How many colleges are in California?

There are over 500 colleges and universities in California. It is the most populous state in the U.S., the third-largest state by area, and is home to many prestigious schools.

Is community college free in California?

No — community colleges aren't free in California. However, some community colleges participate in the California College Promise program, which offers grants or fee waivers to students who meet income standards and other requirements.

How do I establish residency in California to get in-state tuition?

You can qualify for in-state tuition after living in California for over one year (at least 366 days). You must also prove financial independence and indicate that you plan to remain in the state after graduation. Some online colleges in California may have different rules for distance learners, so make sure to research any requirements before applying.

What colleges require the SAT in California?

Most of the California institutions that still require SAT scores are private institutions with competitive admissions. The California State University and University of California public systems have both eliminated SAT requirements from their admission processes. However, many schools will still consider SAT scores if you would like to submit them.

What colleges accept a 2.0 GPA in California?

Many community colleges and some private institutions with inclusive admission policies accept students with GPAs in the 2.0 range. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 56 degree-granting California institutions have acceptance rates of at least 80%, suggesting they are accessible to students with variable academic histories.

Discover The Best Online Colleges In California

California has the largest higher education network of any U.S. state, creating a wealth of pathways for you to pursue virtually any academic interest. Accredited online colleges in California add convenience and flexibility, giving you more control over your study schedule and creating opportunities if you live outside the Golden State.

This guide profiles California's online higher education landscape. Learn about typical tuition rates, the state's job market, popular destinations for graduates, and more.

California at a Glance

There are 220 nonprofit four-year institutions in California.
About 38% of adults in the state hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
In fall 2023, 55.6% of students at California institutions were enrolled in online courses.
In fall 2023, there were over 900,000 students aged 25 and over enrolled at California colleges.

Best Online Schools in California

Who Accredits Online Colleges in California?

Accreditation ensures your online college provides a high-quality education. When a college holds institutional accreditation, it means a third-party agency has vetted the school for its standards of excellence.

Accreditation signals to employers that your online education is just as rigorous and legitimate as an on-campus program. You'll also need an accredited degree when applying for certain professional licenses and federal financial aid.

In California, the primary institutional accreditors are the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and the WASC Senior College and University Commission, which were known as regional accreditors until 2020. However, your school may have received accreditation from another agency recognized by the Department of Education.

Find More Schools in California

How Much Does College Cost in California?

Tuition rates are highly variable in California. The state's public undergraduate institutions charge rates far below the national average, but private education is significantly more expensive — especially for graduate students.

Financial aid can make it easier to meet your costs, especially if that aid comes in non-repayable forms like scholarships or grants. Many online colleges in California offer in-house aid programs, but the state's government also provides options. These include:

The need-based Cal Grant Award program
The Middle Class Scholarship program for students attending a University of California (UC), a California State University (CSU), or a bachelor's degree program at a California Community College
The California College Promise Grant program, which offers tuition waivers for eligible students at select institutions

You can learn more by exploring the California Student Aid Commission's financial aid portal.

Career Opportunities in California

$56,940
Median annual wage in CA (May 2024)

+8.9%
Projected job growth in CA (2022-2032)

5.5%
Unemployment rate in CA (August 2025)

Source: BLS OEWS, Projections Central, BLS LAUS

In California, workers earn relatively high pay: The state's annual median wage of $56,940 exceeds the national average of $49,500 by 15%. California also has a strong job growth forecast.

Some of California's fastest-growing career paths that require only a bachelor's degree include medical and health services manager, data scientist, and information security analyst.

Popular Cities for Recent Grads

Los Angeles

Los Angeles hosts a labor force of about 5.13 million people.
It is known for being home to the U.S. entertainment industry and hosts a highly diverse population.
Fast-growing jobs in Los Angeles include advanced-practice registered nurses, physician assistants, physical therapy assistants, medical and health services managers, and statisticians.

San Francisco Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area includes the cities of San Francisco, San Jose, Berkeley, and Oakland.
It is known for hosting Silicon Valley, the epicenter of the U.S. tech industry.
Wages are relatively high, but so is the cost of living.

San Diego

Commonly called "America's Finest City."
It is known for its biotechnology, life sciences, international shipping, and military industries.
Social workers, lab technicians, cost estimators, and teachers rank among the city's fastest-growing jobs that require a bachelor's degree and pay a median salary of at least $50,000.