Best Online Engineering Programs in California (2026)

Updated June 11, 2026 BLS data College Scorecard On this page

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California Engineering At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Engineering Salary$146,294
Salary OutlookCalifornia offers competitive wages for engineering professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
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 offers competitive wages for engineering 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 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

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

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA BOC Score 93.9
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 11%
Graduation rate 93%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$16,347
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$50,547
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

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

#3

University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA BOC Score 93.5
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 9%
Graduation rate 93%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$15,203
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$49,403
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

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

#4

California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, CA BOC Score 82.8
  • 4 year
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege 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$122,500
Electrical Engineer$144,040
Mechanical Engineer$130,900
Chemical EngineerN/A
Aerospace Engineer$157,620
Biomedical Engineer$128,310
Environmental Engineer$130,410
Architectural and Engineering Manager$210,280

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