Compare the top 9 accredited online MBA programs in California, with published tuition (≈$30,000-$137,091), GMAT requirements, specializations, and acceptance rates. All data sourced directly from the schools.
California offers one of the widest selections of accredited online MBA programs in the country, 9 on our list, spanning elite private schools (University of Southern California, Pepperdine, Santa Clara) and affordable public California State campuses (East Bay, San Bernardino, Chico), alongside University of California, Davis and the University of San Francisco. All 9 hold AACSB accreditation, the gold standard earned by a minority of business schools worldwide.
On cost, the most affordable option on our list is California State University, Chico at roughly $30,000 in total tuition (about $1,000/unit), while the CSU East Bay and San Bernardino online MBAs also sit around $32,000-$33,000. Across the listed programs, published tuition ranges up to about $137,091 at USC (2026-27), so it pays to compare. Tuition and fees change every year and in-state and out-of-state rates often differ, so confirm the current figure directly with the school before you budget.
Admissions are relatively accessible: every program here makes the GMAT optional or waivable, which removes a common barrier for working applicants. Because the format is fully online, it suits professionals who want to keep working while they study rather than relocate to campus.
International applicants are generally welcome, check each school's TOEFL or IELTS requirements early. Treat the numbers on this page as a starting point for comparison, and verify accreditation, deadlines, and specialization availability on the university's official admissions pages before you apply.
| School | Tuition | Per credit | GMAT | Duration | Acceptance | Format | Accreditation | Intl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | $137,091 (2026-27) | N/A | Optional | 21 months (appr… | N/A | Online | AACSB | — |
| University of California, Davis | $105,480 | $1,465/unit | Optional | 24-36 months | N/A | Online | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | $36,000 | $1,200/unit | Optional | 16 months | N/A | Online | AACSB | — |
| Pepperdine University (Graziadio Business School) | ≈$109,460 (52 units) | $2,105/unit | Not required | 15-24 months (f… | N/A | Online | AACSB | ✓ |
| Santa Clara University (Leavey School of Business) | ≈$96,670 (70 units) | $1,381/unit | Waivable | ≈2 years | N/A | Online | AACSB | ✓ |
| University of San Francisco | ≈$70,750 (40 units) | $1,750/unit (+ $7… | Waivable | Part-time, onli… | N/A | Online | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, East Bay | ≈$32,000 (CA residents), ≈$51,000 (non-residents) | ≈$762/credit (42… | Optional | 12-24 months | N/A | Online | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, San Bernardino | ≈$33,000 | N/A | Not required | 15-24 months | N/A | Online | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, Chico | ≈$30,000 | $1,000/unit | Not required | 23-24 months | N/A | Online | AACSB | ✓ |
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