2025 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in California from $14,272 to $40,608
Averages for the 12 Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in California
$18,372
Average Tuition and Fees
$87,433
Average Graduate Salary
534
Average GMAT Scores
1,678
Average Student Enrollment
Our Top 12 Picks for Affordable Online MBA Programs in California
Interactive Table of the Most Affordable Online MBA Programs in California
| Rank | University | In State Tuition | Avg. Starting Salary | ROI | State | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California State University, Bakersfield | $14,272 | $78,600 | 451.00% | CA | Yes |
| 2 | California State University, Dominguez Hills | $16,986 | $82,400 | 385.00% | CA | Yes |
| 3 | California State University, Chico | $24,000 | $87,750 | 266.00% | CA | Yes |
| 4 | California State University, Stanislaus | $24,938 | $73,800 | 196.00% | CA | Yes |
| 5 | California State University, Sacramento | $25,260 | $76,000 | 201.00% | CA | Yes |
| 6 | California State University, East Bay | $28,000 | $76,600 | 174.00% | CA | Yes |
| 7 | San Diego State University | $31,200 | $71,900 | 130.00% | CA | Yes |
| 8 | Dominican University of California | $35,310 | $113,000 | 220.00% | CA | Yes |
| 9 | San Jose State University | $39,270 | $90,800 | 131.00% | CA | Yes |
| 10 | Saint Mary's College of California | $40,608 | $117,200 | 189.00% | CA | Yes |
| 11 | California State University, San Bernardino | $41,500 | $76,200 | 84.00% | CA | Yes |
| 12 | California State University, Fullerton | $44,550 | $81,500 | 83.00% | CA | Yes |
| 13 | California State University, Long Beach | $45,600 | $71,833 | 58.00% | CA | Yes |
| 14 | University of the Pacific | $46,250 | $69,750 | 51.00% | CA | Yes |
| 15 | University of San Diego | $69,610 | $101,333 | 46.00% | CA | Yes |
| 16 | University of San Francisco | $79,200 | $82,500 | 4.00% | CA | Yes |
| 17 | Santa Clara University | $83,860 | $122,000 | 45.00% | CA | Yes |
| 18 | University of California, Davis | $95,438 | $109,075 | 14.00% | CA | Yes |
| 19 | Seaver College | $104,333 | $89,258 | -14.00% | CA | Yes |
| 20 | University of Southern California | $154,339 | $150,314 | -3.00% | CA | Yes |
10 Ways Exceptional Value Meets Online MBA Affordability in California
Thinking about getting an MBA? California has a fantastic mix of affordability and opportunity. The Golden State’s budget-friendly business schools offer great value, with tuition costs ranging from $14,272 to $40,608. That’s much cheaper than the national average of $56,850 for MBA programs. Plus, California’s booming economy, which is the fifth-largest in the world, makes it a perfect place for future business leaders.
California’s various industries, from tech giants in Silicon Valley to Hollywood’s entertainment powerhouses, align perfectly with the innovative focuses of these affordable MBA programs. Students can specialize in cutting-edge fields like Sustainable Business at San Francisco State University or Healthcare Management at California State University, Long Beach. This prepares them for leadership roles in the state’s most dynamic sectors. With California ranking 15th in the country for business school affordability and an impressive average ROI of 189%, these programs offer a chance to get a world-class business education without breaking the bank.
#1: Unbeatable Return on Investment
California’s affordable MBA programs deliver excellent ROI, with graduates seeing big salary bumps after graduation. For example, California State University, East Bay reports a 55% increase in post-graduation salary, and San Jose State University boasts a 52% increase. These numbers show the real value of investing in an affordable MBA in California, where the thriving economy provides plenty of career and financial growth opportunities.
#2: Industry-Aligned Specializations
These programs offer cutting-edge specializations that fit perfectly with California’s dynamic industries. For instance, California State University, Long Beach offers concentrations in Healthcare Management and Information Systems, catering to the state’s booming healthcare and tech sectors. San Francisco State University provides options in Sustainable Business and Data Analytics, preparing students for leadership roles in California’s green economy and data-driven industries. This ensures graduates are well-prepared to excel in the state’s most innovative and high-growth fields.
#3: Silicon Valley Connections
Several affordable MBA programs take advantage of their proximity to Silicon Valley, offering unmatched networking and career opportunities. San Jose State University, for example, uses its location to connect students with tech industry leaders, while California State University, East Bay offers internship opportunities with Bay Area startups and established tech firms. These connections give students a competitive edge in one of the world’s most influential tech hubs.
#4: Flexible Learning Formats
Understanding the needs of working professionals, many affordable MBA programs in California offer flexible learning options. California State University, Dominguez Hills has a fully online MBA program, while others like California State University, Fresno offer hybrid formats. This flexibility allows students to balance their education with work and personal commitments, making an MBA accessible to more aspiring business leaders.
#5: Diverse Student Body and Global Perspective
California’s MBA programs attract a diverse student body, reflecting the state’s multicultural environment. San Francisco State University and California State University, Los Angeles have particularly diverse cohorts, enriching classroom discussions with various perspectives. This diversity, combined with international business courses and study abroad opportunities, prepares students for success in the global marketplace.
#6: Entrepreneurship and Innovation Focus
Many affordable MBA programs in California emphasize entrepreneurship and innovation, fitting right in with the state’s startup culture. California State University, Fullerton offers an Entrepreneurship concentration, while San Diego State University provides hands-on experience through its Lavin Entrepreneurship Center. These programs equip students with the skills and mindset needed to launch and grow successful ventures in California’s dynamic business environment.
#7: Sustainability and Social Impact
Reflecting California’s leadership in environmental initiatives, several affordable MBA programs include sustainability and social impact in their curricula. California State University, Chico offers a Sustainable Enterprise concentration, while Humboldt State University focuses on environmental and social responsibility throughout its MBA program. These focuses prepare graduates to lead in California’s growing green economy and socially conscious business landscape.
#8: Strong Alumni Networks
Even though they’re affordable, these MBA programs have strong alumni networks spanning California’s diverse industries. California State University, Northridge and California State University, Sacramento maintain active alumni associations that provide mentorship, networking events, and job opportunities. These networks offer invaluable support for career advancement and professional growth within the state’s competitive business landscape.
#9: Experiential Learning Opportunities
Affordable MBA programs in California prioritize hands-on learning experiences that connect theory and practice. California State University, Los Angeles offers consulting projects with local businesses, while California State Polytechnic University, Pomona provides internship opportunities with industry partners. These experiences give students practical skills and industry connections, enhancing their employability in California’s competitive job market.
#10: Access to California’s Diverse Economy
Studying at an affordable MBA program in California offers unmatched access to the state’s diverse and robust economy. From agriculture in the Central Valley to aerospace in Southern California, students can tailor their education to align with regional economic strengths. California State University, Fresno, for instance, offers agribusiness specializations, while California State University, Long Beach provides aerospace industry insights, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles in the state’s key economic sectors.
Find Affordable Online MBA Programs Now Accepting California Applicants
How We Rank the Best Affordable Online MBA Programs
MBAGuide.org’s ranking methodology combines quantitative data (80%) like student-faculty ratio, tuition, enrollment, and post-graduation salaries with qualitative factors (20%) such as editorial ratings and school reputation. This approach allows us to identify the best MBA programs that offer the greatest relative value within each state, enabling prospective students to find high-quality, cost-effective options tailored to their location and career aspirations.
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Jacquelyn has a JD/MBA from Suffolk University, an LL.M from the University of Miami, and a BA from the George Washington University in International Relations. Jacquelyn is the CEO/Founder of the Sophisticated Word, a writing company that owns Wilbur Press, which donates a percentage of every article sold to the World Literacy Foundation.
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