Best Online Nursing Programs in California (2026)

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California Nursing At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Nursing Salary$155,403
Salary OutlookCalifornia offers competitive wages for nursing professionals, reflected in the state-specific Bureau of Labor Statistics median salaries shown below.
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Board of Nursing
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online nursing degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California offers competitive wages for nursing 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 Nursing Schools in California

The following schools offer accredited online nursing 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.

#1

Loma Linda University

Loma Linda, CA BOC Score 96.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 25

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

California Career College

Canoga Park, CA BOC Score 76.7
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#3

Pacific College

Costa Mesa, CA BOC Score 75.6
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 2

Source:IPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

Homestead Schools

Torrance, CA BOC Score 75.7
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 94%
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 3

Source:Accreditor: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education SchoolsIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

Smith Chason College

Los Angeles, CA BOC Score 63.1
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 64%
Tuition
In鈥憇tate$19,040
Out鈥憃f鈥憇tate$19,040
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 6

Source:Accreditor: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and CollegesIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Career Networks Institute

Santa Ana, CA BOC Score 62.0
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 83%
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 4

Source:Accreditor: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education SchoolsIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

Angeles College

Los Angeles, CA BOC Score 60.3
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 95%
TuitionContact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:Accreditor: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education SchoolsIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Nursing 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)
Registered Nurse$140,270
Licensed Practical Nurse$79,750
Nurse Anesthetist$292,410
Nurse Midwife$203,840
Nurse Practitioner$168,520
Nursing Assistant$47,630

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


Why Pursue an Online Nursing 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 nursing programs are designed to meet California Board of Nursing requirements, facilitating your path to RN or APRN licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online nursing 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 Nursing pay in California compare to other states?

California offers competitive wages for nursing 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 nursing in California?

The California Board of Nursing 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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