Golden Gate University - San Francisco

Most Popular Online Business Associate Degree Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 24 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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