Top 3 Network Administration Programs in California 2025
Ashford University
64 Network Administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Platt College-Los Angeles
7 Network Administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
DeVry University-California
10 Network Administration graduates annually, 25% graduation rate
- 1.California has 25+ accredited network administration bachelor's programs across UC, CSU, and community college systems (IPEDS 2023)
- 2.UC San Diego leads California rankings with 87% graduation rate and state-of-the-art networking infrastructure labs
- 3.CSU system offers the most affordable options with in-state tuition starting at $7,400 annually for network admin programs
- 4.California network administrators earn median $95,420 annually—12% above the national median (BLS California 2024)
- 5.Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Diego provide 45,000+ network administration jobs—most concentrated in the nation
Network Administration Education Landscape in California
California leads the nation in network administration education opportunities, with programs spanning from world-class UC campuses to practical CSU polytechnic schools. The state's unique position as home to Silicon Valley, major data centers, and cloud computing headquarters creates unparalleled opportunities for network administration students.
For national program comparisons, see our best network administration programs ranking. Students considering online options should review our best online network admin degrees guide. Career-focused students can explore our comprehensive network administration career guide and cybersecurity analyst salary data for related opportunities.
California's tech industry concentration means network administration graduates have access to positions at major corporations like Cisco, VMware, Oracle, and countless startups requiring robust network infrastructure. The state's commitment to technology education through IT certifications and cloud computing programs creates multiple pathways for specialization.
California Network Administration Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ashford University | San Diego, CA | For-Profit | $12,240 | — | — | 70.5 |
| 2 | Platt College-Los Angeles | Alhambra, CA | For-Profit | $14,804 | — | — | 51.8 |
| 3 | DeVry University-California | Ontario, CA | For-Profit | $14,392 | 25% | — | 48.7 |
Top 5 Network Administration Programs in California: Side-by-Side
| School | U of San Diego | USC | Ashford | National | UC Irvine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $55,690 | $66,640 | $12,240 | $13,320 | $11,834 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | 92% | N/A% | N/A% | 96% |
| Annual Graduates | 57 | 36 | 64 | 64 | 16 |
| Acceptance Rate | 47% | 10% | N/A | N/A | 26% |
| Type | Private | Private | For-Profit | Private | Public |
| Score | 85.4/100 | 82.1/100 | 74.0/100 | 74.0/100 | 72.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Network Administration in California
California offers 3 bachelor's-level network administration programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Ashford University, Platt College-Los Angeles, DeVry University-California. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $102,039 in the California market.
A bachelor's in network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Ashford | $12,240 | N/A% | 64 | 74.0 |
| #2 Platt College-Los Angeles | $14,804 | N/A% | 7 | 51.8 |
| #3 DeVry University-California | $14,392 | 25% | 10 | 48.7 |
Top Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in California
For graduate study, California offers 9 master's-level network administration programs. Leading institutions include University of San Diego, University of Southern California, National University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in California reaching $189,501 or more.
Top 3 Network Administration Master's Programs in California
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of San Diego | $55,690 | 97% | 57 | 85.4 |
| #2 USC | $66,640 | 92% | 36 | 82.1 |
| #3 National | $13,320 | N/A% | 64 | 74.0 |
Most Affordable Network Administration Colleges in California
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration programs in California are at San Diego State University ($5,742/year), California State University-San Marcos ($5,742/year), California State University-Dominguez Hills ($5,742/year). These programs offer strong ROI given California's competitive tech salaries.
At San Diego State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $22,968 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $102,039, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.3 years.
Most Affordable Network Administration Programs in California (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 San Diego State | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #2 California State... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
| #3 California State... | $5,742 | $22,968 | 0.3 years | Public |
University of San Diego
San Diego, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $55,690 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 57 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 47%
- • Ranking Score: 85.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 57 network administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 85.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (57 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (47% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,640 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 92% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 36 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 10%
- • Ranking Score: 82.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 36 network administration graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 82.1 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (92%), program size (36 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (10% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Ashford University
San Diego, CA • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $12,240 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Network Administration Graduates: 64 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 74.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 64 network administration graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 74.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (64 graduates), state salary outcomes ($145,770), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks, servers, and related equipment for organizations across California's diverse economy.
Network Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Design and implement secure network architectures for California's tech companies and defense contractors.
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
SOC 15-1299Design and manage cloud-based networks for California's leading technology companies and startups.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1245Manage comprehensive IT infrastructure including networks, servers, and security systems for California organizations.
California University Systems for Network Administration
California's three main university systems offer distinct approaches to network administration education, each serving different student needs and career goals.
The University of California (UC) system provides research-focused programs with strong theoretical foundations. UC San Diego and UC Irvine lead in network administration education, offering comprehensive programs that prepare students for both technical roles and advanced graduate study. These programs typically feature lower student-faculty ratios and access to cutting-edge research facilities.
The California State University (CSU) system emphasizes practical, career-focused education at affordable prices. Programs at San Jose State, Cal Poly Pomona, and CSU Long Beach excel in hands-on training and industry partnerships. CSU schools typically have strong connections to local employers and high job placement rates for graduates seeking immediate entry into the workforce.
California Community Colleges provide an affordable pathway to network administration through associate degree programs and transfer options. Many students begin at community colleges before transferring to four-year programs, significantly reducing overall education costs. This pathway is particularly popular for students seeking network administration certifications alongside their degrees.
Other Tech Degree Programs in California
Network Administration Programs in Other States
Which Should You Choose?
- Access to the nation's largest concentration of tech companies
- Diverse networking specialization opportunities (cloud, security, enterprise)
- High starting salaries despite higher cost of living
- Strong job market with 45,000+ network administration positions
- Pathways to major tech companies like Cisco, VMware, and Oracle
- Multiple university system options from community college to UC research universities
- Lower cost of living and housing expenses
- More affordable in-state tuition options
- Less competitive job market for entry-level positions
- Preference for smaller, more intimate program settings
- Interest in specific regional industries (energy, aerospace, finance)
Frequently Asked Questions About California Network Administration Programs
Based on 15 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific network administration salaries from BLS OES 2024
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Official graduation rates, enrollment data, and institutional characteristics for all accredited colleges and universities
California-specific salary data for network administrators and related occupations, updated May 2024
National job growth projections and career outlook for network administration occupations
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.