Affordable Online Degrees for California Residents
Earn your degree and keep costs manageable.
ACE vs. Online Colleges in California
to $1 ROI
For every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
Many students begin their search for online degrees in California by exploring well-known universities across the state. California is home to highly respected public and private institutions, but traditional program structures don’t always align with the needs of working adults balancing careers, family and education.
American College of Education (ACE) offers a different path. As a fully online college, ACE focuses on flexibility, transparent tuition and career-relevant learning. Programs are designed to help you move forward professionally without stepping away from your current responsibilities.
Our high student satisfaction¹ reflects an experience built around real outcomes. For those exploring affordable online degrees in California, ACE provides an alternative to more traditional options.
Why Choose ACE?
ACE is designed to support you from your first course through graduation. Whether you are advancing in your current role or preparing for a new opportunity, our programs are built to fit into your life, not disrupt it.
How ACE Compares
Students researching online education degrees in California often consider institutions such as the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), California State University – Fullerton (CSUF), San Diego State University and the University of Southern California. These schools offer respected academic programs, including education pathways rooted in traditional university models.
Unlike these institutions, ACE was built specifically for online learning. This allows us to prioritize flexibility, affordability and practical outcomes in ways that many traditional institutions cannot.
| ACE | UCLA | CSUF | San Diego State University | University of Southern California | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Course Delivery | Fully online courses2 | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options | Select online options |
| Built for working adults | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Start dates per year | 11 starts | 2-4 starts | 2-3 starts | 2-6 starts | 2-4 starts |
| Cost (online master’s) | Most under $10,0003 (total program cost) | $14,4764 (average annual in-state cost) | $8,9944 (average annual in-state cost) | $10,2524 (average annual in-state cost) | $71,5154 (average annual in-state cost) |
| GRE requirement | Never | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes | Sometimes |
Published tuition and fee figures for comparison institutions reflect annual costs rather than total program cost. As master’s programs commonly span multiple academic years, total costs at comparison institutions may exceed the annual amounts shown.
Our Commitment to Affordable Tuition
For many students considering online degrees in California, cost plays a major role in choosing the right program. ACE keeps tuition straightforward and predictable so you can plan your education with confidence.
This approach leads to meaningful financial outcomes. Here, you can earn a high-quality education at a price that works for you. In fact, 87% of ACE students graduate without student loan debt.5
Our Unique Academic Experience
ACE programs are developed by experienced educators and reviewed regularly to reflect current professional expectations. Coursework emphasizes practical application, helping you connect what you learn directly to your career.
Faculty bring real-world experience into each course, creating a learning environment that supports both immediate skill development and long-term growth.
Your experience also includes:
- Consistent course structure: Each course follows a clear, repeated format so you always know what to expect
- Flexible learning: Most coursework can be completed on your schedule without required live sessions
- Student support resources: Access a digital library, writing assistance and free monthly tutoring
How ACE Supports Aspiring California Teachers
Many individuals pursuing online teaching degrees in California look for ways to grow their impact in the classroom or transition into the field of education. Earning an advanced degree is often an important step in reaching those goals.
ACE offers programs designed to build foundational teaching knowledge, instructional strategies and confidence needed for today’s classrooms. Coursework focuses on practical skills that align with real-world teaching environments while remaining accessible to working adults.
Through ACE, you can complete an initial licensure certificate or master’s degree and then take steps toward earning a teaching certificate in California, but you’ll want to ensure you’re aware of any additional requirements.
Programs That Advance Careers
We’re accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and have the online programs you need to advance your career.
Education
Prepare for teaching, instructional leadership or administrative roles through research-based strategies and applied learning.
Business
Build practical business knowledge that helps organizations adapt and grow in changing environments.
Healthcare
Develop leadership and administrative skills to support effective healthcare systems.
Nursing
Expand your role in nursing through programs focused on leadership, education and improved patient outcomes.
FAQs
Is ACE authorized to offer programs to students in California?
Yes! ACE is registered with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education as an out-of-state institution. Read about this agreement to learn more about how ACE supports out-of-state enrollments.
What do ACE programs offer that online California colleges might not?
ACE programs are known for their affordability, flexibility and quality. Courses are taught by experienced faculty and designed to build skills that apply directly in professional settings. Plus, with every $1 ACE students invest in their education, they receive $19.20 in higher future earnings.6
How can an ACE degree help me get an California teaching certificate?
ACE’s initial licensure programs provide foundational teaching knowledge, instructional strategies, assessment tools and educational technologies that support classroom success.
2Some programs also have local practicum, internship or student teaching requirements.
3This is an estimated value of the cost for tuition and fees. Amounts may vary depending on number of transfer credits applied to the selected program hours, the pace and satisfactory completion of the selected program, receipt of institutional scholarship and/or grant amounts, or adjustments to tuition or fees as described in the Catalog Right to Modify Tuition section. State sales and use tax will apply where required by law.
4CollegeTuitionCompare: University of California – Los Angeles, California State University – Fullerton, San Diego State University, University of Southern California. Accessed Apr. 13, 2026.
5Internal research completed in November 2025