Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in California (2026)

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

Home > Programs > Liberal Arts > States > California

California Liberal Arts At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Liberal Arts Salary$91,302
Salary OutlookCalifornia offers competitive wages for liberal arts professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online liberal arts degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California offers competitive wages for liberal arts 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 Liberal Arts Schools in California

The following schools offer accredited online liberal arts 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

Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

Monterey, CA BOC Score 92.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

University of California-Davis

Davis, CA BOC Score 90.0
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 42%
Graduation rate 85%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$16,774
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$50,974
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

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

#5

Pomona College

Claremont, CA BOC Score 77.2
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 7%
Graduation rate 93%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$65,420
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$65,420
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 1

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

Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Liberal Arts 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)
Public Relations Specialist$85,030
Management Analyst$101,460
Technical Writer$104,000
News Analyst, Reporter, or JournalistN/A
Editor$98,030
Training and Development Specialist$75,790
Human Resources Specialist$83,500

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

Why Pursue an Online Liberal Arts 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 liberal arts 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 Liberal Arts pay in California compare to other states?

California offers competitive wages for liberal arts 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 liberal arts 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.

Browse Other States

Back to Online Liberal Arts Programs by State

Return to Online Liberal Arts Programs by State

Explore Cities in Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in California (2026)

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

V

W

Y