Best Online MBA Degree Programs in California for 2025

Compare Popular Online MBA Programs

What Can You Do With an MBA in California

Are you interested in pursuing a career in business, finance, or management in California and already have your undergraduate degree? If so, you may be considering a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Graduate school alumni are usually qualified for a variety of jobs that span across many business-related disciplines. Some of the most common employment opportunities span the country and include work in accounting, human resources, operations, business analytics, information technology systems, general management, and health administration. Not only will this degree prepare you for a variety of professions as well as higher-paying leadership positions in the field, it can also provide you with the knowledge necessary to start your own business.

Working professionals who already have a full schedule or other important life responsibilities, however, may feel that a higher education degree is out of their reach. Fortunately, many business schools offering online MBA programs provide flexible scheduling options (evening or weekend courses and part-time or accelerated programs for leaders and executives) and the opportunity to complete coursework from the convenience of your own home and/or office from anywhere in the U.S. It’s important to realize that many distance learning MBA programs California offers require some type of residency, or on-campus education events; this allows you to connect to your class or community and network with faculty, staff, and classmates in the real world. You don't want to skip these, even if they are offered rather than required, it's easier to create a cohort this way, rather than using email or social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn. This means you'll still gain the most benefits from choosing a college or university that is relatively near your current location, even if it isn't the most affordable.

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Top 25 Best MBA Programs in California

Stanford University

Score: 94.82

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

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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

University of California-Berkeley

Score: 84.21

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

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University of California-Los Angeles

Score: 82.05

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

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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

University of California-Irvine

Score: 80.1

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

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University of California-San Diego

Score: 79.89

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

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University of Southern California

Score: 78.58

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

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University of California-Davis

Score: 77.42

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

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California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

Score: 77.37

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

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San Diego State University

Score: 73.38

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

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California State University-Long Beach

Score: 72.36

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

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San Jose State University

Score: 71.72

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

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Santa Clara University

Score: 71.64

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

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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

University of San Diego

Score: 70.38

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

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California State University-Fullerton

Score: 70.37

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

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University of California-Riverside

Score: 69.81

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

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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

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Saint Mary's College of California

Score: 67.66

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

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California State University-Chico

Score: 67.17

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

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University of Redlands

Score: 66.75

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

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California Lutheran University

Score: 66.63

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

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Pepperdine University

Score: 66.6

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

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University of La Verne

Score: 66.57

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

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Why Consider An Online MBA?

There are several reasons people choose to search for an online degree in business in California. For starters, MBAs are immensely popular among individuals who want to further advance their careers. While not all of the business industries in California expect their employees to have a graduate degree, it does provide an edge over potential competition, including access to upper-management and administration positions, which often require more training and experience. It’s also common for a professional with an MBA to make more money than those without one. Additionally, some companies and organizations require promotion candidates to have an advanced degree or limit the potential for future raises until after the next level of education is completed.

At the very least, an MBA will impress a hiring committee; it shows great dedication to the field as a whole, indicates familiarity with more advanced concepts in business management, builds on your work experience, and suggests you're not afraid of innovation and are willing to learn. For this reason, current professionals interested in applying for leadership roles, changing their careers, or starting their own business should strongly consider enrolling in a part- or full-time MBA online. This type of degree makes graduates extremely marketable because content usually covers basic business, finance, and management techniques. The skills you develop throughout the program will be useful regardless of the focus of your specific career plans and goals.

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, online or otherwise, does not guarantee advancement in your career, however. While a graduate degree in business will likely make you more marketable, impress potential employers, and result in a higher salary, these changes don’t occur overnight. You must combine the skills and knowledge attained from your MBA program with hard work and dedication to be truly successful in the field.

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education

Typical MBA Concentrations

As with many degrees, some MBA programs offer students the opportunity to choose a specialization in various areas. While the main coursework required will be the same, selecting a focus will allow you to take classes that will help you specialize in a specific business sub-field. Two of the most popular concentrations available for online MBA degrees in California are Health Administration and Information Technology. These may be completed in nearly the same amount of time as the usual degree, with only a few additional months needed for the most difficult specializations, such as engineering.

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 in California

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)

Of these, the AACSB is by far the most reputable organization. It does not, however, accredit many online MBA programs. For this reason, students looking for a quality program in California should consider colleges and universities accredited by the DETC. Students who complete an online MBA program accredited by either of these organizations will have little trouble finding employment within and outside of the United States.

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, in terms of pay offered, greatly depends on the accreditation of the institution you select, regardless of whether you prefer a hybrid or on-campus program. Depending on your professional goals, you’ll likely want to avoid colleges and universities that are not accredited. Choosing a college or university with accreditation for its online MBA program is important. Not only will it add credibility and value to your degree, but it ensures that you will graduate with the ability to work professionally internationally and/or within the United States. It’s highly recommended that you avoid institutions which have not been recognized as high quality by an international or regional accreditation agency.

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

The economy in California is quickly growing. In fact, according to the Employment Development Department, the state is expected 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 10% increase in employment between 2016 and 2026. 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 up to a 20% increase in job availability. The projected growth in many of these industries is faster than average.

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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	25,000
UCLA Health System	Healthcare	Los Angeles	3,000+
Walt Disney Resorts and Parks	Entertainment	Anaheim	130,000 worldwide
Caltrans	Transportation	Sacramento	15,000

Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in California

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 California MBA Grads

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 & FAQ's

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.

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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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Best California MBA Schools and Programs

What Can You Do With an MBA in California

Search Programs

Top 25 Best MBA Programs in California

Northwestern Polytechnic University

Claremont McKenna College

Humphreys University-Stockton and Modesto

Why Consider An Online MBA?

Percentage of Students Enrolled By Distance Education

Typical MBA Concentrations

Accreditation in California

Career and Job Outlook for MBA Graduates

Top Employers in the State by Number of Employees

Careers and Salaries for MBA Graduates in California

Careers for California MBA Grads

How to Choose & FAQ's

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