Best Journalism Schools in California: Online Programs (2026)

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California Journalism At a Glance

Earning an online journalism degree in California offers a flexible path into journalism careers. California offers competitive wages for journalism 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 Journalism Schools in California

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

#1

University of California-Irvine

📍 Irvine, CA

• 4 year
• Campus + Online
• 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: 28

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

#2

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

📍 San Luis Obispo, CA

• 4 year
• Campus + Online

89.2 BOC Score

Graduation rate 87%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $90,768

Avg net price $16,665/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 1 Grand Ave. San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
• (805) 756-1111
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 95%
• Programs offered: 22

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#3

San Jose State University

📍 San Jose, CA

• 4 year
• Campus + Online

86.3 BOC Score

Graduation rate 78%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $78,988

Avg net price $13,760/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192-0186
• (408) 924-1000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 87%
• Programs offered: 40

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#4

Moorpark College

📍 Moorpark, CA

• 4 year

65.2 BOC Score

Graduation rate 34%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $49,044

Avg net price $-2,296/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 7075 Campus Rd Moorpark, CA 93021-1695
• (805) 378-1400
• Visit website

Key stats

• Programs offered: 39

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#5

Chapman University

📍 Orange, CA

• 4 year

61.4 BOC Score

Graduation rate 82%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $70,070

Avg net price $46,555/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• One University Dr. Orange, CA 92866
• (714) 997-6815
• Visit website

Key stats

• Retention rate: 91%
• Programs offered: 29

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#6

Cypress College

📍 Cypress, CA

• 4 year

49.5 BOC Score

Graduation rate 30%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $43,533

Avg net price $4,606/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 9200 Valley View Cypress, CA 90630-5897
• (714) 484-7000
• Visit website

Key stats

• Programs offered: 63

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#7

Los Angeles Valley College

📍 Valley Glen, CA

• 4 year

42.2 BOC Score

Graduation rate 22%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $42,678

Avg net price $12,152/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 5800 Fulton Avenue Valley Glen, CA 91401-4096
• (818) 947-2600
• Visit website

Key stats

• Programs offered: 42

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

#8

Fresno City College

📍 Fresno, CA

• 4 year

41.3 BOC Score

Graduation rate 25%

Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry $37,361

Avg net price $8,069/yr

TuitionContact school for pricing

Contact

• 1101 E. University Ave Fresno, CA 93741
• (559) 442-8200
• Visit website

Key stats

• Programs offered: 82

Source:IPEDS · College Scorecard

Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Journalism 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 Journalism 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 journalism 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 Journalism pay in California compare to other states?

California offers competitive wages for journalism 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 journalism 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 Journalism Resources

• Main Journalism Degree Guide
• Journalism Programs by State Index
• Affordable Journalism Programs

Browse Other States

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