Best Environmental Science Schools in California (2026)

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California Environmental Science At a Glance

Earning an online environmental science degree in California offers a flexible path into environmental science careers. California offers competitive wages for environmental science 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 nationally available program, California students have access to a variety of accredited online choices that balance quality and cost.

Online Environmental Science Schools in California

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

#1

University of California-Berkeley

📍 Berkeley, CA

• 4 year
• Offers a fully online program
• Accredited

93.9 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 11%

Graduation rate 93%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $92,446

Avg net price $13,481/yr

Tuition

In‑state$16,347

Out‑of‑state$50,547

Contact

• 200 California Hall Berkeley, CA 94720
• (510) 642-6000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 97%
• Programs offered: 127

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#2

University of California-Los Angeles

📍 Los Angeles, CA

• 4 year
• Offers a fully online program
• Accredited

93.5 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 9%

Graduation rate 93%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $82,511

Avg net price $12,548/yr

Tuition

In‑state$15,203

Out‑of‑state$49,403

Contact

• 405 Hilgard Ave Los Angeles, CA 90095-1405
• (310) 825-4321
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 97%
• Programs offered: 161

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#3

University of California-Irvine

📍 Irvine, CA

• 4 year
• Offers a fully online program
• Accredited

90.2 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 29%

Graduation rate 86%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $80,735

Avg net price $14,251/yr

Tuition

In‑state$15,722

Out‑of‑state$49,922

Contact

• 501 Aldrich Hall Irvine, CA 92697
• (949) 824-5011
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 94%
• Programs offered: 134

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#4

University of California-Santa Barbara

📍 Santa Barbara, CA

• 4 year
• Accredited

77.3 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 33%

Graduation rate 84%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $74,915

Avg net price $16,109/yr

Tuition

In‑state$16,414

Out‑of‑state$50,614

Contact

• 5221 Cheadle Hall Santa Barbara, CA 93106
• (805) 893-8000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 92%
• Programs offered: 81

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#5

Pomona College

📍 Claremont, CA

• 4 year
• Accredited

77.2 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 7%

Graduation rate 93%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $77,779

Avg net price $19,285/yr

Tuition

In‑state$65,420

Out‑of‑state$65,420

Contact

• 550 N College Ave Claremont, CA 91711-4434
• (909) 621-8131
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 97%
• Programs offered: 42

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#6

Claremont McKenna College

📍 Claremont, CA

• 4 year

71.9 BOC Score

Graduation rate 92%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $104,736

Avg net price $28,849/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 500 E 9th St Claremont, CA 91711-6400
• (909) 621-8000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 97%
• Programs offered: 40

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#7

University of California-Santa Cruz

📍 Santa Cruz, CA

• 4 year
• Accredited

71.8 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 66%

Graduation rate 75%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $68,396

Avg net price $17,890/yr

Tuition

In‑state$16,005

Out‑of‑state$50,205

Contact

• 1156 High St Santa Cruz, CA 95064-1011
• (831) 459-0111
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 89%
• Programs offered: 81

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

#8

Harvey Mudd College

📍 Claremont, CA

• 4 year
• Accredited

70.4 BOC Score

Acceptance rate 13%

Graduation rate 93%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $138,687

Avg net price $35,924/yr

Tuition

In‑state$68,613

Out‑of‑state$68,613

Contact

• 301 Platt Blvd. Claremont, CA 91711
• (909) 621-8000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 97%
• Programs offered: 18

Source:Accreditor: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission · IPEDS · College Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Environmental Science 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.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Why Pursue an Online Environmental Science 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 Relevance: Curriculum often incorporates data and case studies relevant to the California economy and job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online environmental science programs in California accredited?

The schools in our directory hold institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education - that is a condition of inclusion. Verify any specific school and program in the Department’s DAPIP database before enrolling.

How does Environmental Science pay in California compare to other states?

California offers competitive wages for environmental science 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 environmental science 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.

Related Environmental Science Resources

• Main Environmental Science Degree Guide
• Environmental Science Programs by State Index
• Affordable Environmental Science Programs

Browse Other States

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• Pennsylvania Environmental Science Programs
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• Ohio Environmental Science Programs
• Georgia Environmental Science Programs
• North Carolina Environmental Science Programs

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