★ #1 in CAAACSB
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Online MBA (OMBA)
Tuition
$150,771
Per credit
$2,421/credit
GMAT
Optional
GPA
N/A
Duration
21 months (approx…
Acceptance
N/A
— Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#6 U.S. News
Online MBA · California · 9 programs compared
Best Online MBA Programs
Best Online MBA Programs
in California 2025
Compare the top 9 accredited online MBA programs in California, real tuition ($30,000-$150,771), GMAT requirements, specializations, and acceptance rates. All data sourced directly from the schools.
9
Programs
$30,000
Lowest tuition
9/9
AACSB-accredited
9/9
GMAT optional
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Online MBA in California: what to know
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 $150,771 at USC, 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.
Researched top 9
Top Online MBA Programs in California
#2 in CAAACSB
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA
Online MBA (MBA@UCDavis)
Tuition
$105,480
Per credit
$1,465/unit
GMAT
Optional
GPA
N/A
Duration
24-36 months
Acceptance
N/A
Data-driven decision-makingtailored to Northern Califo…
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL flex
#26 U.S. News
#3 in CAAACSB
California State University, Monterey Bay
Seaside, CA
Online MBA
Tuition
$36,000
Per credit
$1,200/unit
GMAT
Optional
GPA
2.9 minimum
Duration
16 months
Acceptance
N/A
Responsible Business (ethicssustainabilityinnovation)
— Intl— VisaTOEFL flex
#4 in CAAACSB
Pepperdine University (Graziadio Business School)
Malibu, CA
Online MBA
Tuition
≈$96,830 (46 units)
Per credit
$2,105/unit
GMAT
Not required
GPA
N/A
Duration
15-24 months (fle…
Acceptance
N/A
Leadership & Managing Organ…MarketingFinance
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#5 in CAAACSB
Santa Clara University (Leavey School of Business)
Santa Clara, CA
Silicon Valley Online MBA
Tuition
≈$96,670 (70 units)
Per credit
$1,381/unit
GMAT
Waivable
GPA
N/A
Duration
≈2 years
Acceptance
N/A
Business AnalyticsFinanceMarketing
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#6 in CAAACSB
University of San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Online MBA
Tuition
≈$70,750 (40 units)
Per credit
$1,750/unit (+ $750…
GMAT
Waivable
GPA
N/A
Duration
Part-time, online
Acceptance
N/A
General Management
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#7 in CAAACSB
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, CA
Online MBA
Tuition
≈$32,000 (in-state)
Per credit
≈$762/credit (42 cr)
GMAT
Optional
GPA
N/A
Duration
12-24 months
Acceptance
N/A
Analytics for ManagersFinanceHuman Resources & Organizat…Marketing Management+2 more
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#8 in CAAACSB
California State University, San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA
Online MBA
Tuition
≈$33,000
Per credit
N/A
GMAT
Not required
GPA
N/A
Duration
15-24 months
Acceptance
N/A
General Management
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
#9 in CAAACSB
California State University, Chico
Chico, CA
Online MBA
Tuition
≈$30,000
Per credit
$1,000/unit
GMAT
Not required
GPA
N/A
Duration
23-24 months
Acceptance
N/A
General ManagementHealth Services Administrat…Project Management
✓ Intl— VisaTOEFL req
California Online MBA: Quick Comparison
| School | Tuition | Per credit | GMAT | Duration | Acceptance | Accreditation | Intl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | $150,771 | $2,421/credit | Optional | 21 months (appr… | N/A | AACSB | — |
| University of California, Davis | $105,480 | $1,465/unit | Optional | 24-36 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, Monterey Bay | $36,000 | $1,200/unit | Optional | 16 months | N/A | AACSB | — |
| Pepperdine University (Graziadio Business School) | ≈$96,830 (46 units) | $2,105/unit | Not required | 15-24 months (f… | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| Santa Clara University (Leavey School of Business) | ≈$96,670 (70 units) | $1,381/unit | Waivable | ≈2 years | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| University of San Francisco | ≈$70,750 (40 units) | $1,750/unit (+ $7… | Waivable | Part-time, onli… | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, East Bay | ≈$32,000 (in-state) | ≈$762/credit (42… | Optional | 12-24 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, San Bernardino | ≈$33,000 | N/A | Not required | 15-24 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
| California State University, Chico | ≈$30,000 | $1,000/unit | Not required | 23-24 months | N/A | AACSB | ✓ |
Finance your MBA
Paying for your California MBA
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Online MBA in California: FAQ
What is the cheapest online MBA in California?
The lowest-cost online MBA in California on our list starts at $30,000 in total tuition. See the comparison table above for all programs and their costs. Always check with the school for current pricing and any financial aid options.
Do online MBA programs in California require the GMAT?
9 of the 9 programs listed for California have waived or made the GMAT optional. Check the GMAT row in the comparison above and confirm the current admissions policy directly with each school.
Are online MBA programs in California AACSB-accredited?
9 of the 9 programs on this page hold AACSB accreditation, the gold standard for business education worldwide. Use our main comparison tool to filter by AACSB only across all 49 states.
Can international students enroll in an online MBA in California?
7 of the 9 programs listed for California welcome international students. Check the Intl and Visa indicators on each program card above for details, and confirm TOEFL/IELTS requirements with the school.
How does MBA Compass choose these programs?
We compile programs from publicly available sources including U.S. News rankings, Poets&Quants, AACSB directories, and the schools' official websites. We list the leading accredited programs we can verify per state based on accreditation, reputation, and availability. Schools cannot pay to appear or rank higher.
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