Living in California? Earn Your Degree Online
Join more than 22,000 students and graduates from California who chose Southern New Hampshire University to earn their degree and reach their goals.
While there are many options for online degrees in California, at SNHU, your success is our only mission. As a nonprofit university, we're committed to keeping your costs low.
22k students and graduates
in California
Accredited and nonprofit with
25+ years of online expertise
200+ career-focused
online degrees
Discover the Value of an SNHU Degree
24/7 Student Support
Looking for the flexibility to study – and reach out for help – anytime? Tech support and drop-in tutoring are available 24/7.
SAT/ACT Not Required
These standardized tests aren’t the best predictors of your future success in college, so we don’t require them.
Affordable Tuition
Enjoy some of the lowest online tuition rates – plus discounts for eligible military students (up to 30%) and employer partners.
Save Even More with Partnerships
SNHU has partnered with employers and community colleges nationwide with the goal of providing even more affordable online degrees to students like you.
You can check whether your employer has already partnered with us.
California Community College Partners
- Bakersfield College
- California Community Colleges
- Chaffey Community College
- City College of San Francisco
- Imperial Valley College
- Los Rios Community College District
- Cosumnes River College
- Folsom Lake College
- Sacramento City College
- Los Angeles Community College
District- East Los Angeles College
- Los Angeles City College
- Los Angeles Harbor College
- Los Angeles Mission College
- Los Angeles Pierce College
- Los Angeles Southwest College
- Los Angeles Trade - Tech College
- Los Angeles Valley College
- West Los Angeles College
- Merritt College
- Mt. San Jacinto College
- Santa Barbara City College
- Santa Monica College
- Sierra College
Your Service Deserves Our Support
We know California has a long and honored military community, and we’ve been a proud military supporter since World War II. In addition to low online tuition, no set class times and some of the best support in higher education, active-duty U.S. service members and their spouses, National Guard and Selected Reserve can qualify for tuition discounts of up to 30%. We also accept military tuition assistance, Veteran Affairs (VA) education benefits and Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) scholarships for spouses.
Popular Programs for Students in California
Explore additional SNHU degree and certificate programs.
Meet Some Fellow SNHU Californians
Johnson earned her MS in Healthcare Administration with a 4.0 GPA while working full time, taking care of a toddler and a newborn, surviving a tumor, evacuating from the wildfires and serving as president of the American College of Healthcare Executives Student Chapter at SNHU. Johnson received the Distinguished Scholar Award for the highest GPA in her degree program.
Shelly '19 and Sal Villa '19 - California
Shelly earned her bachelor’s degree and Sal earned his associate degree — both in criminal justice. Having already tried a traditional campus experience and community college without success, Shelly enrolled at SNHU with a scholarship from Operation Homefront. Sal, who has been deployed 4 times with the U.S. Navy, received college credit for his military service.
In July 2023, Burns was awarded a yearlong grant from Creative Corps Inland Socal, an initiative from the California Arts Council (CAC). According to Creative Corps Inland Socal, these grants aim to support artists and organizations working on creative projects that promote causes like environmentalism, social equity and public health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best online college degree to get?
The best online college degree depends on your interests, career goals and personal strengths. At SNHU, we've seen degrees in fields like business, computer science and criminal justice as popular choices for students from California. It's important to consider your own passions and the requirements of the career you're interested in.
Which college is best for online?
The best online college depends on various factors, including the specific program you're interested in, your budget and your preferences.
If you're not sure where to start, consider looking for an accredited school that has ample experience in online education (like SNHU – more than 25 years!) and affordable tuition.
Other criteria you could consider in your search are:
- World-class support
- Institutional accreditation
- 24/7 access to coursework
- Instructors with real-world experience
- Military discounts
For help with finding the right online college, you can always speak with an admission counselor to learn more.
Is it harder to do online college?
The difficulty of online college can vary depending on your learning style and the structure of the program. Online learning does require a level of time management and self-motivation.
Some people find it intimidating but appreciate the flexibility it offers. Success in online college often depends on your ability to manage your time effectively and actively engage with the course materials.
If you're new to online learning, you're not alone! That's why at SNHU, online courses are designed to be accessible and simple to navigate. You'll even have the support of a dedicated academic advisor and your instructors along the way.
Plus, with just a 5-minute, free application, getting started is easier than you think!
Are any online colleges worth it?
Yes! They can be worth it. Especially those that are accredited and reputable. Accreditation ensures that the institution meets certain academic standards. It's crucial to research and choose accredited online colleges to ensure the value and recognition of your degree.
For example, SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), with some additional specialized accreditations for certain programs.
Can you get an online degree in California?
Yes! In fact, there are more than 22K students and alumni from California who chose to earn their degrees online from SNHU.
Southern New Hampshire University has offered education online since 1995, meaning over 25 years of honing a flexible, affordable and effective approach to online learning.
Plus, SNHU is an accredited university that offers more than 200 online programs that can help you advance your career. What degree program will you choose to move forward?
Is SNHU accredited in California?
Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which is one of the regional accrediting bodies recognized within the United States by the U.S. Department of Education. This means, as an SNHU student — no matter what state you live in — you’ll be earning a degree from a respected university that is recognized nationwide for meeting accreditation standards.
It’s important to note that institutions are not accredited by state. However, regional accreditation, from accreditors such as NECHE, is widely recognized across the United States.
SNHU also carries specialized accreditations for particular programs.
Is an online degree taken seriously?
Absolutely! The perception of online degrees has drastically changed over the years. If you enroll with a reputatable and accredited online school, you can earn a high-quality education.
Employers recognize the convenience and effectiveness of online education. And reputable institutions like SNHU have invested in high-quality online platforms, ensuring that the academic experience is on par with traditional methods.
How do I start an online degree?
Getting started with your online degree can be easy.
First, submit the application. At SNHU, it’s a free, 5-minute online form.
- Once accepted, decide how you’d like to pay for college. We can help with this.
- Then, your academic advisor will work with you to map out a degree plan and register you for courses!
- There are 5 graduate terms and 6 undergraduate terms in a year, so you never have to wait long to get started.
And, if you already earned some college credit, SNHU will request transcripts to see what might transfer.
All this to say, graduation might be sooner than you think!
Is an online university degree worth it?
If getting your degree online is the only way you can make college work for you and your schedule, it’s most certainly worth it!
By taking courses through an online university like SNHU, you’ll learn both foundational knowledge and real-world skills needed to succeed beyond the classroom.
Is it cheaper to go to a university online?
It can be! It’s oftentimes another reason Californians choose to take classes online instead of enrolling in a traditional college program.
Save on:
- Tuition, since online classes are typically more affordable
- Gas, because you won’t need to commute
- Childcare, since you can study and be home when you need to be