Online Colleges in California | California Coast University

Online Colleges in California: Earn Your Degree at Your Own Pace with CCU

California Coast University is a California-based online university that has been built from the ground up for students exactly like you. Founded in 1973 in Santa Ana, California, CCU has spent over 50 years helping working adults earn accredited degrees without stepping foot in a classroom. Every program is 100% online, completely self-paced, and designed to fit around a full-time job, a family, and everything else that comes with being an adult with real responsibilities.

If you are ready to earn your degree on your own terms, CCU is ready for you. Apply Now

A California Online University With a 50-Year Track Record

When you search for online colleges in California, you are looking for something specific: a school that is accredited, affordable, and structured in a way that does not require you to put your life on hold. CCU was built to answer exactly that.

Founded in 1973, California Coast University was one of the first institutions in the country to deliver higher education entirely through distance learning. The founder, Dr. Thomas Neal, recognized that motivated, capable adults were being shut out of traditional education not because of a lack of ambition, but because of schedule, geography, and cost. CCU was the answer to that problem then, and it remains that answer today.

Over five decades later, CCU serves thousands of students across California and around the world, offering a full range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs taught by faculty who bring demonstrated professional expertise to every course.

Programs Offered at California Coast University

CCU offers degrees at every academic level, from associate through doctoral, across a range of professional fields. Whether you are starting from scratch, finishing a degree you set aside years ago, or advancing beyond your current credential, there is a program here for you.

Associate Degrees (A.S.)
Associate of Science programs are available in Business Administration, Business Marketing, Criminal Justice, General Studies, Health Care Administration, and Psychology. Each program is 60 semester units across 20 courses, priced at $170 per unit.

Bachelor's Degrees (B.S.)
Bachelor of Science programs are available in Business Administration, Business Marketing, Criminal Justice, General Studies, Health Care Administration, Homeland Security, Management, Organizational Behavior, and Psychology. Each program builds on foundational coursework with advanced study in your chosen field, priced at $170 per unit.

Master's Degrees
Graduate programs include the Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, multiple Master of Business Administration tracks in Business Administration, Business Marketing, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, and Management, the Master of Science in Psychology, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and Master of Education programs in Administration and Curriculum and Instruction. Graduate tuition is $250 per unit.

Doctoral Degrees (Ed.D.)
CCU offers Doctor of Education programs in Educational Administration, Educational Psychology, and Organizational Leadership for students ready to advance to the highest level of academic achievement.

Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates
For students who want focused, career-relevant credentials without committing to a full degree, CCU also offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate certificate programs across business, criminal justice, finance, health care, management, marketing, and psychology.

How CCU Works

100% Online — Every course is delivered entirely online. There are no campus visits, no in-person requirements, and no commute. You access your coursework, study materials, and CCU's course guides from wherever you are, at whatever hour works for you.

Self-Paced Coursework — CCU does not operate on a traditional semester schedule. You study when you can. There are no group projects, no scheduled class times, and no fixed exam dates. Each course requires a minimum of 136 hours of coursework, and students are expected to complete a minimum of one course per six-month period. Beyond that, the pace is yours to set.

Open Enrollment — You do not have to wait for a fall or spring semester to begin. CCU accepts applications year-round and students can start at any point. VA students and students using tuition assistance programs should note that their enrollment and progress milestones are tied to CCU's term calendar.

Transfer Credits — If you have completed college-level coursework at another institution, those credits may apply toward your CCU degree when applicable and applicable to CCU's degree plan. Transcripts are evaluated individually, and a grade of C or better is generally required for transfer credit consideration.

Credit for Specialized Training and Experience — CCU recognizes that many students, particularly those in law enforcement, the military, and other professional fields, bring significant training and experience to their studies. Credit for qualifying on-the-job training and specialized professional training may be available when applicable. Specialized training documents submitted after the initial 45 days of enrollment are subject to a $75 re-evaluation fee.

Textbook Rental — Required textbooks are available through CCU's Rental Library at approximately $35 per book for a 120-day rental period. Textbooks are not included in tuition fees.

Admissions Requirements

CCU's admissions process is designed to be straightforward. To apply to an undergraduate program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Hold a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent
• Submit a completed application along with the $75 application fee
• Provide official transcripts from any previously attended colleges or universities, if applicable
• Non-English-speaking applicants must submit official TOEFL scores demonstrating English proficiency

Graduate program admissions requirements vary by program. Contact CCU's Admissions team for program-specific details.

Tuition and Payment Plans

Tuition Rates
Undergraduate tuition at CCU is $170 per semester unit. Graduate tuition is $250 per semester unit. Because CCU is exclusively online, it is able to keep tuition low without sacrificing quality or accreditation.

All tuition rates are locked in at enrollment and will not increase as long as you remain in good financial and academic standing in the same program. If your enrollment is interrupted and reinstatement is required, the tuition rate in effect at the time of reinstatement will apply.

Interest-Free Payment Plans

Plan A: $500 down, then $150 per month. Make a $500 payment at the time of acceptance. The remaining balance is paid at $150 per month beginning one month after your official enrollment date. No interest is charged on the unpaid balance.

Plan B: $300 down, then $175 per month. Make a $300 payment at the time of acceptance. The remaining balance is paid at $175 per month beginning one month after your official enrollment date. No interest is charged on the unpaid balance.

Plan C: Pay in full at the time of acceptance.

Note: Accounts with past-due balances are subject to a $10 late fee. Returned payments incur a $25 returned payment fee.

10% Tuition Discount — Effective January 1, 2026, CCU offers a 10% tuition discount for active-duty service members, veterans, law enforcement officers and employees, firefighters and employees, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees. This discount is not retroactive for students already enrolled and cannot be combined with any other discount or offer. Employment or service verification is required. Ask our Admissions Representatives about applicable discounts.

Employer Reimbursement — Many CCU students receive tuition reimbursement through their employers. Check with your HR department to determine whether you qualify for educational assistance.

About California Coast University

California Coast University was founded in Santa Ana, California in 1973, making it one of the longest-running distance learning institutions in the country. For more than 50 years, CCU has served the needs of working professionals whose schedules, locations, and personal obligations made traditional classroom education impractical.

CCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). That accreditation reflects a consistent standard of quality that CCU has maintained since its founding.

The faculty at CCU are practitioners, not just academics. They bring real professional experience from the industries they teach, which means the coursework is grounded in applied knowledge, not theory alone. CCU also provides qualified student services staff to assist students throughout their programs.

CCU's mission is to offer quality, affordable, flexible online education that is valuable both personally and professionally, with programs built to keep pace with the demands of a changing workforce and marketplace.

What Students Say

"CCU is an excellent option for people who have busy careers. Getting my degree was important to me and CCU helped me obtain that."
— B. Odell, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I'm very happy that this could work with a full-time work schedule. I will be recommending to anyone who is looking for flexibility."
— K. Kast, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I found it to be extremely rewarding to finish my schooling and receive the degree. Very flexible to work around being a parent and working full time to complete the schooling necessary for the degree."
— D. Paschel, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

"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

"This college degree holds value both personally and professionally. It fostered critical thinking, discipline, and a deeper understanding of the world, while also serving as a credential that can open doors, enhance my career prospects, and signals a commitment to my long-term goals."
— M. Perez, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"Getting my degree was a personal goal. I am now the first person in my family to have obtained my Bachelor's degree."
— M. Raymond, Alumni, Business Administration, California Coast University

What You Can Do With a CCU Degree

A degree from CCU can support advancement in a wide range of fields, including business, public safety, health care administration, human resources, marketing, education, and more. Many students pursue a CCU degree to qualify for a promotion, change careers, or simply accomplish a personal goal they have carried for years.

CCU offers programs at every level, so if you begin with an associate or bachelor's degree, you have a clear path to continue at the graduate level within the same institution. Career outcomes vary based on individual background, experience, field of study, and other factors.

Frequently Asked Questions: Online Colleges in California

What makes CCU different from other online colleges in California? CCU has been doing this since 1973. That is over 50 years of experience serving working adults through distance education, long before online learning became mainstream. CCU is accredited, self-paced, and priced to be genuinely accessible, with interest-free payment plans starting at $150 per month.

How long does it take to finish a degree at CCU? It depends entirely on your pace. CCU has no fixed timelines beyond the requirement to complete a minimum of one course per six-month period. Students who can dedicate more time each week will move through programs faster than those with more limited schedules. The flexibility is the point.

What does a typical day of studying at CCU look like? There are no live lectures, scheduled classes, or required group activities. You study when your schedule allows, using CCU-developed course study guides alongside your required textbook. When you are ready to take a course exam, you select a proctor subject to university approval. Proctors cannot be an immediate family member, a housemate, or a current CCU student.

When can I apply and start? CCU has open enrollment, meaning you can apply and begin at any time of year. You do not need to wait for a semester to start. VA students and students using tuition assistance programs should contact Admissions regarding CCU's term calendar requirements prior to enrolling.

How much does CCU cost? Undergraduate tuition is $170 per semester unit. Graduate tuition is $250 per semester unit. CCU offers three interest-free payment plans: Plan A ($500 down, then $150 per month), Plan B ($300 down, then $175 per month), and Plan C (full payment at acceptance). Accounts with past-due balances are subject to a $10 late fee.

Can I transfer credits I earned at another school? Potentially, yes. Credits from regionally or nationally accredited institutions may be accepted when applicable and when applicable to CCU's degree plan. A grade of C or better is generally required. Contact Admissions to have your transcripts evaluated before applying.

Does CCU offer financial aid? CCU does not participate in federal financial aid programs. However, students may be eligible for VA Benefits, MyCAA (for qualifying military spouses), or employer tuition reimbursement. Reach out to CCU's Admissions team or your employer's HR department to explore your options.

Can I keep going after I finish my degree? Yes. CCU offers degree programs from the associate level all the way through doctoral programs. Many students complete one degree and then continue to the next level. Contact Admissions for information on how your completed credits apply to the next program.

Is CCU accredited? Yes. California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CCU has maintained its accreditation throughout its history since 1973.

What are CCU's 2026–2027 term dates? CCU's terms are 16 weeks in length, with new terms beginning approximately every three to four weeks to accommodate rolling enrollments. The 2026–2027 academic calendar is as follows:

Annual Holidays Observed: New Year's Day (01/01/2026) | Day After New Year's Day (01/02/2026) | Presidents' Day (02/16/2026) | Memorial Day (05/25/2026) | Independence Day (07/03/2026) | Labor Day (09/07/2026) | Thanksgiving Day (11/26/2026) | Day After Thanksgiving (11/27/2026) | Christmas Day (12/25/2026)

Note: VA students and students using tuition assistance programs must follow the term calendar for enrollment and progress milestones.

Apply to CCU Today

You do not need to wait for the right semester or the right moment. CCU's open enrollment means you can start moving toward your degree right now. A California online university with more than 50 years behind it, affordable tuition, interest-free payment plans, and a program for every level of your career is waiting for you.

Apply Now

Admissions: 1-888-228-8648 | Students: 1-714-547-9625

Note: VA students and students using tuition assistance programs should contact Admissions regarding term calendar requirements prior to enrolling.

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