Popular Sections for California Online MBA Students
Top 10 Ranked | All AACSB | Tuition | Salary | ROI | Average GMAT | No GMAT / GRE | How We Rank
Executive Summary Online MBA Programs in California for 2025
$52,226
Average Online MBA Tuition in California
$91,091
Average Starting Salary for Online MBA Students in California
577
Average Online GMAT Scores in California
3,149
Average Online Student Enrollment in California
Key Highlights:
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- Comprehensive comparisons and data about tuition fees, average starting salaries, GMAT scores, and enrollment statistics for MBA programs in California.
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- Detailed profiles of MBA programs in California, their strengths, unique specializations, faculty expertise, and alumni networks are included to help align your study choice with your career ambitions.
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- Insights into California's diverse economic sectors, demonstrating how an MBA degree serves as a potent tool in these industries.
Top 5 Industries and Companies Hiring MBA Graduates in California
California's economy is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. Known for its technology and entertainment industries, it also has robust sectors in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. This diversity makes the state an ideal place for MBA graduates looking for a variety of career opportunities.
The technology industry is one of the most notable sectors in California, with Silicon Valley being a global hub for innovation. For MBA graduates, this sector offers a multitude of roles in companies ranging from startups to tech giants like Google and Apple. An MBA concentration in technology management or entrepreneurship could be particularly beneficial here.
California's entertainment industry, centered in Hollywood, provides opportunities for MBAs interested in media and entertainment management. From strategic planning to financial management, there are many roles that MBA graduates can fill in this sector.
In the field of agriculture, California is a leading producer of more than a hundred different kinds of crops. MBA graduates interested in agribusiness can find a wide range of roles in this sector, from supply chain management to sustainability practices.
Lastly, the healthcare sector in California is vast and continuously growing, providing a wealth of opportunities for MBAs with a concentration in healthcare management.
| Major Industries in California | Relevance to MBA Students |
|---|---|
| Technology | A hub for innovation with a multitude of roles for MBAs in companies ranging from startups to tech giants. |
| Entertainment | Offers opportunities for MBAs interested in media and entertainment management. |
| Agriculture | MBA graduates interested in agribusiness can find a wide range of roles in this sector. |
| Healthcare | The vast and continuously growing healthcare sector provides a wealth of opportunities for MBAs with a concentration in healthcare management. |
| Manufacturing | A robust sector where MBA graduates can apply their skills in operations and supply chain management. |
| Top Hiring Companies in California | Why Work There |
|---|---|
| Offers a variety of roles in one of the world's leading tech companies. | |
| The Walt Disney Company | A leader in the entertainment industry, offers opportunities in media and entertainment management. |
| California Health Care Foundation | A key player in the healthcare sector, with roles for MBAs interested in healthcare management. |
| Cargill | A major company in the agricultural industry offering roles in agribusiness. |
| Tesla | A leading manufacturer and innovator in the automobile industry. |
Sortable Table of the Top AACSB Accredited MBA Programs in California
Easily sort the interactive table below by Rank, School Name, ROI, Tuition, Average Starting Salary, and Campus or Online to find and to compare MBA programs in California. Click on any school for a comprehensive school profile.
| Rank | University | Avg. Graduate ROI | Avg. In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | State | Campus and Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Southern California | -3.00% | $154,339 | $150,314 | CA | Yes |
| 2 | University of California, Davis | 14.00% | $95,438 | $109,075 | CA | Yes |
| 3 | Santa Clara University | 45.00% | $83,860 | $122,000 | CA | Yes |
| 4 | University of San Diego | 46.00% | $69,610 | $101,333 | CA | Yes |
| 5 | University of San Francisco | 4.00% | $79,200 | $82,500 | CA | Yes |
| 6 | Saint Mary's College of California | 189.00% | $40,608 | $117,200 | CA | Yes |
| 7 | Seaver College | -14.00% | $104,333 | $89,258 | CA | Yes |
| 8 | San Jose State University | 131.00% | $39,270 | $90,800 | CA | Yes |
| 9 | California State University, Stanislaus | 196.00% | $24,938 | $73,800 | CA | Yes |
| 10 | California State University, Dominguez Hills | 385.00% | $16,986 | $82,400 | CA | Yes |
| 11 | Dominican University of California | 220.00% | $35,310 | $113,000 | CA | Yes |
| 12 | California State University, Long Beach | 58.00% | $45,600 | $71,833 | CA | Yes |
| 13 | California State University, Chico | 266.00% | $24,000 | $87,750 | CA | Yes |
| 14 | California State University, Fullerton | 83.00% | $44,550 | $81,500 | CA | Yes |
| 15 | San Diego State University | 130.00% | $31,200 | $71,900 | CA | Yes |
| 16 | California State University, East Bay | 174.00% | $28,000 | $76,600 | CA | Yes |
| 17 | California State University, San Bernardino | 84.00% | $41,500 | $76,200 | CA | Yes |
| 18 | California State University, Bakersfield | 451.00% | $14,272 | $78,600 | CA | Yes |
| 19 | California State University, Sacramento | 201.00% | $25,260 | $76,000 | CA | Yes |
| 20 | University of the Pacific | 51.00% | $46,250 | $69,750 | CA | Yes |
10 Best Ranked MBA Programs in California
University of Southern California
Marshall School of Business
Location:
- Los Angeles
,
- CA
Control: Private
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- E-MBA
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- 1-Year
- ·
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Arts
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Information Systems
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Other
- Supply Chain
- Taxation
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
University of California, Davis
Graduate School of Management
Location:
- Davis
,
- CA
Control: Public
Academic Year: Quarter
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Online
- Accounting
- Consulting
- Engineering
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Healthcare Administration
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- Leadership
- Manufacturing
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Product Management
- Project Management
- Real Estate
- Statistics
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
Online Description School Main Profile
Santa Clara University
Leavey School of Business
Location:
- Santa Clara
,
- CA
Control: Private
Academic Year: Quarter
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- E-MBA
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- 1-Year
- ·
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Finance
- General Business
- Information Systems
- Law
- Management
- Marketing
- Other
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
University of San Diego
School of Business
Location:
- San Diego
,
- CA
Control: Private
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business and Accounting
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Economics
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Real Estate
- Supply Chain
- Sustainability
- Taxation
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
University of San Francisco
School of Management
Location:
- San Francisco
,
- CA
Control: Private
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- E-MBA
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Hospitality Management
- International Business
- Management
- Marketing
- Organizational Behavior
- Other
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
Saint Mary's College of California
School of Economics and Business Administration
Location:
- Moraga
,
- CA
Control: Private for-profit
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- E-MBA
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Education
- Finance
- Management
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
Seaver College
Pepperdine University
Location:
- Malibu
,
- CA
Control: Private
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- Doctoral
- ·
- E-MBA
- ·
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Partnership
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Human Resources
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Organizational Behavior
- Real Estate
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
San Jose State University
Lucas College and Graduate School of Business
Location:
- San Jose
,
- CA
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Degree Level(s):
- Master
- ·
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Online
- Accounting
- Communications
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Leadership
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Other
- Product Management
- Project Management
- Supply Chain
- Taxation
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
California State University, Stanislaus
College of Business Administration
Location:
- Turlock
,
- CA
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Facebook, Linkedin and TwitterDegree Level(s):
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Distance Education
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Off Campus
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Corporate Finance
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Global Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
California State University, Dominguez Hills
College of Business Administration and Public Policy
Location:
- Carson
,
- CA
Control: Public
Academic Year: Semester
Accredited: AACSB
Accreditation: Business
Degree Level(s):
- MBA
- ·
- Undergraduate
Offered As:
- Campus
- ·
- Evenings
- ·
- Full-Time
- ·
- Online
- ·
- Part-Time
- ·
- Weekends
- Accounting
- Data Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General Business
- Hospitality Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems
- International Business
- Marketing
- Sports Management
- Supply Chain
- Top 10% in State: ROI, Tuition
- Better than State Average: GMAT
- Better than National Average: Student / Faculty Ratio
Compare Online MBA Program Averages in 2025
California, the U.S. and Online
| Averages | Online MBA Programs | California MBA Programs | MBA Programs Nationwide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average MBA Tuition | $37,167 | $61,546 | $42,528 |
| Average Graduate Salary | $79,354 | $94,552 | $82,899 |
| Average ROI | 196% | 135% | 185% |
| Average GMAT Scores | 561 | 592 | 567 |
| Average Full-Time Faculty | 72 | 75 | 72 |
| Average Student Faculty Ratio | 17:1 | 17:1 | 16:1 |
| Average Business School Enrollment | 2,654 | 2,901 | 2,533 |
What is the Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs in California?
If you plan on attending an MBA program, it’s best to start thinking about fiscal responsibility. A prospective B-Student needs to weigh their tuition options. An AACSB-accredited MBA program can pave the way for a great starting salary or career advancement. An online MBA program can provide the flexibility of completing a program while being employed in your respective career.
An Online MBA program from an institution in California will cost you between $14,272 from California State University, Bakersfield and $154,339 from University of Southern California. The average cost of online MBA programs within California is $52,226.
While the average in-person MBA program in California will cost about $61,546, the least expensive MBA program is $9,494 from Sonoma State University, and the most expensive is $165,591 from Stanford University.
Average Tuition for Online MBA Programs
Average: $52,226 from California’s 22 online MBA Programs
Lowest online: $14,272 from California State University, Bakersfield
Highest online: $154,339 from University of Southern California
Average Tuition for In-Person MBA Programs
Average: $59,820 from California’s 38 in-person MBA Programs
Lowest in-person: $9,494 from Sonoma State University
Highest in-person: $165,591 from Stanford University
Most Affordable Online MBAs in California
- California State University, Bakersfield - $14,272.00
- California State University, Dominguez Hills - $16,986.00
- California State University, Chico - $24,000.00
- California State University, Stanislaus - $24,938.00
- California State University, Sacramento - $25,260.00
- California State University, East Bay - $28,000.00
- San Diego State University - $31,200.00
- Dominican University of California - $35,310.00
- San Jose State University - $39,270.00
- Saint Mary's College of California - $40,608.00
Most Expensive Online MBAs in California
- University of Southern California - $154,339.00
- Seaver College - $104,333.00
- University of California, Davis - $95,438.00
- Santa Clara University - $83,860.00
- University of San Francisco - $79,200.00
- University of San Diego - $69,610.00
- University of the Pacific - $46,250.00
- California State University, Long Beach - $45,600.00
- California State University, Fullerton - $44,550.00
- California State University, San Bernardino - $41,500.00
What is the Average Graduate Salary for Online MBA Programs in California?
The average starting salary for graduates of an online MBA program from an institution in California is between $69,750 from University of the Pacific and $150,314 from University of Southern California. The average starting MBA salary for graduates of online MBA programs within California is $91,091.
While the average starting salary for graduates of an in-person MBA program in California is about $94,552, the lowest average MBA starting salary is $52,400 from California State University, San Marcos, and the highest average MBA starting salary is $182,272 from Stanford University.
Average Graduate Salaries for Online MBA Programs
- Average: $91,091 from California’s 22 Online MBA Programs
- Lowest Online: $69,750 from University of the Pacific
- Highest Online: $150,314 from University of Southern California
Average Graduate Salaries for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: $93,564 from California’s 38 In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest In-Person: $52,400 from California State University, San Marcos
- Highest In-Person:$182,272 from Stanford University
Schools with the Highest Online Graduate MBA Salaries in California
- University of Southern California - $150,314.00
- Santa Clara University - $122,000.00
- Saint Mary's College of California - $117,200.00
- Dominican University of California - $113,000.00
- University of California, Davis - $109,075.00
- University of San Diego - $101,333.00
- San Jose State University - $90,800.00
- Seaver College - $89,258.00
- California State University, Chico - $87,750.00
- University of San Francisco - $82,500.00
Schools with the Lowest Online Graduate MBA Salaries in California
- University of the Pacific - $69,750.00
- California State University, Long Beach - $71,833.00
- San Diego State University - $71,900.00
- California State University, Stanislaus - $73,800.00
- California State University, Sacramento - $76,000.00
- California State University, San Bernardino - $76,200.00
- California State University, East Bay - $76,600.00
- California State University, Bakersfield - $78,600.00
- California State University, Fullerton - $81,500.00
- California State University, Dominguez Hills - $82,400.00
What is the Average ROI for Online MBA Programs in California?
Choosing an MBA program requires more than a glance at the school’s reputation or curriculum. The return on investment (ROI) should take center stage in your evaluation. This measurement reveals the potential value derived from your tuition investment, putting key factors such as starting salary and career progression under the microscope.
By scrutinizing the ROI, you’re not just making a decision—you’re making an informed one. This approach will ensure the selection of an MBA program that provides the most bang for your buck. Checking the ROI might not be an afterthought; it could be the game-changer in your MBA journey.
The ROI from Online MBA programs in California range between -14% from Seaver College and 451% from California State University, Bakersfield. The average ROI of online MBA programs within California is 136%.
While the average in-person MBA program ROI from California is 135%, the lowest ROI is -26% from University of California, Riverside, and the best ROI is 809% from Sonoma State University.
Online ROI for MBA Programs
- Average: 136% from California’s 22 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: -14% from Seaver College
- Highest online: 451% from California State University, Bakersfield
In-Person ROI for MBA Programs
- Average: 141% from California’s 38 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: -26% from University of California, Riverside
- Highest in-person: 809% from Sonoma State University
Highest ROI for Online MBA Programs in California
- California State University, Bakersfield - 451.00%
- California State University, Dominguez Hills - 385.00%
- California State University, Chico - 266.00%
- Dominican University of California - 220.00%
- California State University, Sacramento - 201.00%
- California State University, Stanislaus - 196.00%
- Saint Mary's College of California - 189.00%
- California State University, East Bay - 174.00%
- San Jose State University - 131.00%
- San Diego State University - 130.00%
Lowest ROI for Online MBA Programs in California
- University of San Francisco - 4.00%
- University of California, Davis - 14.00%
- Santa Clara University - 45.00%
- University of San Diego - 46.00%
- University of the Pacific - 51.00%
- California State University, Long Beach - 58.00%
- California State University, Fullerton - 83.00%
- California State University, San Bernardino - 84.00%
- San Diego State University - 130.00%
- San Jose State University - 131.00%
What is the Average GMAT Score Needed for an Online MBA Program in California?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a standardized examination used by MBA schools to assess their applicant pool. The test is strategically designed to measure an applicant’s analytical, verbal, writing and mathematical skills. The GMAT is used as a predictor of success in MBA programs and tests one’s ability to successfully handle the advanced quantitative and qualitative study of business and management.
The average GMAT score needed for an online MBA program from an institution in California is between 485 from University of the Pacific to 732 from University of Southern California. The average GMAT scored for online MBA programs within California is 577.
While the average GMAT score needed for in-person MBA program in California is 592, the lowest average GMAT score is for an MBA program is 485 from University of the Pacific, and the highest GMAT score needed is 737 from Stanford University.
Average GMAT Score for Online MBA Programs
- Average: 577 from California’s 22 online MBA Programs
- Lowest online: 485 from University of the Pacific
- Highest online: 732 from University of Southern California
Average GMAT Score for In-Person MBA Programs
- Average: 589 from California’s 38 in-person MBA Programs
- Lowest in-person: 485 from University of the Pacific
- Highest in-person: 737 from Stanford University
Lowest GMAT Scores for Online MBA Programs in California
- University of the Pacific - 485
- University of La Verne - 500
- California State University, San Bernardino - 510
- California State University, Sacramento - 520
- California State University, East Bay - 530
- California State University, Bakersfield - 531
- California State University, Fullerton - 553
- Dominican University of California - 560
- California State University, Chico - 570
- Saint Mary's College of California - 570
Highest GMAT Scores for Online MBA Programs in California
- University of Southern California - 732
- University of California, Davis - 657
- Seaver College - 620
- Santa Clara University - 620
- University of San Francisco - 617
- California State University, Dominguez Hills - 600
- California State University, Stanislaus - 598
- California State University, Long Beach - 590
- San Diego State University - 587
- San Jose State University - 587
No GMAT or GRE – Best Online MBA Programs in California
Online MBA Schools with the Most Alumni California?
The importance of networking, whether it’s by way of campus job fairs, student organization members, or faculty mentorship, should not be understated. The average MBA enrollment size has a direct impact on your studies, your job prospects, and your ability to define your career goals.
Every B-School has a strategy behind their enrollment sizes. If a prospective B-Student is looking for networking opportunities, wants to attend job fairs, and plans on joining student organizations, B-School enrollment size plays an important role in the decision making process. For the B-Student interested in the smaller cohort-style classroom experience and thrive with face-to-face collaboration with their professors, a manageable enrollment size is the preferred option.
For California state’s MBA programs, the range for full-time enrollment is between 33 and 2,201. For part-time enrollment, the range is between : 14.00 and : 544.00.
Average Enrollment for Online MBA Programs
- Lowest: 33 from San Diego State University
- Highest: 2,201 from University of Southern California
- Average: 344 from California’s 22 MBA Programs.
- Average: 287 from 392 nation’s online MBA Programs.
Average Enrollment for In-Person MBA Programs
- Lowest: 33 from San Diego State University
- Highest: 2,201 from University of Southern California
- Average: 366 from California’s 40 MBA Programs.
- Average: 296 from 511 the nation’s campus MBA Programs.
Online MBA Programs with the Lowest Student Enrollment in California
- University of Southern California - 2,201
- Santa Clara University - 353
- California State University, Fullerton - 335
- Dominican University of California - 276
- University of San Diego - 244
- San Jose State University - 211
- University of San Francisco - 210
- University of La Verne - 188
- California State University, Sacramento - 155
- Saint Mary's College of California - 143
Online MBA Programs with the Highest Student Enrollment in California
- San Diego State University - 33
- California State University, Stanislaus - 52
- Naval Postgraduate School - 72
- Saint Mary's College of California - 143
- California State University, Sacramento - 155
- University of La Verne - 188
- University of San Francisco - 210
- San Jose State University - 211
- University of San Diego - 244
- Dominican University of California - 276
What Online MBA Concentrations Available in California?
Highly competitive B-Schools recruit part-time and full-time professors that are both academic and industry influencers. They are the subject matter experts in their respective concentrations. To meet the diverse needs of California businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 42 MBA concentrations including:
- General Business: 21
- Finance: 19
- Marketing: 18
- Management: 17
- Accounting: 16
- Data Analytics: 15
- Human Resources: 13
- Information Systems: 12
- International Business: 12
- Corporate Finance: 12
What Online Schools Offer the Widest Variety of MBA Concentrations in California?
- San Jose State University: 21
- California State University, Fullerton: 20
- California State University, San Bernardino: 18
- University of California, Davis: 18
- San Diego State University: 16
- University of San Diego: 15
- Dominican University of California: 15
- University of Southern California: 14
- California State University, Sacramento: 14
- University of San Francisco: 13
Cities Offering Online MBA Programs in California
Looking for a particular city in California with an accredited MBA program? Research and compare MBA programs from other cities in California. Find online programs, programs by concentration, by average GMAT score and more.
- Atherton
- Bakersfield
- Berkeley
- Burbank
- Chico
- Claremont
- Davis
- Fresno
- Fullerton
- Hayward
- Irvine
- La Jolla
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Monterey
- Moraga
- Northridge
- Orange
- Pomona
- Riverside
- Rohnert Park
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Luis Obispo
- Santa Clara
- Stanford
- Stockton
- Turlock
The Importance of MBA Accreditation
The importance of accreditation can’t be underestimated. For many, knowing your school is accredited by the AACSB and regionally accredited by the US Department of Education is enough assurance that you will receive a quality education, where credits are more likely to transfer, and you will be qualified for loans, grants, and scholarships.
AACSB accreditation is considered to be the gold standard in business school credentialing. Established to promote high-quality business education in the U.S., AACSB members developed a stringent accreditation process. Members are held accountable for following an established business education framework set forth by the AACSB. With that comes MBA degrees conferrals that are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies. This results in lucrative job opportunities.
MBA Program Options Available in California
Options for earning your MBA in California have never been more flexible. California MBA programs have become adept at offering effective alternatives for you to earn your MBA, no matter your life situation or schedule.
California has : 40 Accredited MBA programs. 2 private and : 26 public schools offering MBA programs.
California has : 26 public schools and : 2 private schools offering MBA degree programs.
: 40 Accredited MBA programs. and : 26 public schools offering MBA programs.
California schools offer 10 different paths to earn your MBA in California including Campus, Full-Time, Part-Time, Evenings, Weekends, Online, Partnership, 1-Year, Off Campus and Distance Education.
To meet the diverse needs of California businesses, MBA programs here have risen to the challenge by offering you an array of more than 42 MBA concentrations to specialize in.
Awards for Online MBA Programs in California
The ranking of MBA programs is certainly not an exact science and plenty of subjective reasoning and biases come into play. We offer insights into ranking as another way to evaluate a potential MBA program.
Of the 22 accredited MBA programs offered in California, 35 of them have been recognized by at least one distinguished publication (PQ, US News, Forbes, BW, FT, Economist and MBAGuide) garnering an award as one of the best MBA programs in the country.
California schools have earned a total of 76 Best MBA awards from publications. Here are the top MBA schools and the number of awards the each program has garnered:
- University of California, Berkeley: 7
- University of California, Irvine: 7
- University of Southern California: 7
- Stanford University: 7
- University of California, Los Angeles: 7
- University of California, Davis: 5
- Seaver College: 5
- University of California, San Diego: 4
- California State University, Fullerton: 1
- San Diego State University: 1
- California State University, Fresno: 1
- Naval Postgraduate School: 1
- California State University, Long Beach: 1
- University of San Diego: 1
- California State University, Chico: 1
- California State University, San Bernardino: 1
- California State University, Sacramento: 1
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo: 1
- University of the Pacific: 1
- California State University, Bakersfield: 1
- California State Polytechnic University Pomona: 1
- California State University, Stanislaus: 1
- Chapman University: 1
- San Francisco State University: 1
- Santa Clara University: 1
- Woodbury University: 1
- Saint Mary’s College of California: 1
- University of San Francisco: 1
- Sonoma State University: 1
- University of California, Riverside: 1
- California State University, Northridge: 1
- Claremont Graduate University: 1
- California State University, Los Angeles: 1
- Loyola Marymount University: 1
- California State University, East Bay: 1
Publications and the number of awards granted for California schools:
- US News: 8
- Forbes: 7
- BW: 7
- FT: 5
- Economist: 6
- MBAGuide: 35
How We Rank the Best Online MBA Programs in California
MBAGuide.org employs a comprehensive ranking methodology that combines quantitative data (80% of the score) with qualitative assessments (20%) to evaluate MBA programs. The quantitative component considers factors such as student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries, while the qualitative aspect incorporates editorial ratings and school reputation, providing a well-rounded view of each program’s quality and value.
Best MBA Programs by State: Online and In-Person
Alabama – Online | In-Person
Alaska – Online | In-Person
Arizona – Online | In-Person
Arkansas – Online | In-Person
California – Online | In-Person
Colorado – Online | In-Person
Connecticut – Online | In-Person
Delaware – Online | In-Person
Florida – Online | In-Person
Georgia – Online | In-Person
Hawaii – Online | In-Person
Idaho – Online | In-Person
Illinois – Online | In-Person
Indiana – Online | In-Person
Iowa – Online | In-Person
Kansas – Online | In-Person
Kentucky – Online | In-Person
Louisiana – Online | In-Person
Maine – Online | In-Person
Maryland – Online | In-Person
Massachusetts – Online | In-Person
Michigan – Online | In-Person
Minnesota – Online | In-Person
Mississippi – Online | In-Person
Missouri – Online | In-Person
Montana – Online | In-Person
Nebraska – Online | In-Person
Nevada – Online | In-Person
New Hampshire – Online | In-Person
New Jersey – Online | In-Person
New Mexico – Online | In-Person
New York – Online | In-Person
North Carolina – Online | In-Person
North Dakota – Online | In-Person
Ohio – Online | In-Person
Oklahoma – Online | In-Person
Oregon – Online | In-Person
Pennsylvania – Online | In-Person
Rhode Island – Online | In-Person
South Carolina – Online | In-Person
South Dakota – Online | In-Person
Tennessee – Online | In-Person
Texas – Online | In-Person
Utah – Online | In-Person
Vermont – Online | In-Person
Virginia – Online | In-Person
Washington – Online | In-Person
West Virginia – Online | In-Person
Wisconsin – Online | In-Person
Wyoming – Online | In-Person
District of Columbia – Online | In-Person
Data sources: IPEDS, National Center of Educational Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences (ERIC), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), 520 MBA Schools, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you notice errors in the MBA program database, please contact us.
Find: MBA Programs in California | Online MBA Programs in California Rankings: MBA Program Rankings | Online MBA Program Rankings Guides: Guide to Earning an Online MBA | Guide to Earning an MBA Concentrations: Online MBA Concentrations | Campus MBA Concentrations