Best Online Accounting Programs in California (2026)

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California Accounting At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Accounting Salary$98,546
Salary OutlookCalifornia offers competitive wages for accounting professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Board of Accountancy
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online accounting degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California offers competitive wages for accounting professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. Whether you’re looking for an affordable in-state option or a top-ranked national program, California students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.


Online Accounting Schools in California

The following schools offer accredited online accounting programs and are ranked based on affordability, graduation rates, and student outcomes in California.

How We Rank Schools

Every school list on this site is ordered by the BOC Score, computed from the most recent school-level data published by the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard and IPEDS). To qualify, a school must be currently operating and accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Each eligible school is then scored on five measures, percentile-ranked against schools at the same credential level:

  • Graduation rate 30%
  • Median earnings, 10 years after entry 25%
  • Average net price (lower is better) 20%
  • Retention rate 15%
  • Fully online availability 10%

Schools without enough outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#2

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA BOC Score 65.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 29%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$1,180
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$9,460
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 56

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Modesto Junior College

Modesto, CA BOC Score 64.3
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 53

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Antelope Valley Community College District

Lancaster, CA BOC Score 40.9
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 48

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Accounting professionals in California experience a dynamic job market with competitive wages. Below are the median annual salaries for key roles in the field, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for California.

OccupationMedian Annual Salary (California)
Accountant and Auditor$97,050
Financial Manager$180,770
Financial Analyst$109,110
Budget Analyst$99,520
Tax Preparer$70,030
Tax Examiner and Collector$74,110
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk$59,230

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Accounting Degree in California?

Choosing a program in California can provide several advantages:

  • In-State Tuition: Many public universities in California offer lower tuition rates for residents, even for online programs.
  • Local Networking: Attending a school within your state can make it easier to connect with local employers and professional organizations.
  • Regional Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the California economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online accounting programs in California accredited?

Yes, the programs listed above are accredited by recognized regional or national agencies. For California, this includes accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, ensuring your degree meets high academic standards.

How does Accounting pay in California compare to other states?

California offers competitive wages for accounting professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for accounting in California?

The California Board of Accountancy oversees professional standards and licensure for the field in California. Most accredited programs are designed to align with their specific requirements.


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