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Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California

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2023 Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California

31 Schools Ranked
$6,822 Avg Tuition & Fees*
$12,126 Avg Student Debt

There are lots of options to pick from today when trying to decide which program is right for you. You're no longer limited to schools in your local area, either, since online programs are becoming more prevalent. Also, there are a number of trade schools and bootcamps with offerings that you might find attractive.

To help you arm yourself with the information you need to make your decision, Course Advisor has developed this Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California ranking. Our analysis looked at 31 schools in California to see which online undergraduate certificate programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from schools with online programs.

Learn more about these popular schools with online programs:

#1

Santa Monica College

Santa Monica, California
3,683 Total Awards
$1,146 Average Tuition & Fees

Our analysis found Santa Monica College to be the most popular school for students who want to pursue a undergraduate certificate in California. SMC is a large public school situated in Santa Monica, California. It awarded 3,683 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SMC is $1,146. Out-of-state students pay an average of $9,090. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Around 45% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Full Santa Monica College Report

#2

Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

San Mateo, California
941 Total Awards
$14,497 Avg Student Debt

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts helped the school earn the #2 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in California. San Mateo, California is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out undergraduate certificates to 941 students in 2020-2021.

On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $14,497 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 86% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 24% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts

#3

Merced College

Merced, California
1,041 Total Awards
$1,180 Average Tuition & Fees
$9,067 Avg Student Debt

The excellent undergraduate certificate programs at Merced College helped the school earn the #3 place on this year’s ranking of the most popular schools in California. Merced, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out undergraduate certificates to 1,041 students in 2020-2021.

Students from California who attend Merced Community College District full time pay an average of $1,180 in tuition and fees. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $7,444. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Merced Community College District accumulate an average of $9,067 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 97% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Merced College

#4

Rio Hondo College

Whittier, California
948 Total Awards
$1,360 Average Tuition & Fees

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Rio Hondo College. It ranked #4 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list. Located in Whittier, California, the fairly large public school handed out 948 undergraduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at RHCCD is $1,360. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,780. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 30% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Rio Hondo College

#5

Los Angeles Harbor College

Wilmington, California
798 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,310 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Los Angeles Harbor College. It ranked #5 on our 2023 Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list. LAHC is located in Wilmington, California and has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 798 undergraduate certificates to qualified students.

Students from California who attend LAHC full time pay an average of $1,238 in tuition and fees. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,012. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from LAHC accumulate an average of $11,310 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 66% were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 57% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#6

San Bernardino Valley College

San Bernardino, California
358 Total Awards
$1,362 Average Tuition & Fees
$19,593 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #6, San Bernardino Valley College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in San Bernardino, California, the medium-sized public school handed out 358 undergraduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,362 in tuition and fees if they attend San Bernardino Valley College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $9,146. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from San Bernardino Valley College accumulate an average of $19,593 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 31% of those degree recipients were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 95% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on San Bernardino Valley College

#7

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

Visalia, California
529 Total Awards
$11,731 Avg Student Debt

San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia ranked #7 on this year’s Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list. Located in Visalia, California, the small private for-profit school handed out 529 undergraduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $11,731 in student loans. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 68% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on San Joaquin Valley College-Visalia

#8

Carrington College, Sacramento

Sacramento, California
579 Total Awards
$15,538 Avg Student Debt

Carrington College, Sacramento did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #8 on the list. This small private for-profit school is located in Sacramento, California, and it awarded 579 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $15,538 in student loans. Around 92% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 74% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#9

Alliant International University

San Diego, California
44 Total Awards
$16,631 Average Tuition & Fees

Alliant International University landed the #9 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate programs. Located in San Diego, California, the small private for-profit school awarded 44 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

If you don’t receive financial aid, you can expect a bill for $16,631 to cover tuition and fees at Alliant. The school does not offer an in-state discount. Around 57% of those degree recipients were women.

In 2019-2020 about 52% of the undergraduate students at the school chose to take one or more online courses.

Full Alliant International University Report

#10

Tri-Community Adult Education

Covina, California
160 Total Awards

Tri-Community Adult Education did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #10 on the list. This very small public school is located in Covina, California, and it awarded 160 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 25% of those degree recipients were women.

Read More…

#11

National University

La Jolla, California
16 Total Awards

National University came in at #11 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California ranking. This fairly large private not-for-profit school is located in La Jolla, California, and it awarded 16 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Around 63% of those degree recipients were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 39% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full National University Report

#11

National Career College

Panorama City, California
137 Total Awards
$8,323 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #11, National Career College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their undergraduate certificate. This very small private for-profit school is located in Panorama City, California, and it awarded 137 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their undergraduate certificate, students from this school have racked up an average of $8,323 in student loans. Around 91% of those degree recipients were women.

Interested in an online degree? Then you definitely want to check out National Career College. Every undergraduate student at the school took at least one class online.

Read full report on National Career College

#13

International Sports Sciences Association

Carpinteria, California
14 Total Awards
$10,107 Average Tuition & Fees

International Sports Sciences Association ranked #13 on this year’s Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list. International Sports Sciences Association is a very small private for-profit school located in Carpinteria, California that handed out 14 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

If you want to attend ISSA, expect to pay an average of $10,107 in tuition and fees. Of course, this could be reduced if you receive financial aid. Around 29% of those degree recipients were women.

Since ISSA is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#14

Los Angeles Mission College

Sylmar, California
584 Total Awards
$1,238 Average Tuition & Fees
$11,154 Avg Student Debt

Los Angeles Mission College came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California ranking. Los Angeles Mission College is a medium-sized public school situated in Sylmar, California. It awarded 584 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Los Angeles Mission College is $1,238. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $9,012. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Los Angeles Mission College accumulate an average of $11,154 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 72% were women.

To give an idea of how popular online courses are at the school, 52% of undergraduates took at least one course online in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Los Angeles Mission College

#15

College of San Mateo

San Mateo, California
40 Total Awards
$1,440 Average Tuition & Fees

College of San Mateo ranked #15 on this year’s Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list. College of San Mateo is a medium-sized public school located in San Mateo, California that handed out 40 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,440 in tuition and fees if they attend CSM full time. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $10,114. Around 60% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on College of San Mateo

#15

Fremont College

Cerritos, California
12 Total Awards

Fremont College came in at #15 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California ranking. Cerritos, California is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private for-profit school handed out undergraduate certificates to 12 students in 2020-2021.

Around 75% of those degree recipients were women.

Since Fremont College is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#17

University of Antelope Valley

Lancaster, California
87 Total Awards
$12,954 Avg Student Debt

University of Antelope Valley came in at #17 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California ranking. This very small private for-profit school is located in Lancaster, California, and it awarded 87 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

On average, undergraduate certificate students take out $12,954 in loans while pursuing their degree. Around 77% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 7% took at least some of their classes online.

Full University of Antelope Valley Report

#18

Diablo Valley College

Pleasant Hill, California
605 Total Awards
$1,312 Average Tuition & Fees
$8,489 Avg Student Debt

Diablo Valley College ranked #18 on this year’s Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list. Diablo Valley is a public institution located in Pleasant Hill, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 605 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Full-time students from California pay an average of $1,312 in tuition and fees if they choose to attend Diablo Valley. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,328. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Diablo Valley accumulate an average of $8,489 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Around 42% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read full report on Diablo Valley College

#19

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, California
1,306 Total Awards
$1,232 Average Tuition & Fees
$14,383 Avg Student Debt

Santa Barbara City College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #19 on the list. SBCC is a public institution located in Santa Barbara, California. The school has a fairly large population, and it awarded 1,306 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at SBCC is $1,232. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,912. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from SBCC accumulate an average of $14,383 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 64% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 59% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Read full report on Santa Barbara City College

2 Total Awards
$37,700 Average Tuition & Fees

Vanguard University of Southern California landed the #20 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular undergraduate certificate programs. Vanguard University of Southern California is a small private not-for-profit school located in Costa Mesa, California that handed out 2 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Vanguard does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $37,700. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Around 100% of those degree recipients were women.

Vanguard is primarily an online school, so it is a great choice for returning adults and students who work full time.

Read More…

#20

Abraham Lincoln University

Los Angeles, California
2 Total Awards
$6,440 Average Tuition & Fees

Abraham Lincoln University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #20 on the list. Located in Los Angeles, California, the very small private for-profit school handed out 2 undergraduate certificate awards in 2020-2021.

The average tuition and fees at Abraham Lincoln University is $6,440. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 50% were women.

Since Abraham Lincoln University is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read full report on Abraham Lincoln University

#22

Musicians Institute

Hollywood, California
54 Total Awards
$25,325 Average Tuition & Fees

Musicians Institute ranked #22 on this year’s Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list. Musicians Institute is a private for-profit institution located in Hollywood, California. The school has a very small population, and it awarded 54 undergraduate certificates in 2020-2021.

Musicians Institute does not offer a discount to in-state students, so the average tuition and fees for all undergraduates is $25,325. This amount may be reduced if you receive financial aid. Of those students who received their degree, 17% were women.

Around 10% of the undergraduate population registered for at least one online class in 2019-2020.

Read More…

#23

Solano Community College

Fairfield, California
62 Total Awards
$1,163 Average Tuition & Fees

Solano Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students to get an undergraduate certificate. It came in at #23 on the list. Fairfield, California is the setting for this medium-sized institution of higher learning. The public school handed out undergraduate certificates to 62 students in 2020-2021.

The average in-state tuition and fees for students at Solano College is $1,163. Those students who come from outside the state pay an average of $7,039. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Of all the undergraduates enrolled at the school during the 2019-2020 academic year, around 94% took at least some of their classes online.

Read More…

#23

United States University

San Diego, California
$5,700 Average Tuition & Fees

United States University ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in California list.

The average tuition and fees at USU is $5,700. In-state students do not receive a discount, however you may be able to reduce your price if you receive financial aid.

Since USU is primarily an online school, it is an excellent choice for undergraduate students who need more flexibility than what is offered at some other schools.

Read More…

#23

Hartnell College

Salinas, California
893 Total Awards
$1,400 Average Tuition & Fees
$6,077 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #23, Hartnell College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working on their undergraduate certificate. Located in Salinas, California, the medium-sized public school awarded 893 diplomas to qualifed undergraduate certificate students in 2020-2021.

In-state students pay an average of $1,400 in tuition and fees if they attend Hartnell College full time. If you are from out of state, expect to pay an average of $8,960. Undergraduate Certificate recipients from Hartnell College accumulate an average of $6,077 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 71% were women.

During the 2019-2020 year, about 32% of the undergraduates at the school took at least one online course.

Full Hartnell College Report

Most Popular Online Undergraduate Certificate Schools in the Far Western US Region

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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