Best Online Education Programs in California (2026)

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California Education At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Education Salary$103,604
Salary OutlookCalifornia offers competitive wages for education professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
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 offers competitive wages for education 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 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

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.

#1

California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA BOC Score 81.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 56%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$8,018
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$20,618
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

San Francisco State University

San Francisco, CA BOC Score 78.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 13

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA BOC Score 78.4
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 55%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$8,093
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$20,693
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University CommissionIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

El Camino Community College District

Torrance, CA BOC Score 51.4
  • 2 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 55

Source:IPEDSCollege 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$101,370
Elementary School Teacher$99,650
Middle School Teacher$98,950
Education Teacher, Postsecondary$111,850
Education Administrator, K-12$159,950
Education Administrator, Postsecondary$125,460
Tutor$45,100
Educational and Career Counselor$86,500

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 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 offers competitive wages for education 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 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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