Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California

colleges in san jose ca
Great Value Colleges - Top Online Degrees San Jose, CA

There has been an influx of the number of people searching for an online degree in San Jose, California. This is not surprising, as online education is quickly becoming the best way for students all over the country to earn a degree while continuing in their career or taking care of other obligations. This has meant an increase in demand for online degrees that can suit all professionals, regardless of their level of experience in the field.

Many schools have risen to the challenge to bring online programs to their students, but with so many schools doing so, it means that there is a lot of research that a student must do in order to find the program that is right for them. Not all online programs are the same, meaning that many working professionals are overwhelmed at the amount of work they have to do just to narrow down their choices for a degree. They could use a little help like this ranking, which lists the ten best schools for an online degree near San Jose, California.

Methodology

This is a points-based ranking, meaning that schools are listed in the order of the total amount of points they have accrued during the research process. This ranking began as a general search on the National Center for Education Statistics website’s College Navigator database. After all of the schools that fit the criteria for conferring online degrees in San Jose, California, were found, each school’s website was independently reviewed. Schools were awarded points based on the following factors, which have been deemed most important to students:

Types of online degree options available (associate, bachelor, master’s, doctorate): 1 point per degree level.

Cost per credit hour:
Under $250 – 4 points
$251 – $350 – 3 points
$351 – $450 – 2 points
Over $451 per credit hour – 1 point

Regional Accreditation:
Present – 1 point

Student to faculty ratio:
10:1 or less – 3 points
11:1 to 15:1 – 2 points
Greater than 15:1 – 1 point

The final 10 schools were chosen based on the total amount of points accrued during the review process. They can all be found within a 100-mile radius of San Jose, California.

10. The University of San Francisco

San Francisco, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
University of San Francisco offers online master’s degrees.

Website

There are a great number of online master’s programs that are available at the University of San Francisco that would be perfect for busy professionals. This school offers students the chance to complete a world-class education, taught by trained professors, all from the comfort of their own home. This school offers graduate degrees and certificates, most of which are held entirely online. Fields of study for this school include nursing, public health, and public administration. Students can choose to study entirely online or come to campus if they would like to engage with the community. The school has a values-based method when it comes to education; in keeping with that, there is a dedicated online staff to help students with any concerns. Online features for this school include 24/7 technical support, academic advising, an online career center, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $1,170
Student to Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 5

9. Santa Clara University

Santa Clara, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
Santa Clara University offers online graduate degrees.

Website

Santa Clara University confers an exceptional online degree in San Jose, California. This school offers an innovative approach to an online Master of Business Administration; an online Master of Science in Marketing is also being launched this year. Students will be able to take on either degree completely online with no residency requirements. The school understands how important it is to have as much support as possible when undertaking an online program, so a dedicated team has been created to ensure that all students have what they need in order to complete their program. Students will find that class sizes are small and that they can engage with renown professors, most of whom have been certified in online education. Other online features include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $1,108
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 5

8. St. Mary’s College of California

Moraga, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
St. Mary’s College of California offers an online MBA.

Website

There is a great group of online degrees available at St. Mary’s College of California. This school confers an exceptional online Master of Business Administration, which is nationally ranked by SoFi. Students at this school will find that this executive program is delivered in a hybrid format; regular attendance on campus will be required for half of the courses. Students will find that concentrations are also available for this degree, which also features scholarship and financial aid opportunities. This program was developed specifically for working professionals; small class sizes, advanced courses and an eye towards developing C-level executives are all commonplace here. Online features of this degree include 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, tutoring services, study abroad opportunities, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $1,035
Student to Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 5

7. California State University at East Bay

Hayward, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
California State University at East Bay offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as certificates and endorsements.

Website

California State University at East Bay is a great choice for students interested in completing an online degree near San Jose, California. This school has programs that range from undergraduate to graduate as well as certificates and endorsements. Students can learn anything from nursing to education and everything in between. Most of the undergraduate programs are bachelor’s completion programs, making it perfect for adult learners who haven’t yet completed their education. Courses are held asynchronously and synchronously, providing students with flexible options when it comes to their schedule. Online features for this school include academic and career advising, 24/7 technical support, online tutoring, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $987
Student to Faculty Ratio: 24:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 5

6. California State University at Monterey Bay

Marina, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
California State University at Monterey Bay offers online bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

Website

Students hoping to find online bachelor’s programs can find what they are looking for at California State University at Monterey Bay. This school offers students the chance to complete undergraduate and graduate degrees that were designed to be completed 100 percent online or as part of a low-residency program. Fields of study include instructional science and technology, computer science, and nursing. Completion programs, as well as international programs, are also available, even for online students. The school has a dedicated staff for its online portal, which will provide students with 24/7 technical support. Other online features include academic advising, an online career center, smartphone and tablet apps for the online portal, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $478
Student to Faculty Ratio: 26:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 5

5. Holy Names University

Oakland, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
Holy Names University offers an online bachelor’s degree in business.

Website

Holy Names University is a great institution for students who are interested in earning an online degree near San Jose, California. This school offers students a bachelor’s completion program in business, which is a set towards a Master of Business Administration. This program was designed with social responsibility and diversity in mind. Students can choose to complete this degree 100 percent online or as a hybrid program if they live close to campus. This is an accelerated program; courses are delivered in either seven-week or 15-week terms. This means that a student can complete the degree in less than two years if they choose to study full-time. The program is supported by an online staff as well as 24/7 technical support. Online features include academic advising, online office hours, an online bookshop, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s
Cost per credit hour: $1,003
Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 6

4. Stanford University

Stanford, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
Stanford University offers online graduate programs.

Website 

One of the best places to earn an online master’s degree is from Stanford University. This is a top-tier institution that is as well-known as Ivy League institutions, and the fact that it offers online degrees should be interesting to most students. Graduate students will find that there a variety of STEM programs and certificates available at this school. Fields of study include biomedical informatics, aeronautics, and biomedical engineering. Degrees can be found entirely online or in a hybrid delivery program. This school offers several features for its online offerings, including 24/7 technical support, academic and career advising, tutoring, office hours, smartphone and tablet apps, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $971
Student to Faculty Ratio: 4:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 6

3. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
Notre Dame de Namur University offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Notre Dame de Namur University was established in 1851, but since 1999 it has been offering students a place to earn an online degree near San Jose, California. This school has a variety of programs that are available to online students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Fields of study include business administration, public administration, and criminal justice. Concentrations and specializations are also available. The school chooses to utilize small class sizes for online students to ensure that they receive the individualized attention they deserve. Other online features include 24/7 technical support, academic advising, online tutoring, office hours, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $959
Student to Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 6

2. Samuel Merritt University

Oakland, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
Samuel Merritt University offers online master’s and doctorate programs.

Website

Great online programs exist at Samuel Merritt University for students who have the passion and dedication to see them through. This school has a stated focus on online nursing degrees; registered nurses can now apply for the Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner or the Doctor of Nursing Practice. These programs were built with working nurses in mind and offer small class size, professional instructors with years of experience in the field, and a dedicated online staff. Students will be able to take the majority of their coursework online while some students may be required to attend campus for intensives and workshops. Online features for this degree include academic and career advising, tutoring, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Master’s, Doctorate
Cost per credit hour: $1,353
Student to Faculty Ratio: 10:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 7

1. John F. Kennedy University

Pleasant Hill, California

Top 10 Colleges For An Online Degree Near San Jose, California
John F. Kennedy University offers online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs.

Website 

John F. Kennedy University provides students with the option to earn an online degree in San Jose, California, that was designed to meet their specific needs. This school utilizes FlexCourse, a unique platform that enables students to complete on-demand online courses for a flat fee of $8,500 a year. This means that a student can complete their degree on their own time and only have one tuition rate to pay, no matter how many or how few classes they take. Students can take on an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Fields of study include business administration, management, and psychology. Online features for this degree include a fully operational online portal with additional smartphone and tablet apps, 24/7 technical support, an online bookstore, and an online library.

Types of Degrees Available:
Bachelor’s, Master’s
Cost per credit hour: $500
Student to Faculty Ratio: 5:1
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
Total Points: 7

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for an Online Degree?

Online degrees can lead to just about any career path imaginable. That’s the great thing about online education: the possibilities are indeed endless. In fact, most students will find that they can start and complete their education online and have more opportunities than they ever dreamed possible.

The few exceptions to this rule include medical professions, such as a doctor or psychiatrist, and law professions. This is only because to earn a specialist degree, a student must complete an on-campus program. There is no way for students to get the hands-on training necessary in order to become licensed in these professions.

What is an Accelerated Online Program?

An accelerated online program is a program that generally takes about three-quarters or half of the time to complete as a traditional online program. Since online programs began as structured like on-campus programs, there was no way to complete the degree faster. Now some schools are offering the chance to online students to finish faster so they can continue with their careers.

Accelerated programs tend to have shorter term lengths. The traditional academic term length is about 16 weeks, which mirrors how long elementary and secondary school children spend in session. Accelerated terms can last anywhere between four to 12 weeks. Most programs work on an eight-week session length, making it possible for students to complete twice the amount of coursework within the traditional 16-week term length.

Online accelerated programs also tend to work in a cohort, full-time manner. This means that students progress through the material as full-time students and with the same group of students that they began the program with. This can be quite difficult for some working professionals to handle as the course load can be quite difficult, especially at the graduate and doctorate levels.

Some accelerated programs utilize summer and J-term sessions. These sessions are generally about one to two weeks in length and are considered to be intensive, as an entire course must be taught within this time period. Students who take these sessions on may be able to complete their degree in a third of the time as it would take them on-campus.

Do Online Students Have to Follow a Schedule?

This depends on the context of the question. Generally speaking, online students create their own schedule as it applies to their coursework. Since most online courses are taught asynchronously, students will be tasked with creating a schedule that works for them and that can help them complete all of the coursework necessary.

However, some schools impose a bit of a schedule in terms of method delivery or curriculum structure. In the case of method delivery, some schools utilize a cohort model, which just means that a student progresses through the curriculum with the same set of classmates. Because the cohort model means everyone takes the same courses, a schedule is set for students.

Another way students may have to follow a schedule is through a sequential degree. This is a term that refers to the fact that courses must be taken in sequential format, eliminating the need for students to have to think about what courses they need to take next. It also means that students will not be able to move forward until they have successfully completed the coursework they need to do.

Is it Possible to Earn a Qualification Through an Online Program?

Yes, it is possible to earn a qualification through an online program. In fact, many schools thrive on the fact that they can offer certifications or pathways to licensure or endorsement. It is one of the driving forces that make professional degrees so important to prospective students.

Qualifications are generally earned through schools that have both regional and professional accreditation. This means that students will have to research which online programs will help them meet their career goals. There are several across the country that can help with this, so it will not be difficult for a student to find one that fits their needs.

One thing to keep in mind about qualifications is that not all schools will provide a pathway for out-of-state students. This is because qualifications tend to be done on a state-by-state basis and therefore an out-of-state student may not be eligible to earn certification or licensure in their state with a degree earned in another state. This is why it is very important for students to research which programs are open to them; most schools will have restrictions on who can enter their program that is listed on the website.

Is Professional Accreditation Important in an Online Degree?

It depends on whether professional accreditation is necessary for a qualification or if a student would rather enter a program that is professionally accredited.

Most programs that are professionally accredited lead to a qualification of some kind in that field. This will be important for students who want to earn that qualification or if it is a precursor to working in the field; two examples would be nursing and teaching.

Another thing to keep in mind is that not all students will need a professionally accredited degree. However, if one has a choice between a professionally accredited degree and one that’s not, it is best to take the accredited degree. Not only will the education be on par with the industry, but the student will also stand a better chance of finding work once they have graduated.

Working professionals and adult learners have enough on their minds without having to worry about sifting through dozens of schools to find the right online program for them. This ranking of the top ten schools should help make the decision process a little easier, especially if students want to make a decision soon. Once students have finished the research process with this ranking in hand, they can go on to follow their dream and earn an online degree in San Jose, California.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 10 Colleges for an Online Degree Near San Jose, California.

Related Rankings

Sources: