According to a March report by California Forecast, employment in professional business services grew by as much as 30,000 in the state over the past two years, adding even more emphasis on the need for best value MBA degrees in California. Those with a business background who obtain education above the undergraduate level achieve higher career levels than those who do not further their education.
Students who earn a Master in Business Education, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, can expect to earn salaries approaching $100,000 or more. In addition, the Graduate Management Admissions Council (GMAC) found, in 2012, that 22 percent of companies plan on increasing the number of MBA degree holders in their companies, and that job seekers with the most education face the best prospects in securing employment. Two-thirds of those surveyed planned to provide internships to those seeking MBA degrees as well, providing additional skills and training that make a job candidate more qualified for the position.These best value MBA schools were selected for this list because they are accredited schools with affordable tuition.
Alliant International University
Alliant International University is a private, not-for-profit university whose focus is preparing students for professional careers. Alliant is committed to building student knowledge through discover and application in order to help them succeed in diverse communities on a global scale.
School of Management
The School of Management at Alliant concentrates on professional practice with a goal to educate student who will accomplish great things when they enter the community. Located in San Diego, the college is surrounded by one of the most international cities in the world, providing educational experiences for students not found in other academia. The school is committed to excellence and providing students with the tools they need to succeed.
The San Diego MBA (Master of Business Administration
The MBA program at Alliant provides advanced business, analytical and management skills to students through extensive practice in multicultural contexts. It is designed to offer flexibility to students and follows a cohort model, as students take core curriculum ourses at the beginning of the program. Concentration tracks are taken during the later portion of study. Students may choose from the following concentrations:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Health Care Management
- Information and Technology Management
- International Marketing
- NGO Management
- Pharmaceutical Industry Management
Students who enter the MBA program who do not have an undergraduate degree in business must take four additional foundation courses before starting the MBA curriculum.
Contact
Alliant International University
San Diego Campus
10455 Pomerado Road
San Diego, CA 92131
Telephone: 858-635-4772
Email: admissions@alliant.edu
Website
Tuition: $15,816
California State Polytechnic University – Pomona
California State Polytechnic University, known as Cal Poly Pomona, is recognized as a national leader in polytechnic education. The school focuses on hands-on learning as part of the broad-based educational experience. Graduates develop an understanding of theory, critical thinking and application of knowledge in a real-world setting. Cal Poly Pomona addresses the needs of a diverse and ever-changing culture.
Graduate Business Programs
Cal Poly Pomona provides students with the skills and knowledge to advance their business careers through two business master’s programs. Students may choose either the Master of Science in Business Administration (MSBA) or the Master of Business Administration (MBA). The Masters in Business Administration is designed for working professionals with classes that meet from 6 PM until 10 PM one night per week on campus. The Master of Science in Business Administration with a Systems Auditing option is designed for business decision makers, IT specialists and managers.
Contact
Cal Poly Pomona
College of Business Administration
3801 West Temple Avenue
Pomona, CA 91768
Telephone: 909-869-2400
Email: cba@csupomona.edu
Website
Tuition: $17,510 Out-of-State; $6,350 In-State
California State University – Bakersfield
California State University in Bakersfield sits on 375 acres in the San Joaquin Valley, and continues to grow. Its established excellence in academia, diversity and service created students who not only succeeded in their chosen careers, but focused on serving their communities. There are more than 9,000 students enrolled at the Bakersfield and Antelope Valley campuses, which offer undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate and credential programs. In addition, CSUB Extended University offers additional professional development, certificate and degree programs in order to serve the needs of the community. CSUB is an incredible value, with all the benefits of a private university at a public school cost.
School of Business and Public Administration
CSUB’s School of Business and Public Administration offers a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs of Bakersfield, Kern County and future leaders in business in the Antelope Valley area. Graduates are well-prepared to face the multiple challenges in the business world through skills learned in communication, critical thinking, research and analysis.
Master in Business Administration Program
The Master in Business Administration at CSUB provides students with advanced business knowledge that is current, while updating the continuous learning of the students enrolled. Through identification of learning materials, interaction with faculty and peers, as well as the current business climate, students build a more in-depth knowledge of the business world today. CSUB MBA students consistently score in the top ten percent on national assessments. The program is flexible so that students are professionals working full-time can achieve their education goals through evening and weekend classes.
Contact
California State University, Bakersfield
99001 Stockdale Highway
Bakersfield, CA 93311-1022
Telephone: 661-654-CSUB (2782)
Email: excellence@csub.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,935; In-State: $6,775
California State University – Chico
California State University began as the Northern Branch of the State Normal School, dedicated to the education of teachers. Over the years, Chico State as it is known grew until, today, it offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and options on 119 acres in downtown Chico. The college also owns a 1,050-acre farm about one mile from the main campus. It also manages the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve and the 300-acre Butte Creek Ecological Reserve. The school received the highest score possible on the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scoreboard, and it has been ranked in the top ten regional public universities according to the U.S. News and World Report since 1998. In 2014, Chico State was recognized by the Princeton Review on their “Green Honor Roll.”
Office of Graduate Studies
Chico State offers quality graduate studies that provide opportunities for students at all stages of their careers to succeed in their next phase of education. The college offers cutting edge technology, sophisticated facilities, outstanding curriculum and personalized attention.
Business Graduate Program
The College of Business at Chico State offers business graduate programs designed for aspiring and working business professionals. Students are able to advance their career or make a career change, and some graduates have successfully started their own business. Students may choose to specialize in:
- Project Management
- Management Information Systems
The program has an outstanding reputation and is one of just 15 percent of all business schools to meet the rigorous standards for AACSB accreditation.
Contact
College of Business
California State University, Chico
Business Graduate Program
Glenn Hall, Room 321
Telephone: 530-898-4480
Email: mba@csuchico.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $18132; In-State: $6,972
California State University – Dominquez Hills
California State University at Dominquez Hills is centrally located in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, surrounded by a diverse, welcoming community. CSU Dominquez Hills offers rigorous academic programs, dedicated faculty and a beautiful campus with many amenities. It is committed to providing affordable, high-quality education to all students, providing them with the knowledge and skills necessary to help them succeed.
College of Business Administration and Public Policy
The College of Business Administration and Public Policy was established in 1973 and is a productive environment offering outstanding academics. It has the second largest enrollment of any professional school at CSU Dominquez Hills, with more than 20 percent of the university’s degree recipients earning them from the College of Business Administration and Public Policy.
Master of Business Administration
The Master of Business Administration program at CSU Dominquez Hills is designed to be flexible in order to meet the needs of working professionals. The program emphasizes the multiple skills necessary to succeed in today’s business environment. Students may obtain their MBA on-campus or online. The program can be completed in as little as 18 months at a very affordable price. The program focuses on teamwork, communication and critical thinking skills to create graduates who are knowledgeable about the current business climate.
Contact
California State University Dominquez Hills
1000 Eat Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
Telephone: 310-243-3696
Email: maguilera@csudh.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,260; In-State: $6,100
California State University – East Bay
California State University, East Bay offers students an award-winning education through expert instruction on two scenic campuses. Hayward Hills overlooks the San Francisco Bay while Concord sits in the foothills of Mount Diablo. The college also offers a professional center in downtown Oakland. The university offers 50 undergraduate and 35 graduate degrees, as well as a doctorate in Educational Leadership. The Princeton Review has named Cal State East Bay as one of the Best in the West, and U.S. News and World Report recognized the school as a top-tier institution among those granting master’s degrees.
College of Business and Economics
The College of Business and Economics at Cal State East Bay prepares students to make ethical choices and succeed in the ever-changing business world. The program focuses on the competitive global economy, state-of-the-art technologies, as well as stakeholders with diverse interests and cultures. The college is known for outstanding academic programs and creating graduates who are innovative and effective problem-solvers.
MBA with Options
Cal State East Bay offers an MBA program as an evening course of study designed for working professionals. Students develop general managerial competencies while gaining knowledge in one of the following options:
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- General (No Option
- Human Resources and Organizational Behavior
- Information Technology Management
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
- Strategy and International Business
Students are able to personalize their program to meet their own career objectives, and may complete the program at their own pace. Many students take two or three courses per quarter on the Hayward Hills Campus.
College of Business and Economics
California State University, East Bay
Graduate Advising
25800 Carlos Bee Boulevard
VBT 430
Hayward, CA 94542
Telephone: 510-885-3323
Email: cbe_grad@csueastbay.edu
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,710; In-State: $6,550
California State University – Fullerton
California State University at Fullerton is a regional university located in a vital, flourishing area. The college sits on a 236-acre campus in Fullerton, located in north Orange County, and only about 25 miles from Los Angeles and only about 21 miles from area beaches. There are more than 37,000 students enrolled at Cal State Fullerton which offers 107 degree programs. The college is a comprehensive university that has granted degrees to more than 215,000 graduates, many of whom are now leaders in their area of expertise.
Mihaylo College of Business
In 2008, Steven G. Mihaylo, a telecom entrepreneur and graduate of the Cal State Fullerton Class of 1969, gifted $30 million to the College of Business and Economics, the largest ever at the university, and the fourth largest in the California State University system. In his honor, the university named the business college after him. Mihaylo offers students an exceptional business education that combine traditional classroom education with research and hands-on experience.
MBA Programs
Cal State Fullerton offers three different MBA platforms on two campuses in order to meet the needs of full-time students, working professionals and those who need a more flexible schedule. The Full-Time MBA program allows students to develop knowledge in technical and business skills necessary to succeed in the business world. Students attend four classes in the fall, spring and summer, as well as the following fall, students can earn their MBA in less than two years. The Flexible MBA allows students to attend either full or part-time, providing more flexibility to working students. A highlight of the program is the strategy capstone class that has students working in teams to complete a consulting project with a local business. The third option is the Fully-Employed MBA offered at the Irvine campus. The program is designed for those working full-time and provides a set schedule throughout the program to make planning easier and more flexible.
Contact
California State University, Fullerton
PO Box 34080
Fullerton, CA 92834-9480
Telephone: 657-278-2011
Email: mcbe@fullerton.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,346 In-State: $6,186
California State University – Los Angeles
California State University in Los Angeles has been recognized as one of the top 20 comprehensive universities in the country based on their reputation for community service and rigorous academics. The faculty is dedicated to developing students who learn knowledge and skills that help them succeed. Cal State LA is known for its innovation, economic development and their commitment to diversity that makes them stand out in the business education world.
Office of Graduate Studies
The Office of Graduate Studies provides leadership and service to students in the graduate program. Students gain an understanding of research, scholarship and creativity, allowing them to take advantage of resources that will help them succeed in the business world.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The Master of Business Administration at Cal State LA is a broad, management-oriented degree that allows students to earn degrees in two tracks – the Main and Executive track. The Main Track is an integrated program of study with required courses and selected concentration electives. The Executive Track is an unspecified, and often interdisciplinary, elective courses tailored for the specific needs of students in the track.
Contact
University of California, Los Angeles
Department of Business
DEPARTMENT OFFICE
Simpson Tower F717
5151 State University Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Phone: (323) 343-2890
E-mail: ayoung3@calstatela.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,504; In-State: $6,344
California State University – Northridge
California State University in Northridge has enrollment of more than 38,000 students on their 356-acred campus in the heart of the San Fernando Valley. The college is surrounded by a diverse, vibrant community, and Cal State Northridge is not only committed to the professional goals of students, but also service to the surrounding community. The college was founded in 1958 and serves as an intellectual, economic and cultural heart of the Valley. Graduates include nationally recognized educators, Grammy award winners, a space shuttle astronaut and many more influential professionals.
David Nazarian College of Business
The David Nazarian College of Business was named in honor of David Nazarian whose $10 million gift to his alma mater, and a campaign to raise another $15 million was used to fund the business school. The school is one of the largest business schools in the country. The college offers a variety of academic programs, both undergraduate and graduate, that prepare students to be leaders in both business and government in a global economy.
Evening MBA Program
The Master of Business Administration (MBA) program offers working professionals the flexibility to continue their education with evening classes. Classes blend lecture, analysis, class discussion and group activities with a focus on experiential learning. The program consists of eight core classes and three electives. The core classes include:
- Analysis of Contemporary Organizations
- Seminar in Economic Topics
- Seminar in Financial Theory and Policy
- Behavior in Organizations
- Marketing Management Computer-based Management Information Systems
- Seminar in Strategic Management
Students who do not have an undergraduate degree in business may be required to take up to 15-unites of foundation courses, but are not required for admission to the program.
Contact
Graduate Programs in Business
California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91330
Telephone: 818-677-1200
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,685; In-State: $6,525
California State University – San Marcos
California State University in San Marcos was founded in 1989 as a new type of university, and was the 20th to be added to the CSU system. More than 10,000 students attend the 304-acre campus, located in the foothills of San Marcos, and the faculty is dedicated to teaching students using hands-on experience, state-of-the-art labs and coursework designed with a global perspective.
College of Business Administration
The College of Business Administration at Cal State San Marcos is recognized as a business education leader in San Diego County. Educational programs are a blend of theory and personal attention using real-world applications. Graduates of the program learn the skills and knowledge to make a significant difference intellectually, economically and socially.
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
The College of Business Administration at Cal State San Marcos offers both a Fully Employed MBA and a Specialized Accelerated MBA. The Fully Employed MBA is designed for professionals who have employment obligations and have at least three years of work experience. The program is flexible to allow for work, school and personal obligations. The Specialized Accelerated MBA program is designed for recent graduates with both business and non-business undergraduate degrees who are interested in an advanced business education. The program can be completed in between 12 and 15 months and starts each summer.
Contact
California State University San Marcos
333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd.
San Marcos, CA 92096-0001
Telephone: 760-750-4000
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,809; In-State: $6,649
California State University – Channel Islands
The newest campus in the California State University system, California State University, Channel Islands was founded in 2002, and is located only minutes from the Pacific Ocean. The college offers panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains, but it is the student-centered curriculum that makes the campus stand out. CI offers strong academic programs where students benefit from individual attention as well as partnerships with community leaders. The campus is a planned and preserved campus with buildings organized around a central mall, formal quads and quiet courtyards.
Master of Business Administration
CSU Channel Islands offers a Master of Business Administration that places students at the center. The program focuses on the needs of the students, and faculty is available to everyone in the program outside of the classroom. The MBA program is flexible so students are able to choose schedules that work with their work, social and family obligations. The degree can be earned in as little as 18 months.
Contact
Brianne Keighley
Admission, Records & Advising Specialists
California State University, Channel Islands
One University Drive
Camarillo, CA 93012
Email: brianne.keighley@csuci.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,631; In-State: $6,471
California State University – San Bernadino
California State University in San Bernadino opened in 1965 and sits at the foothills of the San Bernadino Mountains. The college boasts a value-added education that ranks in the top four percent in the nation. In addition, first-to-second year retention rates are the third highest throughout the CSU system. CSU San Bernadino offers a dynamic, diverse student population with more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. All programs are nationally accredited.
College of Business and Public Administration
The College of Business and Public Administration at Cal State San Bernadino focuses on a student-centered learning experience designed to prepare students to achieve their professional goals in business, government and global society. Students learn in a mix of applied research, practice and learning through community service, partnerships and initiatives.
MBA Program
The MBA Program at Cal State San Bernadino has achieved national and global recognition as an elite business graduate school. The university offers a flexible program with evening classes, and it has been recognized as one of the most affordable MBA programs in the area. The program is accredited by the AACSB, and students are provided career services and workshops to help them achieve their career goals and develop the skills necessary to accept leadership responsibilities.
Contact
Deborah Grijalva
MBA Program Coordinator
California State University, San Bernadino
5500 University Parkway
San Bernadino, CA 92407-2318
Telephone: 909-537-5703
Email: grijalva@csusb.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,710; In-State: $6,550
California State University – Fresno – Craig School of Business
The Craig School of Business at the California State University in Fresno was established in 1928 as the Department of Commerce. Today, it is ranked as one of the best business schools in California, offering students many networking and educational opportunities. Programs are cost-effective and is the first CSU business school to receive a $10 million naming endowment pledge, which was a gift from Sid and Jenny Craig. Mr. Craig, an alumni of the business school, was a successful entrepreneur.
MBA Program
The MBA Program at the Craig School of Business is one of a select group of accredited international graduate programs with some of the highest rankings available. The program is rated as one of the best business programs by the Princeton Review and is consistently the first choice for MBA students in the Central California area as well as from around the world. The program is designed for students who currently hold a business degree who want to expand their education and for non-business majors who want the added prestige of an upper-level business degree.
Contact
Craig School of Business
5245 North Backer Avenue
M/S PB07
Fresno, CA 93740
Telephone: 559-278-2107
Email: tombu@csufresno.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,447; In-State: $6,287
California State University – Long Beach
California State University in Long Beach is a globally-engaged public university providing exceptional education to both undergraduate and graduate schools. The programs use teaching, research, activities and service to help students achieve their professional goals. The school focuses on changing lives by expanding educational opportunities for students as they gain an appreciation for artistic expression, developing ideas and providing solutions to problems.
Master of Business Administration
Cal State Long Beach is one of only a select few business schools in the world to have gained AACSB accreditation and to have been recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the best business schools. The program is one of the few California member schools to belong to the prestigious Graduate Management council. Long Beach is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and MBA students attending Cal State Long Beach are provided unique experiences that include interaction with local businesses and a faculty that brings industry experience into the classroom. Students may choose from the Evening MBA, Saturday MBA or Daytime Accelerated MBA in order to meet the needs of family, work and social obligations.
Contact
College of Business Administration
California State University, Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Boulevard
MS-8501
Long Beach, CA 90840-8306
Telephone: 562-985-5306
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: 17,400; In-State: $6,240
California State University – Sacramento
California State University in Sacramento was founded in 1947 and is a public, comprehensive university. It enrolls approximately 28,000 students and offers extensions in Singapore. This allows the school to offer a unique International Master’s in Business Administration. The college has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence by the Department of Homeland Security. The campus sits on over 3,500 acres and over 1,200 of the acreage consists of the University of Arboretum, which was formerly the Goethe Arboretum.
College of Business Administration
The College of Business Administration at Sacramento State has been in existence for more than 50 years. The school focuses on cultivating excellence among students and to develop leaders with top management skills and a broad understanding of their business and community responsibilities. Approximately 24,000 graduates remain in the Sacramento region.
Masters of Business Administration
For students desiring a management education that is broad and extensive, the Master of Business Administration at Sacramento State provides exactly the education they need. The program allows students to select a field of specialization and is designed to facilitate professional growth. Students develop competencies in leading, planning and applying the knowledge learned through real-world experiences and classroom learning necessary in positions of leadership.
Contact
Thomas A. Matlock, CGMP
Assistant to the VP and Dean
College of Business Administration
California State University, Sacramento
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6088
Email: matlockt@csus.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,788; In-State: $6,628
CSU California State University – Stanislaus
California State University Stanislaus opened as Stanislaus State College in 1960 with fewer than 800 students at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds in Turlock. In 1965, it moved to what is now a beautiful 228-acre campus in the San Joaquin Valley, known for its high production of agriculture. The college places emphasis on high-quality public education that prepares students for employment in a wide range of professions. Graduates are given the tools they need to achieve success in their chosen industry.
College of Business Administration
The College of Business Administration at California State University, Stanislaus is accredited by the AACSB and offers courses at the graduate and undergraduate level. Classes are offered at the Turlock campus or at the Stanislaus Stockton Center. They may also attend mediated or online courses.
Master of Business Administration
One of the graduate programs offered at Cal State Stanislaus is the traditional Master of Business Administration. The program is designed to carry students into the new millennium by preparing them to become skilled organizational managers and professionals. Students are given the skills to lead others to problem-solve and meet the many challenges facing the business world today.
Executive MBA Program
The Executive MBA Program at Cal State Stanislaus is designed for executives and business leaders with significant industry experience who wish to further their education. Some in the program have been out of school for significant periods, and the majority work full-time while attending classes. This is an accelerated program that lasts for 15 months, requiring 36 credit-hours. It is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance in their careers or to make a career change in upper-management.
Online Master of Business Administration
The Online Master of Business Administration at Cal State Stanislaus meets the needs of busy, working professionals and executives who may not have the ability to attend classes on campus as is common in traditional MBA programs. Many of the students in the online program have long commutes, work non-traditional hours or have other obligations that prevent them from attending a traditional classroom. The program lasts for 24 months.
Contact
College of Business Administration
California State University Stanislaus
Demergasso-Bava Hall
See Building #21
Office: DBH 202
One University Circle
Turlock, CA 95382
Telephone: 209-667-3280
Email: mbaprogram@csustan.edu
Website
Tuition: Out-of-State: $17,651 In-State: $6,491
For more information on earning a MBA degree, please see The 20 Most Affordable Top-Ranked Business Schools and MBA Programs.