2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in California
Earning one of the most affordable online business degrees in California has never been easier, thanks to the growing availability of flexible and accessible programs. California's universities offer a wide range of online business degrees, allowing students to gain knowledge in innovation, operation management, sales, and finance.
Key Takeaways:
- Fremont University has the cheapest tuition by a few hundred dollars at $12,240.
- UMass Global leads our list with 9,390 students enrolled exclusively online. This is the most popular online school for a business degree in California.
- Golden Gate University shines with median graduate earnings of $87,027 for its online Bachelor of Science in Business, placing it in the top 1% nationally.
We chose the most affordable online business degrees in California based on manually researched tuition costs, ensuring transparency and accuracy. All included schools are institutionally accredited and offer fully online business programs. To learn more, please read our methodology.
2025 Most Affordable Online Business Degrees in California
| Rank | School | Location | Annual Tuition | AACSB Accredited |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fremont University | Cerritos (and 1 other) | $12,240 | No | |
| Abraham Lincoln University | Los Angeles | $12,450 | No | |
| San Diego Christian College | El Cajon | $12,750 | No | |
| Biola University | La Mirada | $12,750 | No | |
| California Intercontinental University | Diamond Bar | $13,140 | No | |
| Hope International University | Fullerton | $13,500 | No | |
| The Master's University | Santa Clarita | $13,500 | No | |
| West Coast University | Multiple Locations | $13,800 | No | |
| Golden Gate University | San Francisco | $13,860 | No | |
| San Jose State University | San Jose | $14,250 | Yes | |
| Life Pacific University | San Dimas | $15,000 | No | |
| Jessup University | Rocklin | $15,000 | No | |
| UMass Global | Multiple Locations | $15,000 | No | |
| California Baptist University | Riverside | $15,600 | No | |
| Azusa Pacific University | Azusa | $15,810 | No | |
| Fresno Pacific University | Fresno | $16,500 | No | |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego | $16,800 | No | |
| National University | La Jolla | $16,850 | No | |
| Simpson University | Redding | $17,100 | No | |
| Laurus College | San Luis Obispo | $19,000 | No | |
| University of Silicon Valley | Sunnyvale | $19,650 | No | |
| University of La Verne | La Verne | $19,950 | Yes | |
| California State University - Chico | Chico | $21,076 | No | |
| Pacific Oaks College | Pasadena (and 1 other) | $26,700 | No |
A Closer Look at California's Most Affordable Online Business Degrees
While choosing an affordable online business degree in California, it's important to balance affordability with other factors that are important to you — whether it's flexibility, career outcomes, or student support. We provide insights that can help you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money. Here’s a closer look at how these schools compare:
Maximizing Your Investment: Affordable Degrees with High Earning Potential
Understanding the balance between tuition costs and potential earnings is crucial for you to maximize your education's value. Schools like Fremont University has a low tuition of $12,240, but there's no federal data reporting on the earnings of business graduates from here. Meanwhile, Biola University is also affordable at $12,750, and it offers solid graduate earnings of $59,432 among business majors. This demonstrates that affordability doesn’t have to mean compromising future salary potential. Meanwhile, Golden Gate University’s higher tuition of $13,860 is offset by high median earnings of $87,027, showing that a well-chosen investment can lead to exceptional returns.
Time-Saving Degree Options
You can save time and money with accelerated programs and transfer-friendly options, helping you graduate faster and advance your career sooner. Schools like Fremont University and Biola University offer programs tailored to your schedule, while San Jose State’s condensed, eight-week terms are designed for working professionals. These shorter terms let you focus on fewer courses at a time, making it easier to balance your education with your work and personal commitments.
Tailored for Your Career Goals
California’s online business programs offer you the chance to align your education with your passions and career goals while standing out in the competitive job market. Love the fashion industry? LIM College focuses on the business side of fashion, setting you up for success in this fast-paced world. Prefer a collaborative learning experience? Fresno Pacific University’s cohort format connects you with peers and professionals to help you build valuable networks as you hone your management expertise. At West Coast University, you’ll not only earn a degree but also gain free access to LinkedIn Learning, allowing you to add industry certifications to your resume.
Which California Business School Is Right for You?
Considering costs vs. returns? Biola University may not be the cheapest on our list, but it offers affordable tuition at $12,750, with graduates earning a solid salary of $59,432.
Focusing on high earnings? Golden Gate University’s graduates earn $87,027 annually, showcasing a strong return on its $13,860 tuition.
Need a flexible schedule? Fremont University’s accelerated format and San Jose State’s eight-week terms cater to busy professionals or those looking to fast-track their degrees.
Which path matches your goals? LIM College’s focus on fashion business and West Coast University’s LinkedIn Learning integration provide unique pathways tailored to specific industries.
By aligning your priorities with these program features, you can confidently choose a degree that fits your ambitions and lifestyle.
Not sure if business is the right major for you? Start by exploring California’s best online colleges from our curated list of institutionally accredited schools.
High Paying Careers for Online Business Degree Graduates in California
To help you zero in on the highest-paying business careers in California you can achieve with just a bachelor’s degree, we’ve simplified state-specific data from the to showcase some of the best options:
Marketing Managers
As a marketing manager, you lead campaigns that drive brand awareness and customer engagement by blending creativity with data-driven strategy. Collaborating with diverse teams, you turn ideas into measurable results, from boosting sales to strengthening brand loyalty.
Advertising and Promotions Managers
As an advertising and promotions manager, you craft strategies that captivate audiences and elevate brand visibility. By coordinating creative campaigns and managing budgets, you ensure promotions achieve maximum impact and drive customer engagement.
Project Management Specialists
As a project management specialist, you oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget. By coordinating teams and managing resources, you turn complex goals into successful outcomes.
Budget Analysts
As a budget analyst, you guide organizations in financial decision-making by evaluating budgets and recommending improvements. Your expertise ensures resources are allocated effectively to achieve organizational goals.
Getting a high-paying business career in California is achievable with just a bachelor’s degree online, as these roles demonstrate. From leading marketing initiatives to optimizing budgets, these positions highlight how a strong business foundation can translate into lucrative opportunities. You may also consider similar programs in the field, depending on your specific interests, like an online finance degree or an online marketing degree, for example. With focus and dedication, you can leverage your degree to secure a rewarding and financially stable career.
Final Thoughts
With 24 affordable online business degree options in California, prospective students have a wealth of choices to pursue a high-quality education in this field without straining their finances. California’s emphasis on innovation and economic growth is reflected in the variety of programs offered by accredited online schools across the state, catering to diverse career paths. These affordable options empower students to prioritize their professional goals while minimizing the burden of student debt.
California’s robust job market further enhances the appeal of an online business degree, offering competitive salaries in fields like management, marketing, and financial analysis. Whether you're aiming to advance your career or enter a new industry, these affordable online programs can provide the flexibility and accessibility you need to succeed. Explore our list above to find the program that aligns with your ambitions and budget.
Explore our most affordable online business degrees to discover all the programs across the country that offer the lowest tuition for a business program overall.
Student Reviews of Online Business Programs
I'm currently taking an all online course load through a degree program/sponsorship between BU and my employer. I actually had completed about 80% of my coursework years ago in a traditional course setting but never finished. I could not pass up the opportunity to complete my degree at a great price. My experience with the school itself has been generally positive. There are some things I would definitely change if I were writing the content. Let me preface this with saying that I fully understand... Read More
Review Date: 5/3/2020
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I've loved my experience at Strayer. The tuition threshold can be challenging but their graduation fund can help offset that dilemma. The teachers are all willing to help you achieve success in their class. I also loved the convenience of online classes.
Review Date: 11/21/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I wish I had thought to read reviews of this school prior to enrolling here. With that said; please be aware that this review is my opinion, and only one of many opinions, so please do your own research, and come to your own conclusions. First off, if you plan on having interaction with your instructors, you will need to look elsewhere. That's not an opinion just a simple fact, one I was unaware of prior to enrolling. I enrolled here mostly because of the lower tuition rate over my previous school;... Read More
Review Date: 7/25/2017
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Liberty University has an exceptional online program that fully meets the needs of today's work force. My degree plan has increased my knowledge of general business practices, communication, psychology, and basic human development. As a project manager in the State of Ohio Department of Mental Health, this knowledge has been crucial in the development and management of projects for mental health hospitals. The courses are easy to navigate and full of information. There are no longer book fees for... Read More
Review Date: 5/29/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school truly did help me on my learning career. They not only helped me getting into school and supplying me with all the resources I needed, but also helped me when I left their school. They helped me get a job before I left so I could be set up. I am so grateful I went to this college and would recommend it to anyone and everyone!
Review Date: 12/9/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Solid University, truely. The quality of the education for the price is reminiscent of a good level state school, at a substantial discount from that. The professors and support staff, they rock. Now for the Financial Aid: (crafted after reading several reviews, and interacting with them first hand) Absolute garbage. The individuals are unqualified, rude, they administer information that is factually wrong, and they may even be afoul of the regulations. The school itself comes off as a good level... Read More
Review Date: 3/27/2019
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I was enrolled in the flex path program from 2016-2018, I had very little guidance. Also, whenever I reached out to the staff members I was met with condescending attitudes. As though I was a bother, I believe because I am a working professional the instructors assumed that I should know the material. Which was an insane notion. Honestly, what got me through the program was self motivation. This is not a program for students of diversity, which is the population the program is geared towards.
Review Date: 9/19/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Herzing is a very good school. the staff was always helpful and welling to go the extra mile to make sure that you succeed in the journey that you were taking. The business field is a field that is constantly growing in many directions, you can do just about anything with a degree in business. I choose Herzing because of the smaller classes and the smiling faces
Review Date: 6/22/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
If you don't attend Ashworth college this is truly your loss of time and money an education is essential. With extremely hard work I got my bachelors degree in a fraction of the time and a fraction of they money Ashworth you are god sent thanks Ashworth team
Review Date: 5/28/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really liked my experience with Capella. It was a nice compromise between independent learning and traditional education. The professors were knowledgeable in their fields, and offered great guidance. After three years, I had very few negative interactions. I also found that when students were unnecessarily unpleasant, they seemed to have been weeded out, which is great. The basic format of the school is that a professional tells you what to learn, you learn it, and you write a paper showing that... Read More
Review Date: 1/22/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Best value in education, hands down. Regionally accredited, not for profit school - meaning it is not a diploma mill - they by law do not turn a profit. I finished 50 credits in 5 months to earn my bachelors degree- one month later I was hired by the company I had been a contractor at for over 3 1/2 years. The degree is viewed positively by employers. Loved my mentor, loved the ability to work as fast as possuble. I started back in May to earn a MBA degree and I am over half way done already. Very... Read More
Review Date: 9/25/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I am a mature student who started out just to finish the AA degree I started before I had children. I chose this school because I was working outside the U.S. at the time and several of my co-workers were using it. I began as a per-class student, but the pace for me was slow and I didn't get many classes completed over two years because life just kept getting in the way and I'm a great procrastinator. I moved back to the U.S. in 2012 and decided it was time to get this thing done. I switched to the... Read More
Review Date: 11/15/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Of the common complaints on here, I can attest to their partial validity. I was automatically enrolled in my next course based on my declared degree path. So yes automatic enroll does exist in order to support you! In fact I did change my degree path after I started. The process is as simple as filling out a form and signing it. A few days later the degree path was corrected. Automatic billing does exist, based on the degree path I chose. However, I always paid for the courses in accordance with... Read More
Review Date: 3/4/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I really enjoyed my four year journey with the University of Phoenix as they allowed me to continue my education while maintaining full time employment. The faculty is really amazing and caring when it comes to their students, if I had to do it all over again, University of Phoenix will still be my first choice.
Review Date: 9/13/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I completed an undergraduate degree in business administration from the online program. After attending traditional campuses off and on for many years, I identified the UIU online program as a fit for my degree completion. I looked into other online programs, but I was aggravated by their high pressure admissions tactics. I have nothing but positive things to say about my student advisor and the distance learning staff. I have had excellent instructors who were engaged and posted a great deal of... Read More
Review Date: 10/30/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
New York University adequately gave me the tools necessary to tackle my career in business. It is nestled within New York City's Greenwich Village, which provided me with a diverse environment which I feel will help me in the real world. Thank you, New York University!
Review Date: 3/5/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Great teachers, great campus and great location. Advisors are teachers are very knowledgeable and caring. They want you to do well. They will spend grab you by the hand and guide you from beginning to end. I am in constant contact with my advisor to make sure I am taking the proper courses.
Review Date: 3/24/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Not the safest location, but has a police department on campus. Kind of not the cleanest place, but it is a college. Nice people, some really great professors.
Review Date: 7/22/2016
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended the Victor Valley campus and the online program. I also attended many other schools unfortunately that resulted in myself withdrawing in their program. Brandman is different. They have staff members who actually can get stuff done. K and E especially along with the rest of the staff over in Victorville are extremely good at their jobs. The professors are really well qualified.
My favorite part about the professors is that many of them actually have real jobs in the industry unlike a lot... Read More
Instead of trying to manager four classes you only have to manager two at a time (but you still take four classes each term). Also the chairs are comfortable which is nice since sitting in class for three hours can be rough after a long day of work.
Review Date: 2/22/2013
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I attended DeVry from September 2009 thru October 2012 studying Business Management and Human Resources Management. I enjoyed attending the classes onsite, but had to take several online courses in 2011 and 2012 because the onsite classes weren't available. I graduated Suma Cum Laude because I studied very hard, and read everything in the textbooks and associated online information. I prefer the onsite classes because of the knowledge gleamed from discussions with other students and professors. I... Read More
Review Date: 9/6/2016
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No