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Most Popular Online Business Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Online Business Schools in California

45 Schools Ranked
$43,905 Average Earnings
$18,481 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.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Business Degree Central has created the Most Popular Online Business Schools in California to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 45 schools in California to see which online 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:

#2

Brandman University

Irvine, California
961 Total Awards
$60,858 Average Earnings
$29,571 Avg Student Debt

The programs at Brandman University helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular business schools in California. Brandman is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school situated in Irvine, California. It awarded 961 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Brandman accumulate an average of $29,571 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from Brandman, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $60,858 during the early years of their career. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Brandman University

#3

National University

La Jolla, California
887 Total Awards
$58,580 Average Earnings
$31,362 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means National University is a great place for business students. Located in La Jolla, California, the fairly large private not-for-profit school handed out 887 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $31,362 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $198, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, National University graduates make an average of $58,580 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on National University

#4

Northcentral University

San Diego, California
637 Total Awards
$56,007 Average Earnings
$28,423 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 45 schools in California that were part of this year’s ranking, Northcentral University landed the # 4 spot on the list. Northcentral University is located in San Diego, California and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 637 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Northcentral University accumulate an average of $28,423 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Northcentral University graduates make an average of $56,007 annually. Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Northcentral University

#5

Rio Hondo College

Whittier, California
321 Total Awards
$76,455 Average Earnings
$18,088 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #5 on this year’s list means Rio Hondo College is a great place for business students. Located in Whittier, California, the fairly large public school handed out 321 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from RHCCD accumulate an average of $18,088 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from RHCCD, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $76,455 during the early years of their career. Around 53% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Rio Hondo College

#6

University of the People

Pasadena, California
815 Total Awards

University of the People landed the #6 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Located in Pasadena, California, the large private not-for-profit school awarded 815 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Around 38% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of the People

#7

Merced College

Merced, California
328 Total Awards
$54,460 Average Earnings
$9,785 Avg Student Debt

Merced College landed the #7 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Merced Community College District is a medium-sized public school situated in Merced, California. It awarded 328 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $9,785 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Merced Community College District graduates make an average of $54,460 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 69% were women.

Read full report on Merced College

#8

College of San Mateo

San Mateo, California
300 Total Awards
$56,787 Average Earnings
$16,091 Avg Student Debt

College of San Mateo landed the #8 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. This medium-sized public school is located in San Mateo, California, and it awarded 300 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,091 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, CSM graduates make an average of $56,787 annually. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#9

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno, California
264 Total Awards
$50,730 Average Earnings
$26,029 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #9, Fresno Pacific University did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Fresno, California, and it awarded 264 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Fresno Pacific accumulate an average of $26,029 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $215. Once they receive their degree, Fresno Pacific graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $50,730 during the early year of their career. Around 64% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Fresno Pacific University

#10

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
747 Total Awards
$70,951 Average Earnings
$13,428 Avg Student Debt

Santa Monica College came in at #10 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in California ranking. This large public school is located in Santa Monica, California, and it awarded 747 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from SMC accumulate an average of $13,428 in student debt by the time they complete their degree.After graduating from SMC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $70,951 during the early years of their career. Around 55% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Santa Monica College Report

#11

Golden Gate University - San Francisco

San Francisco, California
590 Total Awards
$79,352 Average Earnings
$35,348 Avg Student Debt

Golden Gate University - San Francisco came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in California ranking. Located in San Francisco, California, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 590 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $35,348 in loans while pursuing their degree. During the early years of their career, Golden Gate University - San Francisco graduates make an average of $79,352 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 48% were women.

Read full report on Golden Gate University - San Francisco

#12

University of La Verne

La Verne, California
932 Total Awards
$46,002 Average Earnings
$27,854 Avg Student Debt

University of La Verne landed the #12 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular business programs. Located in La Verne, California, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school awarded 932 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,854 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $377, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, ULV graduates make an average of $46,002 annually. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of La Verne Report

#13

Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, California
465 Total Awards
$11,660 Avg Student Debt

Diablo Valley College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #13 on the list. Diablo Valley is a public institution located in Pleasant Hill, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 465 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,660 in student loans. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read More…

#14

Westcliff University

Irvine, California
576 Total Awards

Westcliff University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #14 on the list. Westcliff University is a small private for-profit school situated in Irvine, California. It awarded 576 degrees in 2020-2021.

Of those students who received their degree, 46% were women.

Read More…

#15

Azusa Pacific University College

San Dimas, California
149 Total Awards
$34,976 Avg Student Debt

Azusa Pacific University College ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in California list. Azusa Pacific’s University College is located in San Dimas, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 149 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $34,976 in student loans. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Azusa Pacific University College Report

#16

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
125 Total Awards
$39,446 Average Earnings
$17,199 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. This small private for-profit school is located in Visalia, California, and it awarded 125 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia accumulate an average of $17,199 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $102 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia graduates make an average of $39,446 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 77% were women.

Full San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia Report

1,350 Total Awards
$52,422 Average Earnings
$20,301 Avg Student Debt

California State University - East Bay did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #17 on the list. Located in Hayward, California, the fairly large public school awarded 1,350 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $20,301 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $176. Once they receive their degree, Cal State East Bay graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $52,422 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 49% were women.

Read full report on California State University - East Bay

#18

Point Loma Nazarene University

San Diego, California
311 Total Awards
$47,716 Average Earnings
$22,219 Avg Student Debt

Point Loma Nazarene University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for business students. It came in at #18 on the list. PLNU is located in San Diego, California and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 311 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $22,219 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $685, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from PLNU, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $47,716 during the early years of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Point Loma Nazarene University

#19

Touro University Worldwide

Los Alamitos, California
176 Total Awards
$46,846 Average Earnings
$33,040 Avg Student Debt

Touro University Worldwide ranked #19 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in California list. Los Alamitos, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 176 students in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from TUW accumulate an average of $33,040 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, TUW graduates make an average of $46,846 annually. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#20

Laurus College

San Luis Obispo, California
43 Total Awards
$27,442 Average Earnings
$35,609 Avg Student Debt

Laurus College ranked #20 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in California list. This very small private for-profit school is located in San Luis Obispo, California, and it awarded 43 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $35,609 in student loans.After graduating from Laurus College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $27,442 during the early years of their career. Around 26% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Laurus College Report

#21

University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California
4,043 Total Awards
$65,044 Average Earnings
$15,661 Avg Student Debt

University of Southern California ranked #21 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in California list. Los Angeles, California is the setting for this large institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 4,043 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,661 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $489. During the early years of their career, USC graduates make an average of $65,044 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

Read More…

#22

San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino, California
220 Total Awards
$41,038 Average Earnings
$11,095 Avg Student Debt

San Bernardino Valley College came in at #22 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Business Schools in California ranking. This medium-sized public school is located in San Bernardino, California, and it awarded 220 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $11,095 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from San Bernardino Valley College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $41,038 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Full San Bernardino Valley College Report

42 Total Awards
$105,193 Average Earnings

California Intercontinental University ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in California list. Irvine, California is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out degrees to 42 students in 2020-2021.

After graduating from California Intercontinental University, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $105,193 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 26% were women.

Full California Intercontinental University Report

#24

Compton College

Compton, California
31 Total Awards

Compton College ranked #24 on this year’s Most Popular Online Business Schools in California list. Located in Compton, California, the small public school awarded 31 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

Around 58% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Compton College Report

#24

Concordia University, Irvine

Irvine, California
216 Total Awards
$48,407 Average Earnings
$24,323 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #24, Concordia University, Irvine did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for business students working. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Irvine, California, and it awarded 216 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $24,323 in student loans. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $600.After graduating from Concordia University, Irvine, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $48,407 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Read More…

Most Popular Online Business Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 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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