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California Engineering At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Engineering Salary$140,601
National ComparisonCalifornia salaries are approximately 24.4% higher than the national average for engineering
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Board of Professional Engineers
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online engineering degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California salaries are approximately 24.4% higher than the national average for engineering 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 Engineering Schools in California

The following schools offer accredited online engineering 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-Irvine

Irvine, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 26%
Graduation rate 86%
Tuition
In‑state$14,237
Out‑of‑state$45,014
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 69%
Tuition
In‑state$7,073
Out‑of‑state$18,953
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

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

#6

California State University-Long Beach

Long Beach, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 47%
Graduation rate 71%
Tuition
In‑state$7,008
Out‑of‑state$18,888
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 14

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 25%
Graduation rate 88%
Tuition
In‑state$15,265
Out‑of‑state$46,042
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 94%
Graduation rate 64%
Tuition
In‑state$8,064
Out‑of‑state$19,944
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Engineering 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)
Civil Engineer$118,450
Electrical Engineer$140,360
Mechanical Engineer$126,370
Chemical EngineerN/A
Aerospace Engineer$143,860
Biomedical Engineer$125,700
Environmental Engineer$127,660
Architectural and Engineering Manager$201,810

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


Why Pursue an Online Engineering 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: Local programs often have strong ties to the California board of professional engineers, essential for those pursuing PE licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online engineering 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 Engineering pay in California compare to other states?

California salaries are approximately 24.4% higher than the national average for engineering roles. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for engineering in California?

The California Board of Professional Engineers 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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