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California Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Education Salary$99,021
National ComparisonCalifornia salaries are approximately 40.7% higher than the national average for education
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Department of Education
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online education degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California salaries are approximately 40.7% higher than the national average for education 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 Education Schools in California

The following schools offer accredited online education 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

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

#2

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 98%
Graduation rate 55%
Tuition
In‑state$7,675
Out‑of‑state$19,555
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

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

#4

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 55%
Tuition
In‑state$7,602
Out‑of‑state$19,482
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 99%
Graduation rate 46%
Tuition
In‑state$7,913
Out‑of‑state$19,793
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Education 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)
Secondary School Teacher$98,710
Elementary School Teacher$98,190
Middle School Teacher$96,820
Education Teacher, Postsecondary$85,560
Education Administrator, K-12$151,890
Education Administrator, Postsecondary$123,840
Tutor$42,840
Educational and Career Counselor$94,320

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


Why Pursue an Online Education 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.
  • Licensing Alignment: California teaching licensure requires specific state-approved preparation; local programs are tailored to meet these standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online education 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 Education pay in California compare to other states?

California salaries are approximately 40.7% higher than the national average for education roles. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for education in California?

The California Department of Education 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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