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California Business Administration At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Business Administration Salary$114,944
National ComparisonCalifornia salaries are approximately 18.8% higher than the national average for business administration
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online business administration degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California salaries are approximately 18.8% higher than the national average for business administration roles. 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.


Top Online Business Administration Schools in California

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

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 63%
Graduation rate 76%
Tuition
In‑state$14,560
Out‑of‑state$45,337
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

California State University-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 92%
Graduation rate 52%
Tuition
In‑state$6,813
Out‑of‑state$18,698
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 12%
Graduation rate 93%
Tuition
In‑state$14,850
Out‑of‑state$45,627
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 29%
Tuition
In‑state$1,180
Out‑of‑state$9,460
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 55

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 56%
Tuition
In‑state$7,095
Out‑of‑state$18,975
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto Campuses

Stockton, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 63%
Tuition
In‑state$14,760
Out‑of‑state$14,760
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Business Administration 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)
General and Operations Manager$125,240
Administrative Services Manager$107,410
Financial Manager$174,920
Human Resources Manager$169,140
Management Analyst$102,110
Project Management Specialist$111,300
Accountant or Auditor$96,360
Training and Development Specialist$72,930
Office and Administrative Support Supervisor$75,090

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Business Administration 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 Business Ties: Many California business programs offer internships and recruitment pipelines with top local companies and startups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online business administration 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 Business Administration pay in California compare to other states?

California salaries are approximately 18.8% higher than the national average for business administration roles. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for business administration in California?

The California Professional Licensing Board 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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