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Best Online Community Colleges in California

Updated 2/13/2024 By Bailey Fletcher

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Updated 2/13/2024 By Bailey Fletcher

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Why Trust Us?

  • 90,000+ Verified Student Reviews
  • Manually Researched Tuition
  • 200+ Expert Interviews
  • 1,800+ Online Colleges
  • 30,000+ Online Degrees

Each year, millions of students enroll in online community colleges in California for occupational training, associate degrees, and transfer credits. Our ranking list below includes post-graduate salary data and online enrollment statistics, allowing prospective students to compare schools and program sizes. Many California online colleges — both public and private — may offer more options for certain degree programs at a higher level. 

Want an online degree that's:

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  • Popular
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  • Military-friendly

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How We Rank "Best" Schools

%%YEAR%% Best Online %%LEVEL_NAME%% in %%PROGRAM_NAME%% Badge

The OnlineU research team ranks community colleges in each featured state using Salary Score, our proprietary measure of how graduates' earnings compare with those of students who earned the same associate degrees elsewhere. Using U.S. Department of Education earnings data, we compare each college's associate graduates with graduates of the same degrees nationwide, providing a degree-level perspective of financial outcomes rather than relying on institution-wide earnings.

When there isn't enough data to calculate a reliable Salary Score, we rank eligible schools by online enrollment, highlighting colleges with larger, more established distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Salary Score Online Enrollment Recommendation Annual Tuition Median Salary
# 1 #1 Santa Barbara City College A 5,498 N/A $1,380 $70,145
# 2 #2 Saddleback College B+ 8,439 100% $1,380 $61,081
# 3 #3 Allan Hancock College B+ 1,700 100% $1,380 $72,136
# 4 #4 Rio Hondo College B 2,024 N/A $1,380 $58,269
# 5 #5 San Joaquin Delta College B- 12,215 100% $1,380 $53,606
# 6 #6 Santa Ana College B- 5,043 N/A $12,780 $54,947
# 7 #7 Citrus College N/A 7,186 N/A $1,380 $47,248
# 8 #8 Merced College N/A 5,732 N/A $1,380 $48,167
# 9 #9 San Joaquin Valley College N/A 1,438 47% $30,175 $49,181
# 10 #10 Lake Tahoe Community College N/A 1,189 N/A $930 N/A
# 11 #11 Laurus College N/A 327 72% $20,000 $29,532
# 12 #12 Fremont University N/A 79 100% $12,240 $36,843
#1
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Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) offers 12 online associate degrees and online certificate programs. These programs span across various subjects, including computer information systems, health information technology, film and media studies, and business. One of the school's most notable programs is the associate degree in health and medical administrative services.

Why we like them: By attending online courses at SBCC, you’ll get the chance to interact directly with your instructors and classmates. Despite learning in a virtual environment, you’ll be able to connect with your instructors if you have questions or concerns about coursework, as well as work with your classmates by engaging in bulletin boards and chat rooms. SBCC does an excellent job in creating an interactive and comfortable learning environment.

  • Online Enrollment: 5,498 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $1,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $12,510
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $70,145
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 65%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#2
4.31 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Saddleback College (SC) features dozens of fully online degrees — including associate degrees, transfer degrees, certificates, and occupational skills awards. Some examples of degrees you can pursue include an Associate of Science for Transfer in Business Administration and an Associate of Arts in English Literature. There are many other subjects to pick from, such as web design, retail management, early childhood education, and anthropology.

Why we like them: SC offers a variety of specialized programs to provide resources that can help you succeed. The community college offers Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS), Disabled Students Programs & Services, and California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs). We believe this shows SC truly wants to help students and address their unique needs.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Madison Boatman, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 4/5

Saddleback College is an excellent opportunity to seek out future career potential. The campus is full of active student life and diverse activities each day that I attended. There are endless amount of help and counseling provided, and personally some... Read More

Barbara Gulina, Graduated 2014
Overall Rating: 4/5

Saddleback college is a great community college for people who are starting out but are not exactly sure what they want to do. The teachers are considered very good and I've learned from some of the best in the state. The campus is not too big so it's... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews describe Saddleback College as a strong starting point for people who are still exploring their direction and want a manageable, supportive environment. Contributors praise highly effective instructors, saying they learned from exceptional faculty and received meaningful academic guidance. They also highlight standout counseling, with advisers described as unusually helpful for clarifying goals and mapping next steps. The campus is seen as easy to navigate because of its modest size, while still offering active campus life and diverse daily activities. The main appeal is its combination of accessibility, personal support, and practical exploration without the pressure of a larger institution.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 8,439 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $1,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $14,880
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $61,081
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 77%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#3
4.5 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Allan Hancock College (AHC) has several 100% online associate degrees, hybrid-learning associate degrees, online certificates, and online transfer degrees you can pursue. AHC’s degrees cover business and finance; creative arts; health sciences; hospitality, recreation, and fashion; people, cultures, and languages; public service; and science/technologies. Some programs may require completing in-person activities, such as internships and cooperative work experiences.

Why we like them: AHC offers a Basic Needs Center, a centralized hub to support students’ academic success. For students living near the community college, the Basic Needs Center provides on-campus and community resources such as food, housing, health, technology access, childcare, and more. We believe this initiative shows that AHC strives to support its students beyond the classroom.

1 Student Review for Associate Degrees

Melanie Illicete, Graduated 2012
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

This school is great, you get a good quality education for little cost, the staff is helpful and they really try to help you succeed in any way they can. I also like the math tutoring department waaay better than the one at calpoly (currently attending).... Read More

  • Online Enrollment: 1,700 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $1,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $12,480
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $72,136
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#4
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Rio Hondo College (RHC) offers several online associate degree programs. The college has three associate degree programs that you can complete fully online. The two-year programs cover subjects like business administration, business marketing, and international business. In addition, you can also pursue online certification programs, such as those teaching retail management and small business management.

Why we like them: RHC enhances online students’ learning experience by providing high-quality and accessible technology. The school uses the learning management system Canvas to deliver courses asynchronously and uses other tools, such as Zoom, VLC, and Adobe Creative Cloud, to facilitate virtual learning. We believe this shows RHC’s efforts to create an online learning environment comparable to traditional college education.

  • Online Enrollment: 2,024 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $1,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $13,380
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $58,269
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 25%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#5
4.56 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

San Joaquin Delta College (Delta) has over 60 online degrees and certificates. Each major is part of a track that makes up the school's Transfer and Career Pathways, which includes Agriculture; Business and Law; Arts, Humanities, and Multimedia; Communication and Languages; Health and Fitness; and many more. Some examples of specific programs the school offers are an Associate of Arts in Business, an Associate of Arts in Computer Science, and a Certificate of Achievement in Real Estate.

Why we like them: Delta provides every online student with a resource specialist. Resource specialists can walk you through all of the available resources on their learning management system, Canvas, as well as other student services, like counseling, tutoring, and disability support.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Central valley student, Graduating 2028
Overall Rating: 3/5

San Joaquin Delta is a pretty good community college. They have relevant study programs and a number of student services that you won't find elsewhere. I'm impressed with the pantry, cafeteria, transfer help, career help, etc. However, their counseling... Read More

BusinessAdminGrad., Graduated 2018
Overall Rating: 5/5

Good Community College. The classes were okay decent size and so were the instructors but just like at any other school you have to work for your grade. Not all teachers are perfect but at least they teach the material and prepare you to transfer or get... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray San Joaquin Delta College as a generally worthwhile option with practical academics, manageable class sizes, and instructors who usually cover material well enough for transfer and career preparation. One reviewer highlighted strong personal outcomes, including finishing quickly while balancing family responsibilities. Students also value support resources such as the pantry, cafeteria, transfer assistance, and career services, which stand out as unusually helpful for a community college. Frustration centers on counseling: long and unreliable walk-in waits, limited staffing, athlete priority, and poor scheduling create a disorganized experience. Campus navigation was also criticized because maps lack clear labels and a legend.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 12,215 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $1,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $12,810
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $53,606
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 68%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#6
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Pursue your online education with one of the five online associate degrees at Santa Ana College (SAC). These accelerated programs allow you to graduate within two years and easily transfer to a four-year university. The online majors you can apply for include business administration, communication studies, political science, psychology, and sociology. By attending SAC’s online programs, you’ll get flexible class schedules, a structured approach to online learning, and timely graduation.

Why we like them: SAC offers Open Educational Resources (OER) and the Zero Textbook Cost (ZTC) Degree Program. OER are course materials that can used at no cost. The ZTC program involves courses that don’t require students to purchase textbooks and instead, use alternative forms of instruction in their curriculum. Paying for course materials can financially burden many students, so we like that SAC offers programs like OER and ZTC.

  • Online Enrollment: 5,043 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $12,780
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $12,780
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $54,947
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 31%
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#7
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Citrus College (CC) offers most of its classes online. However, the college doesn’t have any online-specific degree programs. At CC, critical thinking, effective communication, creativity, and cultural awareness are prioritized through rigorous academic study and experienced instructors. The two-year traditional associate degree programs cover fields such as history, environmental management, design, and healthcare.

Why we like them: At CC, students use the learning management system Canvas to access their coursework, which is mostly online and asynchronous. Coursework is completed through email, discussion boards, and chat rooms. We like that CC has a “students first” approach by providing its students with an easy-to-access virtual learning platform and resources to support their academic journey.

  • Online Enrollment: 7,186 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $1,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $13,380
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $47,248
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 70%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#8
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You can easily transfer to a four-year university in California by attending one of the four online associate transfer programs at Merced College. The community college offers online degrees in the following disciplines: administration of justice, business administration, early childhood education, and psychology. These programs are delivered entirely online, so they don’t contain any in-person requirements.

Why we like them: If you qualify, you may be eligible for free tuition at Merced College. The MCFree program makes the first two years tuition-free if you meet eligibility requirements, which range from California residency and enrolling in 12 credit hours. The community college also offers a generous amount of financial aid packages for eligible students. To apply for the MCFree program or general financial aid, you must submit a FAFSA or Dream application to be considered.

  • Online Enrollment: 5,732 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $1,380
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $9,600
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $48,167
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#9
2.66 / 5
Overall Rating
47%
Recommend
58%
Helpful for Career

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) offers seven online associate degrees and two bachelor’s degrees you can pursue. A few examples of online associate degrees at SJVC include an Associate of Science in Business Administration, an Associate of Science in Human Resources Administration, and an Associate of Science in Medical Billing & Coding. Some of the online programs at SJVC can be completed in as little as 15 months.

Why we like them: If you’re not ready for a two-year program, SJVC also has several online certification programs. These programs can be completed in as few as seven months. Most of the online associate programs at SJVC are offered as certificates, so you can still pursue a field of interest in a shorter time span.

14 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Dustin Bowen, Graduated 2022
Overall Rating: 5/5

I am enjoying my time here. The staff is knowledgeable and always ready to assist me with any problems I encounter during my training. I am going for my AS degree in electrical technology; the requirements for my certification will be met next week. I... Read More

Bobby Turner, Graduated 2019
Overall Rating: 5/5

SJVC has a incredible Criminal Justice program. The instructor's were very detailed during their lectures and were especially informative when it came to the hands on training. I have full confidence in my ability to work in the field and will take their... Read More

Thanks, Graduated 2019
Overall Rating: 3/5

There were equally good and bad instructor s. We didn't get everything that was promised in the beginning and there was a lot of miscommunication. I don't feel that it was worth the cost. I was lucky because the GI Bill covered most of my tuition. Compared... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews of San Joaquin Valley College skew negative, driven by low ratings and repeated complaints about poor value, weak career support, and inconsistent instruction. Many reviewers say admissions staff made strong promises about job placement, externships, transferability, or earnings that did not materialize after enrollment or graduation. Several describe unresponsive advisors, rude or unprofessional faculty, outdated equipment, and abrupt policy changes. A recurring frustration is graduating with significant debt but limited job prospects, especially when employers want certifications or experience the school did not fully prepare them for. Positive reviewers praise flexible online scheduling, accelerated pacing, supportive advisors, strong individual instructors, and occasional successful externship-to-employment outcomes.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,438 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: N/A
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $30,175
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $49,181
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 36%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Institution Type: For-Profit
#10
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Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) offers several online associate degrees in fields such as anthropology, psychology, and cybersecurity. The community college offers fully online, hybrid, and enhanced virtual education courses. These programs typically take three years to complete and require 95 credit hours. In addition to online associate degrees, LTCC has online certificates of achievement and employable skills certificates.

Why we like them: LTCC has an open admission policy. If you complete an application to enroll in the school’s online programs, you will be guaranteed admission. LTCC’s open admission policy shows its commitment to providing further education for students who may not have the GPA or admission test scores to enroll in certain community colleges.

  • Online Enrollment: 1,189 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $930
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $8,940
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: N/A
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 44%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#11
3.95 / 5
Overall Rating
72%
Recommend
73%
Helpful for Career

Laurus College (LC) is a private institution that offers a number of online associate and bachelor’s degree programs. The school’s online associate’s degrees cover majors like audio video production and medical coding. The online bachelor’s degree programs — which cover fields such as business, computer science, and design — typically take four years to complete with a full-time schedule.

Why we like them: At LC, students use the MyLaurus learning management system to access their coursework, which is 100% online and synchronous. Online students attend live, virtual classrooms to interact with each other and instructors in real time. We believe that LC emphasizes the importance of instructor-teacher communication and encourages frequent interaction.

10 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Veronica H., Graduated 2024
Overall Rating: 5/5

I can't say enough about how amazing Laurus College is! From start to finish, this school has been a game-changer for me. The instructors are incredibly helpful and genuinely care about your success. I was completely lost when it came to applying for... Read More

One of the standout features is how they assign you a personal student advisor who is there for you throughout your entire journey. Having someone to guide me through the ups and downs made a world of difference, and I felt supported the whole way through.

And let's talk about career services – they truly prepare you for the job hunt. While they don't find you a job (because, let's be honest, that’s on you as an adult), they give you all the TOOLS and RESOURCES to be successful. Career services are available for current students and alumni for life, so if life throws you a curveball, you still have the support to get back on track. It's all about setting you up for success, and that’s exactly what they do.

I started my journey at Laurus and earned my AA, I loved my experience so much that I am now working on my BS.

If you’re looking for a school that’s genuinely dedicated to your success, Laurus College is the place to be. Highly recommend!

James Webb III, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 5/5

Hello Everyone, Laurus College was the highlight of my life journey, My courses of study were the Information Technology and Networking classes, Embarking on this journey was the most rewarding, informative, incredible experience ever. The College faculty,... Read More

k.Arbaiza, Graduated 2016
Overall Rating: 5/5

I love going to Laurus I really enjoy the staff is awesome. I love the class size the people and the tutoring staff as well. Laurus is an awesome school for me and everyone so go. I would high highly recommend this school to everyone I know because Laurus... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews of Laurus College are largely favorable, with students consistently praising attentive instructors, flexible scheduling, small classes, and strong personal support from advisors, mentors, tutoring, and career services. Many say the school helped build confidence, practical skills, and momentum during major life transitions, including balancing work, learning online, and overcoming housing or financial hardship. Affordability and accelerated courses are recurring positives. The main criticisms center on career outcomes, cost value, and transparency: several reviewers felt misled about job prospects, questioned employer respect for the credential, warned about transfer-credit limitations, and described administrative issues, including diploma correction fees.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 327 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $20,000
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $20,000
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $29,532
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Institution Type: For-Profit
#12
4.0 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Fremont University offers accelerated online degrees to help you excel in the profession of your choice. The university has two online pathways you can choose from: business and healthcare. Some of the majors available at Fremont University include healthcare management, healthcare information technology, and business leadership. These programs are delivered entirely online, so you won’t have to worry about visiting campus to attend classes.

Why we like them: If you’re not looking to spend two years completing your degree, consider attending Fremont University. The university’s approach to online learning equips you with the knowledge and skills to graduate in as little as 15 months. By the time you graduate, you’ll be a well-rounded professional. We know that college education can be time-consuming, so we appreciate that Fremont University offers a fast method to your next role.

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Fremont University as a pragmatic, fast-paced option that works best for highly self-directed people who want to complete credentials quickly. Students praise helpful staff, accessible instructors with real-world experience, and a straightforward online format using weekly discussions, assignments, and live sessions. Several reviewers say the school provides the tools needed to succeed, but only if you communicate consistently. Concerns center on high tuition, for-profit status, and national accreditation, which can limit credit transfer to regionally accredited institutions. Career support is described as weak and impersonal, though some graduates report better job titles, higher pay, and value in meeting degree requirements for applications.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 79 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $12,240
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $12,240
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $36,843
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 39%
  • Retention Rate: 0%
  • Institution Type: For-Profit

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Overview of Online Community Colleges in California

California has the largest higher education system in the nation, with 73 districts and 116 community colleges serving nearly two million students. The Los Angeles Community College district alone is the largest in the country with nine colleges, and the biggest campus by enrollment is East Los Angeles College. Cumulatively, California community colleges offer over 10,000 online courses, 90 fully online associate degree programs, and 80 fully online certificate programs.



California community colleges offer over 10,000 online courses, 90 fully online associate degree programs, and 80 fully online certificate programs.

Many of California's community college students pursue associate degrees to enter the workforce or transfer to four-year universities. Approximately half of community college students enroll in the California State University system and nearly a third transfer to the University of California system. Nationwide, popular associate degree disciplines include liberal arts, healthcare, business, interdisciplinary studies, social science, and the performing and visual arts, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Students can also earn certificates of achievement through the California Virtual Campus program in such areas as public safety, cybersecurity, creative writing, graphic design, and accounting.

View our comprehensive list of the best online community colleges and learn more about the online learning experience.

Cost of Online Community Colleges in California

California has the lowest community college tuition rate in the U.S. As of the 2021-22 school year, in-state tuition averaged $1,430, compared to $3,800 nationally and as much as $8,600 in Vermont. In addition, a 30% boost in funding per full-time enrolled student since 2009 may have been a contributing factor to college affordability in California. As a result, students in California may also carry less student loan debt than students in other states.



California has the lowest community college tuition rate in the U.S.

Tuition for online programs is also generally cheaper than those on campus. Some schools waive campus fees or charge flat tuition rates regardless of state residency for online students. There are also other ways to help mitigate higher education expenses in California. High school students may opt to dual enroll in a community college program, so classes count towards high school diplomas and college credits, potentially saving time and money. Military veterans may use their GI Bill® benefits to help pay for school, while others may work for employers who provide tuition assistance to their staff. Applying for private scholarships can also reduce the expense of distance education.

Financial Aid for Community College Students in California

Many students rely on financial aid to attend college. The first step to determine eligibility for federal assistance is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students may be eligible for federal grants, scholarships, or may qualify for work-study programs or low-interest federal student loans.



The state awards the highest amount of financial aid in the nation with an average of $1,751 spent per undergraduate student.

California lawmakers have also worked to establish several state financial aid programs to help increase higher education accessibility and affordability. The state awards the highest amount of financial aid in the nation with an average of $1,751 spent per undergraduate student, and approximately 47% of community college students do not pay fees.

California College Promise Grant

Established by AB-19, the CCPG allows for waiving enrollment fees for some students with low income. A total of $46 per unit may be waived.

California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment

The CCCSE provides more than 3,000 scholarships each year. Students must also qualify for the CCPG to be eligible, must have financial need, be enrolled in college at least part-time, and have completed a minimum of 24 degree-applicable units to apply. Awards are $600 per semester for a total of $1,200 per year and students can opt to renew their awards up to $3,600 over three years.

California Dream Act

Undocumented and non-resident students may qualify for financial aid by completing a California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Qualified students may receive state financial aid, scholarships through California colleges and universities, Cal Grants, and fee waivers through the CCPG. Amounts vary.

Cal Grant Program

There are three types of grants in the Cal Grant program. Grant A is for high school and college students interested in attending four-year universities, Grant B is for students interested in attending community college, and Grant C is for students interested in technical or occupational programs. Awards vary from $1,094 to $12,570 and do not have to be paid back.

California Employment Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) ,California's unemployment rate was 6.5% as of December 2021. While this was higher than the 3.9% national average during that time, it has been steadily declining since the highs of 2020. Employment projections in general are high for the following sectors through 2030:

Leisure and hospitality

Health care and social assistance

Professional and business services

A recent survey shows that California's cost of living is significantly higher than the national average. The cost of living index measures how far income goes to pay for living expenses such as food, housing, transportation, and healthcare. California's overall cost of living index is at 150 compared to 100 for the U.S. Housing costs alone are indexed at 239. As a result, students may seek higher education to increase their salary potential to make ends meet.


The California Community Colleges notes that for every dollar spent on education, students could potentially see a $5 increase in future earnings and that those with an associate degree could earn $11,000 more per year than those who only have a high school diploma.

Careers for California Community College Graduates

Major employers in California cover many industries, including government, healthcare, high tech, education, semiconductor devices, and film and television. These employers include NASA, Kaiser Permanente, Google, the University of California-Los Angeles, Intel, and Sony Pictures.

Based on the most current data provided by the BLS and its partner site O*NET Online, the following occupations requiring a minimum of an associate degree expect to see some of the highest job growth:

Medical Sonographers
Median Annual Salary: $104,390
Job Outlook: 28%

Medical sonographers operate scanning equipment to examine patients. They check for image quality, patient comfort, and provide physicians with oral and written summaries of findings.

Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Median Annual Salary: $61,520
Job Outlook: 14%

Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by organizing and maintaining records, conducting research, and drafting legal documents. These professionals may also file legal documents with the court or the opposing attorney in a case.

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians
Median Annual Salary: $93,650
Job Outlook: 16%

Radiologic technologists and technicians perform CAT scans and X-rays while monitoring patients' safety. Technicians may also inject nonradioactive materials into a patient's bloodstream for diagnostic purposes.

Respiratory Therapists
Median Annual Salary: $85,620
Job Outlook: 28%

Respiratory therapists help care for patients with chronic breathing issues, such as COPD, emphysema, or asthma. These therapists may also monitor a patient's progress and consult with physicians, administer treatments, or perform diagnostic tests.

Web Developers and Digital Designers
Median Annual Salary: $89,420
Job Outlook: 17%

Web developers and digital designers create and maintain websites. They measure a site's performance and capacity, create content, and test a site for the quality of user interface and experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Community Colleges in California

What is the Best Online Community College in California

We determined Coastline College to be the best online community college in California using our ranking methodology. We consider retention rate, online enrollment rate, and the number of online associate degrees offered when determining who earns the No. 1 spot on our list.

Are Online Community Colleges Free in California?

No, but with the passing of Assembly Bill 19 in 2018, each community college district can use its discretion to determine how much aid to offer eligible students. Schools could decide to provide grants to help pay enrollment fees, pay for other non-enrollment fees, or reimburse enrollment fees after the successful completion of each term.

Who Can Attend Online Community Colleges in California?

Anyone can attend online community colleges in California — even those living out of state. Students can take classes through their local community college or other public community colleges across the state through the California Virtual Campus program.

Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree Online at a California Community College?

While California community colleges don't generally grant bachelor's degrees, most have online associate degree transfer programs. These transfer programs guarantee a spot in a participating four-year university once a student completes the necessary requirements at their community college. This enables students to transfer as third-year students with only 60 credits remaining to earn their bachelor's.

Student Reviews of Online Associate Programs

Adam, Graduating 2027

Attended: University of Phoenix

I'm currently an online student at University of Phoenix, working toward my Associate of Science in Cybersecurity, and so far it's been a solid experience. I started with CYB/100T, which gives a good foundational overview of the cyber domain before diving into more technical material, and the structure has made it easy to ease into the program without feeling overwhelmed right away.
As someone juggling life outside of school, the flexibility of the online format has been a huge plus. Classes are structured... Read More

Review Date: 7/30/2026

Attended: University of Phoenix

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Adam, Graduated 2027

Niki, Graduated 2026

Attended: Penn Foster College

I'd rate it 0 but it doesn't let me. Im currently in the vet tech program and it is the absolute worst way possible to get your degree. Takes months to get a simple answer. Staff are completely incompetent and have frequent "glitches" in their system that are then your problem to deal with. I'm currently dealing with them not letting me progress with my externship. They won't give the student updates only the site supervisor but won't answer my site supervisor unless I reach out to them. They are... Read More

Review Date: 4/13/2026

Attended: Penn Foster College

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Niki, Graduated 2026

Mandy Fuentes, Graduated 2023

Great school I have no complaints. UMA has changed my life and provided me a career to secure my future!! The most caring, courageous, amazing staff have helped me the entire time and has had my back 100% and no matter how much I wanted to give up they pushed me on!!

Review Date: 1/9/2023

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Mandy Fuentes, Graduated 2023

Peyvand Bakhtiani, Graduated 2023

Attended: St. Catherine University

Before I applied into the OTA program, I was so stressed out because I didnt know if that major really fit me or if I needed to take additional classes to get into the OTA program. When Jasmine Faleatua called and talked to me more about the program, that's when I 100% wanted to get into the program. She called me once every week to make sure I have all my forms ready, and on top of my things. I appreciate all of her help and she made the registration so easy for me.

Review Date: 5/17/2022

Attended: St. Catherine University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Peyvand Bakhtiani, Graduated 2023

Hannah, Graduated 2022

Attended: Baker College Online

An adviser reached out to me to help me sign up for classes and settle my financial aid. They were extremely friendly and persistent in helping me, and I thought this would be a good sign that Baker cared about its students. Unfortunately, they just want you to sign up because the education they provide is the bare minimum they can give to charge you tuition. Teachers don't understand basic questions, and fumble with grammar and spelling. All my assignments were busy work. Teachers utilized the textbook... Read More

Review Date: 2/1/2020

Attended: Baker College Online

Overall Rating: 2/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 1/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Hannah, Graduated 2022

Zakiya Hinton, Graduated 2021

I love UMA because they never gave up on me! I get a daily motivation from my teachers and advisors. I'm so grateful for my Puma family! I know I'm going to make my kids so proud when I finish and I just want to thank God and my UMA team for keeping my grounded.

Review Date: 10/1/2020

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Zakiya Hinton, Graduated 2021

Angelina Corchado, Graduated 2020

Attended: Post University

I have been attending Post University since June of 2017, I never had any issues with financial aid or my academic success counselor. I had one issue with financial aid disbursement due to not being registered for two classes in order to qualify for financial aid but once I fixed that I received my disbursement the following week. I complete my readings and view the videos required for the discussion post then I submit mine either on Tuesday or Wednesday morning, I reply to my classmates by Sunday.... Read More

Review Date: 12/10/2019

Attended: Post University

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Angelina Corchado, Graduated 2020

Sam, Graduated 2020

Attended: Penn Foster College

If I could give the support staff a 0 I would. Its impossible to get any answers from these people. They will take money out of your account and pretend it didnt even happen and tell you that you owe more. They dont care that you waited forever to talk to someone on the phone they just want to get off the phone as quickly as possible. They will lie to you just to get you off the phone. I have never written a bad review in my life but I am so upset and disappointed with the processing of things at... Read More

Review Date: 9/5/2019

Attended: Penn Foster College

Overall Rating: 1.5/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Sam, Graduated 2020

Carrie, Graduated 2019

Attended: American Public University System

I graduated this past year from APUS with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Overall, I am satisfied with my education. I appreciated the flexibility and affordability. I found the people that worked at the campus that helped advise me and work through the financial aid process very helpful. I feel that I learned an an adequate amount in my content area, and was able to utilize it in a real life career. In this kind of learning environment, you have to be very driven and persistent, which I am,... Read More

Review Date: 12/11/2019

Attended: American Public University System

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

Carrie, Graduated 2019

Tonya Printz, Graduated 2017

I enrolled in Ultimate Medical Academy January 25, 2016. I am pursuing my Associates in Healthcare Management. Tomorrow May 2, 2016 I will be starting my 21 weeks in school. I have got to say that Ultimate Medical Academy is far the best school I have seen. The instructors, coaches, advisers and the rest of the staff are extremely nice and they care about you and your education. There was always someone there for me when I needed them I never had to wait very long to speak to someone. I love this... Read More

Review Date: 5/1/2016

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Tonya Printz, Graduated 2017

Cassandra Heitzman, Graduated 2016

Attended: Portland Community College

The Health Information Management degree program under Associate of Applied Sciences is the best degree I could have chosen. This program prepares in every way for the field to make sure you're completely prepared.

Review Date: 8/6/2014

Attended: Portland Community College

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Cassandra Heitzman, Graduated 2016

Christine R., Graduated 2013

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

This college is not the greatest.... Most of the design elements I was taught at this school I learned in GRADE school. On numerous occasions this college failed to complete necessary tasks on THEIR end to ensure I stayed enrolled. Poor communication and lack of effort on their end caused me to be dropped from their courses a 2nd time. They claimed I needed specific paperwork that I provided with AMPLE time to process they reassured me that everything was correct and my courses would resume as normal.... Read More

Review Date: 3/16/2015

Attended: Stevens-Henager College

Overall Rating: 1.5/5

Experience Rating: 1/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Christine R., Graduated 2013

Melissa Courtney, Graduated 2010

Attended: Athens Technical College

While attending classes online through Athens Tech. I was at ease with the time that I could apply to my studies on my own. With no rush to get to class through traffic or across the city. The course adviser was very helpful every semester so that I was ready to enroll for my next course of study. I enjoyed it so much that I want to further my education through online studies again.

Review Date: 8/6/2014

Attended: Athens Technical College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Melissa Courtney, Graduated 2010

Sandra, Graduated 2023

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College

I love bryant & Stratton. They taught me skills needed for my career path. Help with finding internship. I am working as a graphic designer doing what I love because all they offered me! I have never been more happy and working at a job where I get up in morning excited to go to work instead of dreading it

Review Date: 7/26/2023

Attended: Bryant & Stratton College

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Sandra, Graduated 2023

RS, Graduated 2022

Attended: Victoria College

Although Victoria College may be a community college the courses are more intense than one might think. Which in the long run pays off because you are actually receiving a decent education for a reasonable amount to pay. Through the online classes i do not recommend because you do not retain much information, but the hybrid classes are great because you can still have a full time job and have time for college.

Review Date: 3/20/2018

Attended: Victoria College

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

RS, Graduated 2022

April Marie, Graduated 2022

Attended: Community College of Allegheny County

I don't think the advisors give very personalized advice. There are some really good teachers and really bad teachers. You need to know what you're doing and have good direction. It is somewhat frustrating having to do so many general courses. Sometimes I wonder if I should have gone to a trade school. I am hoping this will all be worth it in the end though. I also am considering changing my major to social work, and eventually getting a certificate in law. I am older, so I dont know how much my... Read More

Review Date: 12/1/2019

Attended: Community College of Allegheny County

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 3/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: No

April Marie, Graduated 2022

Kenneth Koehler, Graduated 2021

Attended: Concorde Career Colleges

Dr. Verba, Dr. Karapetyan and Dr. Berchenko, are award winning Physical Therapy educators for their unparalleled knowledge, absolute dedication and commitment to their student body. I was blessed to be a part of their Oct. 2021 graduating class at the North Hollywood Campus. The superior preparation l received from these aforementioned prestigious Doctors was obvious when entering clinical experience. l became aware of the superior preparation l recieved when comparing the education they provided... Read More

Review Date: 6/18/2024

Attended: Concorde Career Colleges

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 5/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Kenneth Koehler, Graduated 2021

Ashley Houston, Graduated 2016

Attended: Technical College of the Lowcountry

This school really does put the time and effort into helping students with their classes and help in any way possible. I think this is possibly the best education that I have gotten since coming out of high school. Anyone thinking about going to TCL really should do it.

Review Date: 2/1/2017

Attended: Technical College of the Lowcountry

Overall Rating: 5/5

Experience Rating: 0/5

Instruction Rating: 5/5

Would Recommend: Yes

Helpful for Career: Yes

Ashley Houston, Graduated 2016

dental, Graduated 2016

Attended: Lincoln Tech

I have been to this school twice. The first program I attended had an awful teacher who would take every possible point away she could, she did not like being a teacher you could tell. I called and called the schools administration office week after week trying to set up a time to go back and complete my program, they always said someone will be calling me back on Monday. Never happened. After my first experience went horribly wrong I don't know why I decided to come back. Mostly because there is... Read More

Review Date: 6/29/2016

Attended: Lincoln Tech

Overall Rating: 3/5

Experience Rating: 2/5

Instruction Rating: 3/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

dental, Graduated 2016

Marissa Ilgenfritz, Graduated 2015

Attended: Tennessee Tech University

About 10 years ago, I began my formal education at Tennessee Tech University. While I only covered prerequisites at this college, it was a decent college. The price of lodging and basically everything was way overpriced. Not all teachers were great or the best- there were a lot of student teachers and language barriers.

Review Date: 1/14/2026

Attended: Tennessee Tech University

Overall Rating: 4/5

Experience Rating: 4/5

Instruction Rating: 4/5

Would Recommend: No

Helpful for Career: No

Marissa Ilgenfritz, Graduated 2015

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