Most Affordable Accredited Online Colleges | California Coast University

A Real Degree. Real Tuition You Can Actually Afford.

The cost of a college degree doesn't have to follow you for decades. At California Coast University (CCU), tuition starts at just $170 per unit — with no hidden fees, no activity charges, no technology surcharges, and no mandatory on-campus costs. What you see is what you pay.

CCU has been offering accredited, fully online degrees since 1973. As an exclusively online institution, there's no campus infrastructure driving up your costs. That savings passes directly to students — in the form of some of the lowest tuition rates available from an accredited university, combined with interest-free payment plans starting at just $150 per month.

Exactly What You'll Pay at CCU

Transparency matters when you're comparing costs. Here's the complete picture:

That's it for most students. No mandatory technology fees. No student activity fees. No campus facility charges. Because there's no campus.

Interest-Free Payment Plans — Available at Every Level

Your tuition rate is fixed at the time you enroll and will not increase as long as you remain in good academic and financial standing in the same program — regardless of any future rate changes at CCU. A 10% discount is available for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees (employment or status verification required, for students enrolling after 1/1/2026; retroactive discounts will not be applied and tuition discounts cannot be combined with other offers). Many CCU students receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. Check with your HR department to find out if you qualify for educational assistance.

Accredited Degrees at Low-Cost Tuition

Low price means nothing if the degree doesn't carry weight. CCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency, and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Every degree CCU awards is from a legitimately accredited institution — not a diploma mill, not an unaccredited school.

CCU offers programs at every academic level, from associate's degrees through doctoral programs. All are 100% online and self-paced.

Programs and Total Tuition at a Glance

Graduate and undergraduate certificates are also available in a range of fields.

More Ways to Reduce Your Cost

CCU builds in several mechanisms that can lower what you actually spend — not just what's listed on the tuition page.

How CCU Keeps Costs Low

CCU has operated as an exclusively online institution since 1973. There is no physical campus to maintain, no athletic facilities, no student unions, and no buildings to heat, cool, and staff. Every operational decision is made with distance learning in mind — which means overhead stays low and savings flow through to tuition.

That model has worked for more than 50 years. CCU was one of the earliest pioneers of distance education in the country, long before "online college" became a mainstream option. That experience shows in how the programs are structured, how the student experience is supported, and how the cost is kept manageable without sacrificing academic quality.

What CCU Graduates Say

"In a world where a degree is practically required for any decently paying job, this program made obtaining a degree feel more accessible to someone like me."
— S. Fidel, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

"Being in my late 40's I never thought I would complete my bachelor's degree with a busy career and family. My B.S. degree raises my salary at work and creates more opportunity for promotion. I am honored and feel a sense of personal accomplishment."
— M. Moore, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I have wanted to further my education, and a friend provided me information about the CCU program. As soon as I read the outline, I signed up immediately. This program has helped me with obtaining a higher education and if I choose to retire from my current position, I feel like having my master's degree will assist me with what I might consider doing next."
— K. Menzies, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I found this form of learning was superb for me. Especially as a stay-at-home mom with little babies at home, who was going to return to work after a few years. It was truly a blessing to have found this school in all of my research, due to the freedom of learning as you go."
— L. Barrientos, Alumni, Human Resource Management, California Coast University

Frequently Asked Questions: Affordable Online College at CCU

What is the tuition rate at CCU?
Tuition is $170 per unit for associate's and bachelor's degrees, $250 per unit for master's degrees, and $320 per unit for doctoral degrees. There are no hidden fees beyond a one-time $75 application fee and textbook rental costs of approximately $35 per book.

Does CCU charge technology fees or campus fees?
No. CCU is an exclusively online institution with no physical campus. There are no technology fees, student activity fees, facility charges, or any other mandatory surcharges beyond the per-unit tuition rate and the costs listed on the tuition page.

Are payment plans available?
Yes. CCU offers three interest-free payment plans at every degree level. Plan A requires a $500 down payment followed by $150/month. Plan B requires a $300 down payment followed by $175/month. Plan C is full payment at enrollment. No credit check is required and no interest is charged on unpaid balances under Plans A or B.

Is CCU accredited?
Yes. California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Can I transfer credits to reduce my total cost?
Yes. Associate's and bachelor's degree students may transfer up to 30 applicable semester units of previously completed coursework from accredited institutions, with a grade of C (2.0 GPA) or higher. Master's degree students may transfer up to 6 units of previously completed graduate-level coursework. No transfer credit is available at the doctoral level.

Can I get credit for work experience or on-the-job training?
Yes. CCU awards elective credit for documented professional training completed through employers, military service, licensing programs, or other verifiable sources. Students have 45 days from enrollment to submit documentation. Challenge Examinations are also available — up to 4 at the associate level and up to 10 at the bachelor's level — for students whose professional experience is comparable to a course's objectives.

Does CCU offer financial aid?
CCU does not participate in federal financial aid programs. The university accepts VA Benefits, MyCAA benefits for eligible military spouses, and company-paid tuition vouchers. Employer tuition reimbursement is also common among CCU students — check with your HR department about what may be available to you.

Will my tuition rate increase while I'm enrolled?
No. Your per-unit tuition rate is locked in at the time of enrollment and will not change as long as you remain in good academic and financial standing in the same program.

What is the academic calendar at CCU?
CCU utilizes rolling 16-week terms that begin approximately every three to four weeks, enabling year-round enrollment with no mandatory semester start dates. VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.

An Accredited Degree That Doesn't Cost a Fortune. Apply Today.

If price has been the barrier between you and a college degree, CCU removes it. Low per-unit tuition, zero hidden fees, interest-free payment options, and multiple ways to reduce your total cost through transfer credit, professional experience, and employer reimbursement. Fifty-plus years of distance education. An accredited degree. A monthly payment you can actually manage.

VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.

Questions? Call Admissions at 1-888-228-8648 or Students at 1-714-547-9625

California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).