Top 25 Online MBA Programs in California

While much is known about California’s often ideal climate and magnificent forests and coastlines, there are some interesting facts still to discover about the second-largest contiguous state in the U.S. For example, while Los Angeles is ranked fourth as the largest economy in the country, “Alpine County is the eighth smallest of California’s 58 counties. It has no high school, ATMs, dentists, banks, or traffic lights.” California also features some of the nation’s best online Master’s of Business Administration programs. Many of the top-ranking online degrees in leadership and business for online students have been designed at the business schools of the state’s most highly-respected universities.

While the MBA has certainly become the gold standard for business and management education, the online MBA is a logical choice for today’s business professional. It’s never been a better time to pursue an online MBA in California. Many of the state’s best business schools which feature online MBAs require three to five years of professional experience and an undergraduate degree awarded by an accredited college or university as prerequisites for admission. Some schools will even waive all GMAT or GRE requirements leaning more heavily on the criteria of letters of recommendation, essays, and candidate interviews. Customization is the name of the game as students looking for a convenient 100% online MBA, while those desiring short on-campus residencies for better networking potential can also find them in the state’s best business schools.

Knowing that there are many options available today, and that some characteristics of a program are more important than others, we have compiled the top 25 online MBA programs in California. While these programs are offered within a spectrum of total tuition cost ranging between very affordable to very expensive, each one of these programs is backed by their business school’s reputable business accreditation through organizations such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs, or International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. Let this ranking of the top online MBA programs in California help guide you in the important decision of finding an online degree that will serve you well.

For more information about other online MBA programs, check out our article on the top MBA specializations and explore our other Online MBA Rankings.

Note: A detailed explanation of the methodology we used to determine the best online MBA programs in California can be found at the end of the ranking.

#1 University of Southern California Marshall School of Business – Los Angeles, California

Photo creditThe Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California features the best online MBA program in California. This program is classified as expensive in affordability with a total tuition price between $50,000 and $99,999. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the Marshall School of Business have an average base salary of a healthy $115,309 reflecting the potential for a solid return on the investment of education associated with this program. The Marshall School of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The business school has designed this program to provide “students with the rigor and camaraderie they would expect of a top MBA program, pairing powerful virtual tools with a comprehensive curriculum. Every course is designed top-to-bottom specifically for an online format and led by several members of the Marshall faculty. Each class uses contemporary, real-world scenarios to help students develop abilities that today’s employers expect of executive-level leaders, including decision-making through metrics, efficient communication, and effective virtual and remote collaboration.” Core courses within this program include Role of the Manager, Fundamentals of Business, Opportunity Recognition and Implementation, Managing Inside the Firm, Managing Outside the Firm, and Business Environment & Leadership. While U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 8^th best online MBA in the nation, the Princeton Review has also recognized the Marshall School of Business as offering the 4^th best in the nation.

Home of the Trojans who wear the school colors of cardinal and gold, the athletic department at the University of Southern California supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as powerhouse members of the Pac-12 Conference. The university is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Los Angeles, California. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 43,871 students currently enrolled there. USC was founded in 1880 in cooperation with the Methodist Church and held the belief that people of any color would be admitted into the school. The initial enrollment at USC was 53 students being taught by 10 staff members. The university receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission and features “Let whoever earns the palm bear it” as its official school motto.

Affordability Score: Expensive
OMBAT Ranking Score: 100.00

#2 Pepperdine University Graziadio School of Business and Management – Malibu, California

Photo creditPepperdine University offers one of California’s best online MBA programs with a Finance, Leadership and Managing Organizational Change, Marketing, or General Management emphasis at the Graziadio School of Business and Management. This 52-credit hour program is classified as expensive in affordability with a total tuition price between $50,000 and $99,999. The College of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB is the gold standard for accrediting bodies in higher education. This degree has been designed to help you as a student “examine business from a global perspective and address the impact of globalization, competition, technological innovation, and ethics in the workplace. Develop the practical skills you’ll need to thoroughly analyze and tackle the challenges of modern business with confidence and composure. Improve your communications while learning what it takes to be an effective and persuasive manager and leader.” While the business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 19^th best online MBA in the nation, the Financial Times has also deemed it the 15^th best online MBA in the United States.

Established in 1937, Pepperdine University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Malibu, California. Operating under the school motto of “Freely ye received, freely give,” the university was founded by George Pepperdine as a Christian liberal arts college in Los Angeles. Construction of the Malibu campus began in 1971 and the school achieved its university status the same year. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral and levels to the student body of 7,826 currently enrolled. Home of the Waves and the mascot Willie the Wave, the athletic department at Pepperdine supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the West Coast Conference. The school’s official colors are blue and orange.

Affordability Score: Expensive
OMBAT Ranking Score: 88.84

#3 University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management – Los Angeles, California

Photo creditOne of the best online MBA programs in California with concentrations in Technical Leadership, Global Management, Sustainability, and Entertainment Management is delivered by the Anderson School of Management at the University of California, Los Angeles. This 80-unit program is classified as very expensive in affordability with a total tuition price of more than $100,000. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the Paul Merage School of Business have an average base salary of a healthy $118,150 reflecting the potential for a solid return on the investment of education associated with this program. The Anderson School of Management receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This 80-unit degree is divided between 44-units of core coursework and 36-units of elective coursework. Students can expect to complete all requirements for this part-time degree in three years. Courses within this program include Data & Decisions, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management, Foundations in Finance, Financial Accounting, Operations & Technology Management, and Business Strategy.

The University of California, Los Angeles was originally founded as the Southern Branch of the University of California in 1919. Less than 10 years later, the school was renamed and moved to a new campus to better accommodate the growth taking place there. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus in Los Angeles, California. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels, UCLA oversees a student body of 43,548. Home of the Bruins, the official school colors of the university are UCLA Blue and UCLA Gold. The athletic department at UCLA consists of men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Pac-12 Conference.

Affordability Score: Very Expensive
OMBAT Ranking Score: 77.36

#4 University of California, Irvine Paul Merage School of Business – Irvine, California

Photo creditThe Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine features one of California’s best online MBA programs with a certificate in Digital Transformation, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Real Estate, and Urban Development. This 21-course program is classified as expensive in affordability with a total tuition price between $50,000 and $99,999. U.S. News reports that graduate students from the Paul Merage School of Business have an average base salary of a healthy $96,606 reflecting the potential for a solid return on the investment of education associated with this program. The business school receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This program has been designed to train students to “learn to think creatively about challenges and opportunities arising from emerging technologies and develop a new set of skills necessary to lead with confidence. Our top-ranked FEMBA program is designed for working professionals seeking an MBA delivered in a flexible, work-friendly schedule. Our inclusive environment welcomes a diverse student body including many military personnel.” Courses within this program include Responding to Dynamic Times, Thinking Strategically in Organizations, Organizational Behavior for managers, Microeconomics for Managers, Statistics for managers, Financial Reporting for Managers, Managerial Finance for Managers, and Operations Management for Managers.

Home of the Anteaters who wear the school colors of UCI Blue and UCI gold, the athletic department at the University of California, Irvine supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Big West Conference. The University of California, Irvine is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Irvine, California. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 32,754 students currently enrolled there. UCI was established in 1965 as one of three University of California campuses developed under the California Master Plan for Higher Education. The other two schools included were located in San Diego and Santa Cruz. The school receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission and features “Let there be light” as its official school motto.

Affordability Score: Expensive
OMBAT Ranking Score: 76.75

#5 California State University, Stanislaus College of Business Administration – Turlock, California

Photo creditCalifornia State University, Stanislaus’ College of Business Administration features one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in Finance. This 30-credit hour degree is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $39,999. The College of Business Administration receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This degree has been designed “to meet the needs of busy working professionals and business executives who may not have the ability to travel to Turlock for our evening MBA program or attend our Saturdays-only Executive MBA program. The OMBA program gives you the convenience and flexibility of studying from anywhere anytime to advance your professional qualifications and fully prepare you for leadership positions in business, while remaining in your current job and also meeting family responsibilities.” Divided between 21 units of core courses and nine units of electives, the core courses within this program include Management Accounting, Business Organization, Theory and Behavior, Marketing Management, Computer Information Systems, Managerial Finance, Seminar in Quality and Productivity Management, and Integrated Business Strategy and Culminating Experience. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 164^th best online MBA in the nation.

Established in 1957 as Stanislaus State College, today’s California State University, Stanislaus is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Turlock, California. Operating under the school motto of “Engaging Empowering Transforming,” the university was first accredited in 1964. 22 years later, the school would receive its university status and change its name. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral and levels to the student body of 9,762 currently enrolled there. Home of the Warriors, the athletic department at Stan State supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The school’s official colors are red and gold.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 72.66

#6 California Baptist University Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business – Riverside, California

Photo creditThe Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business at California Baptist University delivers one of California’s best online MBA programs with General Management and Accounting concentrations. This 36-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The business school receives its stellar business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This degree has been designed to “equip working professionals for advancements in a variety of senior level positions in business. Students who complete their online MBA will be prepared to guide companies, make strategic decisions, lead effective change, move their small business ideas forward, and impress ethical excellence in the work place.” Core courses within this program include Entrepreneurial Management, Organizational Behavior and Leadership, Legal Environment of Business and Management, Marketing Management, Quantitative Business Modeling, and Strategic Management. Students within this program typically graduate in 12 months. Other benefits to this degree include a GMAT waiver and scholarships available. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 100^th best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Lancers who wear the school colors of blue and gold, the athletic department at California Baptist University supports 19 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the PacWest Conference. CBU is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Riverside, California. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 9,157 students currently enrolled there. California Baptist was founded in 1950 as California Baptist College in El Monte, California. In just six years the campus was moved to Riverside due to the school outgrowing its facilities. The university has continued to expand its facilities and programs throughout the years. CBU receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission and features “Live Your Purpose” as its official school motto.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 70.93

#7 Naval Postgraduate School Graduate School of Business and Public Policy – Monterey, California

Photo creditThe Naval Postgraduate School offers one of California’s best online Executive MBA programs at the Graduate School of Business and Public Policy. This 56-credit hour program is classified as very affordable with a total tuition price below $14,999. The Graduate School of Business and Public Policy receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The AACSB is the gold standard for accrediting bodies in higher education. This degree has been designed to give students “a solid background in management fundamentals, financial management and acquisition knowledge and abilities, analytical and critical-thinking skills necessary to make decisions under conditions of extreme uncertainty, increased collaboration and communication skills fostered by an online learning format, and opportunities for interaction so that managers can learn from each other.” Courses within this program include Management of Teams, Financial Reporting and Analysis, Ethics and Moral Development, Cost Management, Statistics for Executive Management, Economics for Defense Managers, Principles of Acquisition and Program Management, and Business Modeling and Analysis.

Established in 1909, the Naval Postgraduate School is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Monterey, California. Operating under the school motto of Praestantia Per Scientiam (Excellence Through Knowledge), the university was originally founded as the Postgraduate Department of the United States Academy. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the graduate and doctoral levels to the student body of 2,682 currently enrolled there. The school’s mission is to “provide relevant and unique advanced education and research programs to increase the combat effectiveness of commissioned officers of the Naval Service to enhance the security of the United States.”

Affordability Score: Very Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 70.92

#8 National University School of Business and Management – La Jolla, California

Photo creditOne of California’s best online MBA programs with concentrations in General, Financial Management, Human Resources Management, Integrated Marketing Communication, International Business, Management Accounting, Marketing, Mobile Marketing and Social Media, Organizational Leadership, Supply Chain Management is delivered by the School of Business and Management at National University. This 16-course, 63-quarter-unit program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The business school has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 156^th best online MBA in the nation. The School of Business and Management receives its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. This program has been designed to “prepare students for leadership positions in business and to provide them with the knowledge and skills needed to successfully manage organizations in an ever-changing business environment. The MBA program imparts the conceptual understanding and application of problem-solving tools contained in basic business disciplines, including accounting, economics, data analysis, finance, management, leadership, and marketing. In addition, students are equipped with the skills needed for effective team-building, quantitative and qualitative decision-making, and creative problem-solving.” Core courses within this program include Marketing Management, Organization Management & Leadership, Statistics for Business, Global Business, Managerial Accounting, Economics for Managerial Decisions, and Managerial Support Systems.

National University was established in 1971 and today consists of the College of Letters and Sciences; the Sanford College of Education; the School of Business and Management; the School of Engineering and Computing; the School of Health and Human Services; and the School of Professional Studies. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus in La Jolla, California. Delivering degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels, NU oversees a student body of 17,192. Operating under the school moto of Discendo Vivimus (We live through learning), the school’s official colors are blue and light gray.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 70.23

#9 Northcentral University School of Business – San Diego, California

Photo creditThe School of Business at Northcentral University features one of the best online MBA programs in California with a concentration in Applied Computer Science, Change and Innovation, Corporate Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship, General Business, Homeland Security, International Business, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Project Management, Strategic Management, Building Creativity, Computer and Information Security, Criminal Justice, Financial Management, Health Care Administration, Human Resources Management, Management, Management of Engineering and Technology, Performance Improvement, and Public Administration. This 30-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Benefits of this program are felt immediately as incoming students do not need to submit GMAT/GRE scores for acceptance. The business school also features a mentoring approach to learning, offering “one-to-one, individualized interaction with our professionally-seasoned, 100% doctoral faculty.” Start dates take place every Monday and the entire program can be completed in as few as 16 months. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 205^th best online MBA in the nation.

Home of the Roadrunners and featuring the school colors of blue and gold, Northcentral University is a four-year, private for-profit institution of higher learning with a corporate headquarters located in San Diego, California. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 10,916 students currently enrolled there. The university was established in 1996 by Donald Hecht, who had founded California Southern University nearly 20 years earlier. As the school grew it first received regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission in 2003 and shortly thereafter was accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 69.58

#10 California State University, ​San Bernardino Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration – San Bernardino, California

Photo creditCalifornia State University, ​San Bernardino’s Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration features one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in Cybersecurity or delivered as a General MBA. This 18-month program consists of 12 four-unit courses and is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 96^th best online MBA in the nation. The Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Core courses within this program include Marketing Management, Managing the Supply Chain, Corporate Strategy in a Global Economy, Financial Theory & Corporate Finance, Information Systems & Technology Management, Advanced Managerial Communication, Organizational Theory & Behavior, and Data Driven Decision Making. Candidates interested in this program are encouraged to contact the business school’s admissions office for information on how to get the application process started.

Established in 1965 as an act of state legislature and originally referred to as the San Bernardino-Riverside State College, today’s California State University, ​San Bernardino is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in San Bernardino, California. Operating under the school motto of “We define the future,” the university began with an inaugural student body of less than 300 and 30 members of faculty. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 20,767 currently enrolled there. Home of the Coyotes and the mascot, Cody the Coyote, the athletic department at CSUSB supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the California Collegiate Athletic Association. The school’s official colors are blue and white.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 69.09

#11 California State University, Dominguez Hills College of Business Administration and Public Policy – Carson, California

Photo creditThe College of Business Administration and Public Policy at California State University, Dominguez Hills delivers one of California’s best online MBA programs with an International Business, Management, Finance, Marketing Management, Information Technology Management, Human Resource Management, Global Logistics or Supply Chain Management emphasis. This 30-credit hour program is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. The business school has designed this program to be completed in as few as 18 months when students take two courses each session. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 150^th best online MBA in the nation. Core courses within this program include Advanced Topics in Finance, Human Behavior in Organizations, Strategic Marketing: Cases and Current Issues, Strategic Management, Advanced Topics in Accounting, Advanced Topics in Information Systems, Advanced Topics in International Business, and Advanced Topics in Operations Management.

Home of the Toros who wear the school colors of Toro Red and gold, the athletic department at California State University, Dominguez Hills supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the California Collegiate Athletic Association. CSUDH is a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Carson, California. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate and graduate levels to the 14,731 students currently enrolled there. The university was spearheaded by the then-Governor of California Pat Brown in 1960 and called South Bay State College. California State University, Dominguez Hills receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 68.19

#12 Point Loma Nazarene University Fermanian School of Business – San Diego, California

Photo creditPoint Loma Nazarene University offers one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in Organizational Leadership at the Fermanian School of Business. This 42-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 164^th best online MBA in the nation. The Fermanian School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. The ACBSP is one of the most prestigious accrediting bodies in higher education. This excellent 100% online MBA has been designed “for experienced working professionals who want to take control of their career by acquiring the four most important drivers of influential leadership: deep qualitative and quantitative business knowledge, wisdom in the face of difficult decisions, a powerful personal network, and inspiration to follow their purpose.” Core courses within this program include Business Ethics, Legal Environment of Business, Corporate Social Responsibility, Applied Research Methods, Economic Environment of Business, International Business, and Operational Excellence.

Established in 1902, Point Loma Nazarene University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in San Diego, California. The school was originally called the Pacific Bible College when it was founded by members of the Church of the Nazarene. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 4,098 currently enrolled there. Home of the Sea Lions and the mascot, Roary the Sea Lion, the athletic department at PLNU supports 11 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the PacWest Conference. The school’s official colors are green and gold.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 67.72

#13 California State University, Fresno Craig School of Business – Fresno, California

Photo creditOne of California’s best online MBA programs is delivered by the Craig School of Business at California State University, Fresno. This 36-credit hour program is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. Qualified students with the proper academic experience may waive up to 15 hours of foundational courses and complete this degree with only 36-credit hours taken. The Craig School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This degree has been designed to “suit the needs of continuing students who live in the Fresno area, international students and working professionals. Graduates will have an enhanced ability to add value to their current business models and meet the challenges of competition on an increasingly global scale. Additionally, the program is general enough to prepare students for a range of careers. Graduates will receive an MBA that will be a portable foundation for future career growth in any line of work.” Core courses within this program include Leadership and Organizational Behavior, Management Information Systems, Financial Management, Managerial Accounting, Marketing Management, and Regulatory and Ethical Environment of Business.

Originally founded as the Fresno State Normal School in 1911 with the express intent of training public school teachers in the region, today’s California State University, Fresno operates under the school motto of Lucem Accipe Ut Reddas (Receive the light that you may give it forth). Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, public institution of higher learning with a main campus in Fresno, California. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, Fresno State oversees a student body of 24,405. Home of the Bulldogs, the official school colors are cardinal and blue. The athletic department at the university consists of men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the Mountain West Conference.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 66.46

#14 Brandman University School of Business and Professional Studies – Irvine, California

Photo creditThe School of Business and Professional Studies at Brandman University features one of the best online MBA programs in California with a concentration in Accounting, E-business Strategic Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Health Administration, Human Resources, International Business Marketing, or Organizational Leadership. Qualified students with the proper academic experience may waive up to 12 hours of foundational courses and complete this degree with only 36-credit hours taken. This 36-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. This degree has been formulated to train students in their abilities to “analyze and evaluate business functions and processes, evaluate and formulate effective domestic and global business strategies, integrate ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability in decision-making, and identify, evaluate, communicate and implement effective leadership of a diverse workforce.” Program requirements for this degree include an undergraduate degree earned from an accredited college or university with a 3.0 GPA in order to waive a GMAT requirement. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 164^th best online MBA in the nation.

Brandman University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Irvine, California. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 7,331 students currently enrolled there. Brandman was originally established in 1958 as the Residence Education Center Program at Chapman University. The education center’s initial purpose was to educate former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station personnel in Irvine. The school achieved its stand-alone university status in 2009 and was renamed. Brandman University receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. The school’s official colors are maroon and gold.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 65.85

#15 University of La Verne College of Business and Public Management – La Verne, California

Photo creditThe University of La Verne’s College of Business and Public Management features one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in Accounting, Finance, Health Services Management, Information Technology, International Business, Management and Leadership, Marketing, or Supply Chain Management. This 33-credit hour degree is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. U.S. News & World Report has recently recognized the business school as offering the 146^th best online MBA in the nation. This degree has been “designed to develop effective future business leaders. The program is designed primarily for adult professionals with a minimum of three years of full time professional work experience. Applicants must have an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. The curriculum integrates management theory with real-world applications.” Core courses within this program include Managing Technology, Managing Financial Resources, Designing Effective Organizations, Strategic Marketing Management, Management of Business Operations, and Global Business Management.

Established in 1891, the University of La Verne is a four-year, private, not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in La Verne, California. Operating under the school motto of “Knowledge, Service, Vision,” the university was originally founded as Lordsburg College by the German Christian group, the Church of the Brethren. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral and levels to the student body of 8,369 currently enrolled there. Home of the Leopards and featuring the mascots of Leo and Lea, the athletic department at the school supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division III level as members of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The school’s official colors are forest green and orange.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 64.56

#16 Azusa Pacific University School of Business and Management – Azusa, California

Photo creditThe School of Business and Management at Azusa Pacific University delivers one of California’s best online MBA programs with a specialization in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Organizational Science, or Sport Management. This 42-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The School of Business and Management receives its high-quality business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. This degree begins with “a foundation class in ethical leadership that provides the framework for looking at leadership through a Christian ethical perspective and sets the stage for the faith integration that takes place throughout the program. All coursework is comprehensive, rigorous, and experiential, often utilizing real-life cases and simulations in which students act as the decision makers and use their creativity and MBA toolkit to make sound recommendations.” Divided between eight-week sessions, most students complete two classes each session and complete all requirements for the degree in 15-30 months.

Home of the Cougars who wear the school colors of brick and black, the athletic department at Azusa Pacific University supports 19 men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the PacWest Conference. APU is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Azusa, California. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 10,020 students currently enrolled there. The school was founded in 1899 as The Training School for Christian Workers and held the distinction as being the first Bible college on the West Coast. Azusa Pacific receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission and features “God First” as its official school motto.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 61.16

#17 Ashford University Forbes School of Business & Technology – San Diego, California

Photo creditAshford University offers one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in Business Economics, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Management, Finance, Global Management, Human Resources Management, Information Systems, Marketing, Media Management, Organizational Leadership, Project Management Public Administration, Supply Chain Management, or delivered as a standard MBA at the Forbes School of Business & Technology. This 42-credit hour program is classified as average in affordability with a total tuition price between $20,000 and $29,999. The Forbes School of Business & Technology receives its excellent business accreditation through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. This degree has been designed to help students “solve managerial problems using critical thinking skills and quantitative analysis, evaluate the moral and ethical principles practiced in the organizational setting, analyze the use of managerial and leadership skills used to develop productive teams, and evaluate the influence of internal and external forces within organizations.” This 42-credit hour program is divided between 33 core credits and nine standard program/specialization requirements.

Established in 1918, Ashford University is a four-year, private for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in San Diego, California. The university was originally founded as a liberal arts college known as Mount St. Claire College. The school achieved four-year status in 1979 and was purchased by Bridgepoint Education in 2005 and renamed Ashford University. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate levels to the student body of 41,361 currently enrolled. Previously maintaining a campus in Clinton, Iowa, the school closed that campus in 2016 and now exclusively offers distance degrees.

Affordability Score: Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 60.54

#18 United States University College of Business Management – San Diego, California

Photo creditOne of California’s best online MBA programs is delivered by the College of Business Management at the United States University. This 36-credit hour program is classified as very affordable with a total tuition price below $14,999. This program has been designed to help students “gain a deep understanding of the functional areas of a business including finance and accounting, marketing, human resources and information technology. MBA students will develop leadership skills through courses in organizational behavior, business law and ethics, international/global management, strategic planning and organizational change and innovation. The MBA curriculum also teaches critical thinking and problem solving, project management, communication, teamwork and ethics.” Core courses within this program include Managerial Accounting, Business Information Systems, Operations Management and Decision Models, Business Economics, Financial Management, Marketing Strategies, and Talent Acquisition, Performance, and Behavior. Students seeking an accelerated experience will enjoy the option of completing all coursework for this degree in as few as 12 months.

United States University was established in 1997 and originally known as InterAmerican College. The school’s founders, Reymundo and Maria Marin, founded the school in an effort to help immigrants attain a higher education and move into careers as bilingual teachers. The school attained its university status and underwent a name change in 2010. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university exists today as a four-year, private for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus in San Diego, California. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate and graduate and levels, USU oversees a smaller student body of just 259. The school’s official colors are red and blue.

Affordability Score: Very Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 60.35

#19 Notre Dame de Namur University School of Business and Management – Belmont, California

Photo creditThe School of Business at Notre Dame de Namur University features one of the top online MBA programs in California with a concentration in General, Finance, Human Resources Management, and Marketing Management. This 36-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The School of Business receives its excellent business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. This degree is a “flexible degree designed for working professionals. In two years or less, you can achieve a deeper understanding of essential management concepts and acquire the business acumen you need to take your career to the next level. The MBA program prepares you to make business-critical decisions and instills in you the analytical, collaborative and problem-solving skills you need to lead in today’s environment.” Structured to be completed in 24 months or less, students can take advantage of the program’s 100% online format. The core courses within this program include Organizational/Management Theory, Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Business, Management Accounting, Corporate Financial Management, Marketing Planning and Analysis, Enterprise Information Management Systems, Global Operations Management, and Business Strategy.

Home of the Argonauts who wear the school colors of blue, gold, and white, the athletic department at Notre Dame de Namur University supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the PacWest Conference. NDNU is a Catholic four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Belmont, California. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 1,691 students currently enrolled there. Notre Dame de Namur University was established in 1851 as the Academy of Notre Dame by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur on a 10-acre plot in San Jose, California. The school moved to Belmont in 1923 and 30 years later became a four-year college. NDNU receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 59.57

#20 Touro University Worldwide School of Business – Los Alamitos, California

Photo courtesy of Touro University WorldwideTouro University Worldwide’s School of Business features one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in Accounting, Cybersecurity Management, Finance, Global Management, Health Administration Management, Human Resources Management, Marketing, and Nonprofit Management. This 36-credit hour degree is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. Key features of this program include an affordable tuition, an GMAT/GRE requirement for acceptance, eight high-quality concentrations to choose from, and the ability for students seeking an accelerated experience to complete all requirements for this degree in one year by taking two courses each term for six consecutive terms. Core courses within this program include Professional Communications, Management Across Cultures, Ethics for Business Professionals, Managerial Accounting, Financial Principles & Management, Contemporary Marketing, Strategy and Planning, and Managing Organizational Behavior. Candidates interested in this program are encouraged to contact the business school’s admissions office for information on how to get the application process started.

Established in 1997, Touro University Worldwide is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Los Alamitos, California. Operating under the school motto of “To Serve, To Lead, To Teach,” the university was originally founded in San Francisco with a first class of less than 70 students. Just two years later, the school would move the campus to Mare Island and begin reconstructing U.S. naval building built in the 1930’s. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 1,069 currently enrolled there.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 58.48

#21 Trident University International Glenn R. Jones College of Business – Cypress, California

Photo creditThe Glenn R. Jones College of Business at Trident University International features one of California’s best online MBA programs. Qualifying students with the proper academic experience may be able to waive up 12 credit hours of foundational coursework and complete this degree by taking only 36-credit hours. This 36-credit hour program is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. The business school has designed this program to help the working professional “acquire a solid foundation in business theory, strategies, and skills, generate business plans to follow, collect, analyze, and evaluate business data, master business models to improve productivity and performance, and generate oral and written presentations in business format. Candidates interested in this program are encouraged to submit proof of an undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5, official transcripts, and a demonstrated competency in financial accounting and marketing in order to begin the acceptance process. The Glenn R. Jones College of Business does not require academic entrance exams like the GMAT, GRE, or MAT of its incoming students.

Trident University International is a four-year, private for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Cypress, California. The university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 6,948 students currently enrolled there. The university was founded in 1998 and called Touro University International as it originated as a branch of the Touro College and University System. Trident became a stand-alone university in 2007 after being purchased by the Summit Partners. While TUI offers 100% of its degree plans online, nearly 75% of its students are in the U.S. military. TUI receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 58.38

#22 Hope International University College of Business & Management – Fullerton, California

Photo creditHope International University offers one of the best online MBA programs in California with an emphasis in Marketing Management, Non-profit Management, General Management, or delivered as a custom MBA at the College of Business & Management. This 36-credit hour program is classified as affordable with a total tuition price between $15,000 and $19,999. This program is centered around the “vital aspect of addressing the spiritual nature of humankind, as our professors integrate their Christian faith into the learning process. This offers a holistic learning experience that goes beyond the classroom or online environment. Our graduate faculty members are outstanding scholars and business professionals who bring many years of business experience to the learning environment. This yields business professionals who are well-rounded and better prepared to engage the world of business with all the knowledge and tools they will need to lead their organizations.” Core courses within this program include Servant Leadership and Ethics, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Global and Environmental Economics, Researching Business Solutions, Strategic Management and Planning, and Entrepreneurship.

Established in 1928, Hope International University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Fullerton, California. Affiliated with the Restoration Movement and the Christian Churches and Churches of Christ, HIU is a non-denominational university which features students from 35 states in the U.S. and over 40 foreign countries. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the associate, undergraduate, and graduate, levels to the student body of 1,372 currently enrolled. Home of the Royals, the athletic department at Hope International supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NAIA level as members of the Golden State Athletic Conference. The school’s official colors are blue, grey, and white.

Affordability Score: Affordable
OMBAT Ranking Score: 57.95

#23 Saint Mary’s College of California School of Economics and Business Administration – Moraga, California

Photo creditOne of California’s best hybrid Executive MBA programs is delivered by the School of Economics and Business Administration at Saint Mary’s College of California. This hybrid program is classified as expensive in affordability with a total tuition price between $50,000 and $99,999. Receiving its excellent business accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the School of Economics and Business Administration has recently been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as offering the 116^th best online MBA in the nation. This degree focuses on the three areas of analysis and critical thinking, broad functional knowledge, and responsible leadership including a student’s ability to “evaluate business opportunities and develop strategic implementation plans, communicate effectively as a manager and leader, including presenting analysis, justifying recommended actions, and gaining support from others, and negotiate and collaborate with others who have different interests and objectives.” Courses within this program include Managing & Leading Organizations, Leadership Communication, Applied Economics, Data Analytics for Executives, Supply-Chain Management, Accounting for Executives, Goal-Centered Finance, and Global Marketing.

Founded in 1863 by the Most Rev, Joseph Alemany as a diocesan school for boys, Saint Mary’s College of California was placed under the care of the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1868. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the college exists today as a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus in Moranga, California. Delivering degrees at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, Saint Mary’s oversees a student body of 3,908. Home of the Gaels, the official school colors are red and blue. The athletic department at the college consists of men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division I level as members of the West Coast Conference.

Affordability Score: Expensive
OMBAT Ranking Score: 57.68

#24 University of Redlands School of Business – Redlands, California

Photo creditThe School of Business at the University of Redlands features one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in General Business, Finance, and Marketing. This 48-credit hour program is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. The School of Business receives its stellar business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Qualified students with the proper academic background can complete all requirements for this degree in less than 24 months. The curriculum for this degree is structured in eight-week terms and applicants may transfer up to two courses into the program. This degree is divided between 12 credits of Foundational Business Knowledge, 16 credits of General Business Knowledge, 16 credits of Emphasis courses, and four credits of a Capstone. The General Business Knowledge courses included in this program are Business, Ethics, and Society, Management and Organizational Behavior, Information and Knowledge Management, and Analytics for Managerial Decision-Making.

The University of Redlands is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in state capital city of Redlands, California. The university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the 5,071 students currently enrolled there. The university was established in 1907 after the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 affected California College in Oakland and Los Angeles University was being liquidated. The University of Redlands receives its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission. Home of the Bulldogs, the school maintains seven regional locations across Southern California in addition to the 160-acre campus in Redlands.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 57.31

#25 California Lutheran University School of Management – Thousand Oaks, California

Photo creditCalifornia Lutheran University’s School of Management features one of California’s best online MBA programs with a concentration in General, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Human Capital Management, International Business, IT Management, and Marketing. This 45-credit hour degree is classified as above average in affordability with a total tuition price between $30,000 and $49,999. This degree has been designed with flexibility and convenience in mind offering courses online, on-campus, or as a hybrid with a mixture of both. Students seeking an accelerated experience can graduate in just 12 months while some students take up to three years to complete all coursework. This 15-course program is divided between eight required courses, two emphasis courses, four electives, and one capstone course. Core courses within this program include Enterprise Management, Organization and Strategy, Business Ethics and Law, Organizational Behavior, Marketing Management, Strategic Decision Making, Macroeconomics in the Global Economy, Information Technology Management, and Financial Principles & Policies.

Established in 1959 as the result of a joint meeting between the American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church in America who teamed up to establish a Lutheran college in the state of California, today’s California Lutheran University is a four-year, private not-for-profit institution of higher learning with a main campus located in Thousand Oaks, California. Originally known as California Lutheran College, the school was Ventura County’s first four-year private college. Receiving its regional accreditation through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission, the university delivers degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels to the student body of 4,174 currently enrolled there. Home of the Kingsmen and Regals, the athletic department at Cal Lutheran supports men’s and women’s varsity sports teams which compete at the NCAA Division III level as members of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The school’s official colors are purple and gold.

Affordability Score: Above Average
OMBAT Ranking Score: 52.87

Methodology

To find the top Online MBA programs in California, a list of 470 online and hybrid MBA degree programs was gathered, and each program was evaluated first for a location in the state of California, and then evaluated on the following factors:

Estimated Tuition Cost (25%): Each online MBA program is ranked based on the estimated total base tuition cost. All financial data was gathered from the most recent information given on each program or school website. The base tuition was calculated for the entirety of the degree, but does not included fees, books, or room and board; with the exception of programs that use all-inclusive figures. For schools that offer a lower in-state tuition rate, the in-state pricing is used in order to show the best possible Return on Investment. The final ranking score is based 25% on this calculated figure.

Based on this base tuition data, each program is given an Affordability Score:

Very Expensive = $100,000+
Expensive = $50,000-$99,999
Above Average = $30,000-$49,999
Average = $20,000-$29,999
Affordable = $15,000-$19,999
Very Affordable = $0-$14,999

Accreditation (25%): Accreditation plays an important role in education. Accreditations can help prospective students identify which school has gone to extensive measures to reach high national and global standards in its research and delivered education. Each program in this top online MBA ranking is evaluated on whether it holds a regional accreditation from one of six institutions that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Additionally, business school accreditations affect an MBA’s brand and prestige, which can thus affect a graduate’s competitive advantage in the job market. Each school is ranked on if the online MBA program is accredited from one of the top business accrediting institutions: IACBE, ACBSP, or AACSB. AACSB is widely regarded as the highest level of business accreditation, and thus schools that hold this accreditation are given the highest marks. The final ranking score is based 25% on this calculated figure.

Average Base Salary (25%): The salary data is highlighted in this top online MBA ranking because it is important for prospective students to explore the affect an online MBA degree can have on a professional’s salary. The average base salary is collected from the 2018 Best Business School Ranking by US News and World Report. Programs without a recorded average base salary from US News and World Report was calculated at zero because of no available third-party data. The final ranking score is base 25% on this calculated figure.

Prestige (25%): The prestige for each program is calculated by evaluating rankings from some of the most prestigious educational rankings systems for online MBA programs: US News and World Report’s Online MBA Ranking, the Princeton Review’s Online MBA Ranking, the Financial Times’ Global Online MBA Ranking, and Quacquarelli Symonds’ Distance Online MBA Ranking. Each online MBA was evaluated on how many rankings included their program. The final ranking score is base 25% on this calculated figure.

All of the data was weighted equally, averaged, and then calculated on a 100-point scale. This score is the OMBAT Ranking Score, which provides the ranking order for this list. By evaluating the tuition cost, accreditation, average base salary, and prestige, this ranking helps prospective students find the highest quality online MBA program in California.