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California Technology At a Glance

MetricDetail
Median Technology Salary$130,206
National ComparisonCalifornia salaries are approximately 27.8% higher than the national average for technology
Primary Licensing BodyCalifornia Professional Licensing Board
Accreditation RequiredInstitutional + Regional

Earning an online technology degree in California offers a flexible path to a high-demand career. California salaries are approximately 27.8% higher than the national average for technology roles. 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.


Top Online Technology Schools in California

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

How we rank schools: Rankings are based on available IPEDS and College Scorecard data including graduation rate, admission rate, program availability, completions, and published tuition. Data is informational only -- always confirm details directly with each school.

#1

University of California-Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 63%
Graduation rate 76%
Tuition
In‑state$14,560
Out‑of‑state$45,337
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 7

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#2

University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 26%
Graduation rate 86%
Tuition
In‑state$14,237
Out‑of‑state$45,014
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 9

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#4

California State University-Northridge

Northridge, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 93%
Graduation rate 56%
Tuition
In‑state$7,095
Out‑of‑state$18,975
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 18

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#5

California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 98%
Graduation rate 55%
Tuition
In‑state$7,675
Out‑of‑state$19,555
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 12

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#6

Santa Ana College

Santa Ana, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Graduation rate 29%
Tuition
In‑state$1,180
Out‑of‑state$9,460
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 55

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#7

California State University-Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 91%
Graduation rate 47%
Tuition
In‑state$7,064
Out‑of‑state$18,944
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 16

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard

#8

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA In-state option
  • 4 year
  • Accredited
Acceptance rate 87%
Graduation rate 69%
Tuition
In‑state$7,073
Out‑of‑state$18,953
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 5

Source:ACCSCIPEDSCollege Scorecard


Career Outlook and Salaries in California

Technology 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)
Software Developer$170,910
Information Security Analyst$140,660
Computer Network Architect$138,350
Network and Computer Systems Administrator$106,620
Computer Network Support Specialist$79,520
Computer User Support Specialist$76,870
Web Developer$117,380
Computer and Information Systems Manager$211,340

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.


Why Pursue an Online Technology 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.
  • Local Tech Ecosystem: Pursuing a degree in California can provide access to the state’s specific tech hubs, incubator programs, and specialized industry partnerships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online technology 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 Technology pay in California compare to other states?

California salaries are approximately 27.8% higher than the national average for technology roles. This makes California a strong choice for students looking to maximize their ROI after graduation.

What is the primary licensing board for technology 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.


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