What Can You Do With an MBA in California


Looking to advance your career in business, finance, or management in California? An Online MBA could be your ticket to a variety of high-paying roles across multiple industries, such as accounting, business analytics, human resources, and general management. With this degree, you'll gain the leadership skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in your career or even start your own business. Explore the top online MBA programs in California to find a program that fits your goals.

Many working professionals may feel that pursuing an MBA is out of reach due to their busy schedules. Fortunately, many California business schools offer online MBA programs with flexible scheduling including evening, weekend, part-time, and accelerated formats. However, some programs still require on-campus residencies or events to foster networking and community building. Choosing a program closer to home, even if slightly more expensive, can enhance your experience by allowing for meaningful in-person connections with faculty, staff, and peers.

Top 25 Best MBA Programs in California


1
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $62,484
    • Out-of-State:$62,484
  • Net Price: $18,279
  • Acceptance Rate: 4%
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 95%
  • Total Enrollment: 18,283
  • Undergrad Students: 8,049
  • Graduate Students: 10,234
  • Grads Salary: $116,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 5:1
  • Stanford University
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2

Northwestern Polytechnic University

Score: 86.26

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,775
    • Out-of-State:$8,775
  • Net Price: $12,510
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 74%
  • Total Enrollment: 164
  • Undergrad Students: 24
  • Graduate Students: 140
  • Grads Salary: $110,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 3:1
  • Northwestern Polytechnic University
3
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,850
    • Out-of-State:$45,627
  • Net Price: $19,257
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 94%
  • Total Enrollment: 45,307
  • Undergrad Students: 32,479
  • Graduate Students: 12,828
  • Grads Salary: $97,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • University of California-Berkeley
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4
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $13,747
    • Out-of-State:$44,524
  • Net Price: $16,999
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%
  • Total Enrollment: 46,430
  • Undergrad Students: 32,423
  • Graduate Students: 14,007
  • Grads Salary: $89,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of California-Los Angeles
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5

Claremont McKenna College

Score: 81.08

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $64,150
    • Out-of-State:$64,150
  • Net Price: $28,701
  • Acceptance Rate: 10%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%
  • Total Enrollment: 1,389
  • Undergrad Students: 1,386
  • Graduate Students: 3
  • Grads Salary: $92,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 8:1
  • Claremont McKenna College
6
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,237
    • Out-of-State:$45,014
  • Net Price: $14,033
  • Acceptance Rate: 21%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%
  • Total Enrollment: 35,937
  • Undergrad Students: 28,662
  • Graduate Students: 7,275
  • Grads Salary: $88,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 18:1
  • University of California-Irvine
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7
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,265
    • Out-of-State:$46,042
  • Net Price: $16,111
  • Acceptance Rate: 24%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%
  • Total Enrollment: 42,006
  • Undergrad Students: 33,096
  • Graduate Students: 8,910
  • Grads Salary: $89,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 19:1
  • University of California-San Diego
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8
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $68,237
    • Out-of-State:$68,237
  • Net Price: $36,808
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%
  • Total Enrollment: 48,945
  • Undergrad Students: 20,699
  • Graduate Students: 28,246
  • Grads Salary: $92,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • University of Southern California
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9
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $15,247
    • Out-of-State:$46,024
  • Net Price: $17,385
  • Acceptance Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 86%
  • Total Enrollment: 39,679
  • Undergrad Students: 31,532
  • Graduate Students: 8,147
  • Grads Salary: $88,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 21:1
  • University of California-Davis
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10
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $11,075
    • Out-of-State:$30,995
  • Net Price: $19,184
  • Acceptance Rate: 30%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%
  • Total Enrollment: 22,000
  • Undergrad Students: 21,026
  • Graduate Students: 974
  • Grads Salary: $88,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
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11
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,290
    • Out-of-State:$20,170
  • Net Price: $13,017
  • Acceptance Rate: 39%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%
  • Total Enrollment: 37,402
  • Undergrad Students: 32,194
  • Graduate Students: 5,208
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 25:1
  • San Diego State University
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12
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,008
    • Out-of-State:$18,888
  • Net Price: $9,346
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 38,973
  • Undergrad Students: 32,931
  • Graduate Students: 6,042
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • California State University-Long Beach
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13
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,992
    • Out-of-State:$19,872
  • Net Price: $14,219
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%
  • Total Enrollment: 35,751
  • Undergrad Students: 26,863
  • Graduate Students: 8,888
  • Grads Salary: $91,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 22:1
  • San Jose State University
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14
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $59,241
    • Out-of-State:$59,241
  • Net Price: $50,551
  • Acceptance Rate: 52%
  • Retention Rate: 92%
  • Graduation Rate: 89%
  • Total Enrollment: 9,178
  • Undergrad Students: 6,115
  • Graduate Students: 3,063
  • Grads Salary: $96,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 12:1
  • Santa Clara University
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15

Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto

Score: 70.53

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,760
    • Out-of-State:$14,760
  • Net Price: $18,306
  • Acceptance Rate: 100%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%
  • Total Enrollment: 393
  • Undergrad Students: 159
  • Graduate Students: 234
  • Grads Salary: $76,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 7:1
  • Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto
16
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $56,444
    • Out-of-State:$56,444
  • Net Price: $36,008
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
  • Total Enrollment: 8,815
  • Undergrad Students: 5,669
  • Graduate Students: 3,146
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • University of San Diego
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17
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,073
    • Out-of-State:$18,953
  • Net Price: $7,925
  • Acceptance Rate: 67%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%
  • Total Enrollment: 40,386
  • Undergrad Students: 35,432
  • Graduate Students: 4,954
  • Grads Salary: $80,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • California State University-Fullerton
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18
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $14,170
    • Out-of-State:$44,947
  • Net Price: $14,487
  • Acceptance Rate: 69%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 76%
  • Total Enrollment: 26,809
  • Undergrad Students: 22,911
  • Graduate Students: 3,898
  • Grads Salary: $79,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 24:1
  • University of California-Riverside
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19

Cal Poly Pomona

Score: 69.36

  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $7,439
    • Out-of-State:$19,319
  • Net Price: $12,480
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%
  • Total Enrollment: 27,503
  • Undergrad Students: 25,181
  • Graduate Students: 2,322
  • Grads Salary: $82,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 25:1
  • Cal Poly Pomona
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20
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $56,134
    • Out-of-State:$56,134
  • Net Price: $32,129
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 72%
  • Total Enrollment: 2,765
  • Undergrad Students: 2,003
  • Graduate Students: 762
  • Grads Salary: $86,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 9:1
  • Saint Mary's College of California
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21
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $8,064
    • Out-of-State:$19,944
  • Net Price: $15,517
  • Acceptance Rate: 95%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%
  • Total Enrollment: 14,183
  • Undergrad Students: 12,981
  • Graduate Students: 1,202
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 20:1
  • California State University-Chico
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22
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $57,614
    • Out-of-State:$57,614
  • Net Price: $28,157
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 80%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,460
  • Undergrad Students: 2,313
  • Graduate Students: 1,147
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 10:1
  • University of Redlands
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23
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $50,670
    • Out-of-State:$50,670
  • Net Price: $30,416
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%
  • Total Enrollment: 3,615
  • Undergrad Students: 2,513
  • Graduate Students: 1,102
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 14:1
  • California Lutheran University
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24
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $66,742
    • Out-of-State:$66,742
  • Net Price: $47,804
  • Acceptance Rate: 49%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 84%
  • Total Enrollment: 10,030
  • Undergrad Students: 3,662
  • Graduate Students: 6,368
  • Grads Salary: $84,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 13:1
  • Pepperdine University
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25
  • Undergraduate Tuition
    • In-State: $47,000
    • Out-of-State:$47,000
  • Net Price: $25,103
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Graduation Rate: 63%
  • Total Enrollment: 5,662
  • Undergrad Students: 3,365
  • Graduate Students: 2,297
  • Grads Salary: $85,000
  • Student-to-faculty: 11:1
  • University of La Verne
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Why Consider An Online MBA?


Many individuals pursue an online MBA in California to gain a competitive edge in their careers. While not all industries require a graduate degree, an MBA can open doors to higher-paying roles in management and administration. Companies often prefer candidates with advanced degrees for promotions and higher salaries. Additionally, some employers require an MBA before considering employees for raises or new positions.

An MBA demonstrates dedication to the field, advanced business knowledge, and a willingness to innovate and learn. For professionals seeking leadership roles, career changes, or entrepreneurship, an online MBA is highly beneficial. It enhances marketability by teaching essential business, finance, and management skills, which are valuable across a wide range of careers and industries. This degree builds on work experience and provides a competitive edge in the job market.

Many people also choose to earn an MBA online because they are already employed, have family responsibilities, thrive academically without distractions, or are interested in a specific academic program, or one with great rankings, but are unable to move in order to study.

Earning an MBA can improve your marketability, increase your salary, and impress employers, but it's not an automatic guarantee for career advancement. Success requires applying the knowledge and skills gained in the program, combined with hard work, persistence, and dedication. It may take time to see the full benefits of your degree, so be prepared to continue developing professionally while leveraging the skills acquired during your studies.

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education


Typical Concentrations


Many MBA programs offer students the chance to specialize in areas like Health Administration and Information Technology, allowing them to focus on a specific business field. While the core coursework remains the same, specializations typically require only a few additional months to complete. Some specialized areas, such as engineering, may take longer. Specializing in an MBA allows for deeper expertise and can open doors to specific career paths.

  • Health Administration MBA

    California is home is some of the most prominent healthcare facilities in the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the state had the highest employment level for medical and health services management in 2020. With 42,200 professionals in the field, the opportunity for employment as a director of a hospital, nursing home, or outpatient care center is promising. Students should expect to lean a variety of business, management, finance, and marketing techniques geared specifically toward these careers.

    Common coursework includes:

    • Current Issues in Healthcare Administration
    • Ethics and Decision Making
    • Law and Compliance
    • Health Information and Analytics
  • Information Technology/Systems

    California is also a center for many world-class technology firms. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistic, the state had the highest employment level for both database administrators and network and computer systems administrators in 2020. With over 81,500 professionals in these fields alone, the opportunities for employment as information technology directors, chief technology officers, and entrepreneurs are abundant. Students should expect to lean a variety of business, management, finance, and marketing techniques geared specifically toward technology-related careers.

    Common coursework includes:

    • Database Development and Applications
    • Electronic Commerce
    • Emerging Technologies
    • Business Process Analysis and Design

Accreditation


As you will quickly find out, no two online MBA programs are exactly the same. To ensure their programs meet certain quality standards, colleges and universities must undergo an accreditation process. Essentially, they must prove that their degree and each course follows the guidelines established by one or more accreditation organizations.

Some of the most prominent international accreditation agencies include:

  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB Rankings)
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP Rankings)
  • The Association of MBAs (AMBA)
  • European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS)
  • The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

The AACSB is the most reputable accrediting organization, though it doesn’t accredit many online MBA programs. Students in California should consider schools accredited by the DETC for quality programs. Graduating from an MBA program accredited by either of these organizations will significantly enhance employment prospects both domestically and internationally.

An even better option is to attend a program accredited by a regional organization. Professionals who intend to work in California should consider institutions approved by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. This type of accreditation proves the program meets all necessary professional standards within the region and is accepted by employers across the nation.

The value of your degree, including salary potential, largely depends on the accreditation of your chosen institution, whether you pursue an online, hybrid, or on-campus program. Accreditation ensures the credibility of your degree, enabling you to work internationally or within the U.S. It's essential to select a program recognized by a reputable regional or international accreditation agency to enhance your career prospects and the degree's professional standing.


Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates


The economy in California is quickly growing. In fact, according to the Employment Development Department, the state was expecting to have an additional 2,585,500 job openings available before the year 2024. That’s on top of the 3,962,200 jobs expected due to replacement needs. About 12% of new jobs are expected to be office and administrative support occupations. Additionally, some of the fastest growing occupations include web developers, software developers, and operations research analysts.

Based on info provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals working in the business and financial operations field can expect a faster-than-average increase in employment between 2023 and 2033. As of 2020, California was also the leading employer for medical and health services managers, database administrators, and network and computer systems administrators. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that all of these fields can also expect an increase in job availability. The projected growth in many of these industries is faster than average.

Featured Online Programs

While the Employment Development Department in California states that most new positions will not require a graduate education, having an MBA will be extremely beneficial as requirements for higher-level positions continue to change. Individuals with a master’s degree in business will be qualified to apply for upper-level leadership, consulting, and executive positions. The training and skills acquired will also make it easier to find a place in a variety of different industries.

Some of the most common employment opportunities for professionals with an MBA include:

  • Accountant
  • Budget Analyst
  • Business Operations Manager
  • Financial Analyst
  • Health Information Manager
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Healthcare Administrator
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Information Systems Manager
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operations Research Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Securities Analyst
  • Top Executive

Top Employers in the State by Number of Employees


Company Industry Headquarters City Number of Employees
32nd Street Naval Station Government San Diego 26,000+
Alphabet Inc. Internet Search Mountain View 10,000+
Amgen Inc Bio-Manufacturing Thousand Oaks 10,000+
Amazon Fulfillment Ctr Retail Fresno 5,000+

Careers and Salaries for Graduates


According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median wage for business and financial occupations was $87,550 in 2020. It’s important to note, however, that California is one of the highest paying states for many business-related occupations. For example, accountants, auditors, human resource specialists, health services managers, database administrators, and computer systems administrators working in California in 2020 were paid significantly more than they would have been if they worked in most other states.

Having an MBA improves salary potential. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, business, finance, and sales professionals with a graduate degree made more money than those without one in 2019. In fact, some occupations provided as much as a 90% increase to those with an advanced degree.

An MBA can help you find employment in many different industries, however, so you will need to research earning potential for your specific job of interest. California tends to pay business professionals well, but regional location, job type, and position title will all play a role in your salary.

Careers for Graduates


As previously mentioned, there are numerous career opportunities for individuals with an MBA in California. While MBA graduates can usually find work in any industry, positions commonly deal with business management and finance. To give you a clearer understanding on some typical positions in the field, consider the following job descriptions.

  • Financial Business Analyst
    Financial business analysts utilize internal and external client data to advise company administrators, especially when thinking about and making important financial decisions. These professionals often evaluate income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets to better predict how current financials will impact ongoing operations.
  • Financial Manager
    Financial managers are primarily responsible for monitoring spending, preparing financial reports, and making financial forecasts. They are often asked to research how the company can improve its overall profitability. In some cases, these professionals also provide valuable insight regarding potential expansions, mergers, and acquisitions.
  • Business Development Manager
    Business development managers have two important responsibilities: identify beneficial opportunities for the company or establish relationships with potential clients. These professionals also find sales leads, manage marketing literature, and provide valuable information to customers about products and services.
  • Chief Financial Officer
    Chief financial officers report directly to the president or chief executive officer of a company or organization and oversee all business finances. They are also responsible for finding funding, forecasting financial futures, managing potential risks, and reporting important data to the administration.
  • Accounting Manager
    Accounting managers are in charge of managing a company or organization’s accounting department. They often develop any guiding financial principles and practices, as well as ensure procedures are being followed. These professionals are also responsible for monitoring and analyzing financial data and creating necessary financial reports.

How to Choose a Program


If you believe an online MBA degree is right for you, it’s important that you research the available programs in California. You will need to find a college or university that offers a curriculum that suits your lifestyle and career goals. Keep in mind that some online graduate degrees do require physically being on campus from time to time. For this reason, it may be necessary to choose an institution that isn’t too far away from your home and job. Other factors to consider are curriculum expectations and the potential to gain hands-on experience throughout the program.

Most online MBA programs consist of 30 to 60 credit hours of coursework and are designed to be completed within one to two years. While no two programs are alike, many offer flexible scheduling for full-time professionals.

Classes also vary, but often include topics like:

  • Enterprise Management, Organization, and Strategy
  • Business Ethics and Law
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Marketing Management
  • Strategic Decision Making
  • Information Technology Management
  • Financial Principles and Policies
  • Marketing Research
  • Corporate Finance
  • Innovative Business Models
  • International Business
  • Human Capital Management Strategy
  • Data Management
  • Sustainable Business Strategies

Many students worry that an online MBA will not provide them with the hands-on experience they need to be successful in the field. This is why some colleges and universities often require distance learners to complete certain requirements on campus during residency experiences.

You will need to seriously consider whether an online MBA will provide you with the skills necessary to be successful in your preferred business profession. Some careers require little in-person interaction to begin with. Accountants, for example, would likely benefit as much from an on-campus program as they would an online one. A health administrator, on the other hand, may prefer some hands-on management experiences.

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