California has not only the single largest population of veterans of any state in the country, but also the most active duty service members. More than 200,000 service members from every branch live here and serve here, from Coasties keeping our shores safe to Space Force Guardians vigilantly watching the skies.
Plenty of them are keeping their eyes forward toward an eventual career turning the dedication, discipline, and leadership skills learned in the military into lucrative careers in business.
A Master of Business Administration is the natural way to turn the discipline and experience that comes from time in the military into legitimate business and management skills.
Whether you are starting your journey to an MBA while still in uniform or after discharge – or whether you’re a military spouse or dependent expanding your own repertoire while at a California duty station – you’re going to want to find a business school that understands your situation and the benefits you qualify for.
We’ve got them for you right here.
Top MBA Programs for Military-Affiliated Students Offer a Unique Level of Support and Assistance
What is it that makes top MBA programs for veterans different from the  top MBA programs for any Californian? After all, just because you are a vet doesn’t mean you don’t have the exact same expectations as any other business student – world-class instructors, administrative support, business community contacts, and post-graduate opportunities from broad and tight alumni networks.
But veterans do have a unique set of needs and expectations when it comes to earning an MBA.
Veterans and Service Members Have Different College Funding Options
The first difference is a big plus that comes with a big caveat: veterans, military members, and their families have access to generous financial resources to help pay for an MBA. If you play your cards right, you won’t need any student loans; you may get through with almost no out-of-pocket expenses.
But the challenge that comes with that funding is understanding the complex regulations, requirements, and standards that it is tied to. Without expert advice, the paperwork and options can be overwhelming.
Vets Come From Non-Traditional Backgrounds That Can Require Extra Transitional Support
As a veteran, you very likely attained a level of discipline, accountability, and leadership at a relatively young age. While your peers were drinking and partying, you may have been calling in airstrikes or steering a 100,000 ton aircraft carrier through hostile waters.
That’s all a net benefit in the business world. But it means that you are coming into your MBA studies with a very different background than people who were sitting in offices and honing their business acumen.
Veterans Can Have Extra Emotional and Psychological Support Needs
There’s no way to gloss it over—American military service over the past several decades has opened veterans, and their loved ones, up to buckets of trauma and loss that civilians can never understand. You’re going to come to class with that baggage, no matter what.
So additional counseling and specialized healthcare assistance are important to veteran and military family members attending MBA programs. It offers a level playing field so you can study unimpeded and focus on your lessons, not your past.
How We Identified the Top Business Schools for Veterans, Service Members, and Families in California
So that gives you some idea why the top MBA programs in California for veterans, service members, and their families may be different. The next question is, how did we determine what schools are best at servicing those needs?
First, we went straight to the VA. Their database includes all schools enrolled with the Yellow Ribbon program. Yellow Ribbon is a crucial addition to the GI Bill® that allows schools to partner with the VA to make up for any gaps in your award that might prevent you from attending expensive private schools, international schools, and graduate schools where tuition might blow through the limits.
If you already earned a bachelor’s degree before or while in service, you can apply GI Bill® benefits toward your MBA. And by attending a school that participates in the Yellow Ribbon program, the university will gladly cover any difference between your benefit allowance and tuition costs.
We looked for only those business schools in California that go the extra mile by not only participating in the Yellow Ribbon program but by providing maximum available funding for every eligible military-affiliated student that applies. Schools that participate in Yellow Ribbon, but with funding and student enrollment caps, are still definitely doing their part, but those that secure the rally point for all arrivals are going the extra mile, and that’s what we looked for from the schools that made this list.
Next, we took a look at colleges that host Student Veterans of America (SVA) chapters. With more than 1,500 chapters nationwide, there are plenty of colleges in California that have active SVA groups. That signifies real-world support and camaraderie available on campus.
When you put the two together, it means you can expect strong support from both your peer group and the administration and leadership at your business school.
Finally, we made sure that there is dedicated support for military affiliated students available from each of these schools. The veteran resource teams aren’t just tucked away into a corner of the financial aid office or handled by someone doing double-duty from another job. Each school has its own leadership and dedicated resources to ensure that veterans find the answers and get the assistance they need.
California State University or University of California Campuses are Always Worth a Look
Our criteria looking at Yellow Ribbon program participation and funding left out many of the UC and CSU system campuses in California. Many of those campuses have large and active veteran populations, and many participate in Yellow Ribbon, but because they have either enrollment or funding caps, they didn’t make our list.
Thanks to the Non-Resident College Fee Waiver offered by CalVet, even non-resident military-affiliated students can take advantage of everything the UC and CSU systems have to offer by meeting some basic criteria:
That goes for:
- Veterans stationed in California for more than one year on active duty immediately prior to discharge
- Active duty members currently stationed in California, unless they are expressly assigned to the state for educational purposes
- Dependent children or spouses of current active duty members stationed in California
If you happen to fall into one of those categories, or have established residency otherwise, then MBA programs at any of these schools with SVA branches are worth a look:
- University of California, Los Angeles – John E. Anderson School of Management
- University of California, Davis – Graduate School of Management
- San Jose State University – Lucas College and Graduate School of Business
- California State University, East Bay – College of Business and Economics
- California State University, San Bernardino – Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration
- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona – Singly Graduate School of Business
- California State University, Long Beach – College of Business
- California State University, Fresno – Craig School of Business
- California State University, Los Angeles – College of Business and Economics
- California State University, Chico – College of Business
- California State University, San Marcos – College of Business Administration
- California State University, Channel Islands – Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics
- Sonoma State University – School of Business
- California State University, Northridge – David Nazarian College of Business and Economics
- California State University, Stanislaus – College of Business Administration
- California State University, Monterey Bay – College of Business
The Top MBAs for Military-Affiliated Students in California
Like all our resource lists, we don’t just drop a handful of college names on you and leave you to figure out the details.
Each listing comes with valuable information on the school’s location, program formats (online, on campus, or hybrid), a link to the program, accreditation information, specializations, and other related offerings. We also hit the highlights of what makes each school superb for vets, from shout-outs from big ranking organizations to campus events that make it easier for vets to get into the groove.
Finally, we run down a little bit of what separates each of these top schools from the pack, whether it’s a storied history of helping veterans or unique community integrations with nearby military bases.
Ultimately, you’ll find that these are the business schools in California that offer the best shot at turning the same drive that made you want to serve your country into an MBA that will serve you.
University of California - Riverside (Public)
School of Business
Riverside, CA
Website
Full-Time MBA (on-campus)
- Accounting
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Information Systems
- Management
- Marketing
- Operations and Supply Chain Management
Also offers: PhD in Business Administration, Master of Finance, Master of Professional Accountancy, MS in Business Analytics, Bachelor in Business Administration (Accounting and Auditing, Finance, Information Systems, Management, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management), Bachelor in Business Analytics, Bachelor in Business Economics, Bachelor in Actuarial Science, Minor in Business
- Accreditation: AACSB
- A Gold Ranked Top 10 Tier 1 Research Institution as ranked by Military Friendly, as well as the number 8 most military spouse friendly school
- Listed as a Best for Vets College by the Military Times in 2023
- Over 1,200 military-connected students and veterans current attend UC Riverside
- The campus Veterans Resource Center’s Director was awarded SVA’s Chapter Advisor of the Year Award, the only such award to any SVA California chapter
- In addition to a campus chapter of SVA, the school hosts the Dependents and Military Family Organization
- URC is a Hispanic, Asian American, and Native American-Pacific Islander-Serving Institution with additional supports for vets from those backgrounds
- Access any campus and community resources through the VRC (Veterans Resource Center) or just hang out with free coffee and snacks and fellow vets
- The Warrior Scholar Project is a one-day bootcamp for vets each September laying out the skills needed to succeed in college
There’s a reason that UC Riverside is the only public university to make our top list for California MBA programs for veterans. The commitment is clear as soon as you take a look at the university resource page for vets. Information is at your fingertips covering details vets need to know about admissions, benefit programs, academic advising, and post-graduation career services. Special policies regarding priority enrollment, dealing with active duty call-ups while studying, getting priority housing placement, and accessing services are all laid out and clearly articulated. The Veterans Resource Center even offers a welcome breakfast and walkthrough and provides a space to hang out with fellow vets, get your questions answered about GI Bill® or other benefits, and get work done. There’s a special Women Veteran Social, as well. With more than 500 students currently on GI Bill® benefits here, you’ll have no trouble finding a community to help you through one of the best MBA programs in the state.
University of San Diego (Private)
Knauss School of Business
San Diego, CA
Website
Full-Time MBA (on-campus)
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
Part-Time MBA (on-campus)
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
Flex MBA (hybrid)
- Business Analytics
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Marketing
- Organizational Leadership
- Supply Chain Management
Also offers: Master’s in Accountancy/Taxation, Master’s in Business Analytics, Master’s in Finance, Master’s in Real Estate, Master’s in Supply Chain Management, Majors in (Accountancy, Business Accounting, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Business Economics, Economics, Finance, International Business, Marketing, Real Estate, Supply Chain Management), Minors in (Accounting, Business Administration, Business Analytics, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, IT Management, International Business, Law and Ethics, Management, Marketing, Real Estate, Supply Chain Management, Undergraduate Concentration in Business Sustainability
- Accreditation: AACSB
- A full-time military services team plus student ambassadors help military-connected students in finding resources and getting settled into their studies
- Participates in the VA Work-Study Program to offer vets positions at the school or in nearby VA facilities, offering valuable business experience while earning a salary
- On-campus veterans center offers quiet study rooms, lounge areas, free coffee, free printing, and computer access
- VA Certifying officials are available on-campus to discuss educational benefits and certify semesters as needed
- A full roster of events and programs throughout the year include Veterans Day ceremonies, a Welcome Back Breakfast, and Community Service opportunities
- Active Alumni Veteran Network keeps you connected to fellow military and veteran students even after graduation
USD’s Military and Veterans Program (MVP) offers services for all military-connected students from their very first contact considering a Knauss MBA all the way through to alumni-status after graduation. Recognizing the life-long bonds made between service members, the Alumni Veteran Network offers a forum for you to stay in touch with both your Knauss classmates and other vets you may meet on campus during your studies. The MVP goes beyond simply supporting vets on campus, also organizing community service opportunities such as Operation Stand Down San Diego, STEP’s Baby Supply Drive and Cammies to College, and participating in San Diego Fleet Week. You can reintegrate with the San Diego community here at USD even as you earn one of the best MBAs in the state to become a productive member of the business world.
University of The Pacific (Private)
Eberhardt School of Business
San Francisco, CA
Website
Online MBA
- Business Analytics
- Finance
- Leadership
- Healthcare
Also offers: Bachelor of Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Business Analytics, Finance, Management and HR, Marketing, Sport Management and Analytics)
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Office of the Registrar is experienced in receiving military Joint Service Transcripts and evaluating them for credit for service where available
- School maintains a list of potential scholarship opportunities that are exclusively for military-connected and veteran students
- Connections to local and national outreach efforts like the Wounded Warrior Project, the Veteran Tickets Foundation, and Ride to Recovery offer off-campus options for vets
- The campus Student Veteran Organization chapter conducts regular meetings and assists with the transition to civilian studies
Military support and outreach at University of the Pacific start long before you even enroll. The campus Military and Veteran Student Center is involved in recruitment efforts as well, maintaining the school’s commitment to diversity and equity by ensuring vets have access to higher education. The Center is a safe space for vets who don’t always realize that they need a safe space, a place to meet and connect with people who share your values and understand your history. A Path to Success for military and veteran students outlines the processes and forms needed to receive benefits and maintain eligibility throughout your attendance. Although your only times on campus with this online MBA may come through the required San Francisco residencies, you’ll receive the same key levels of support no matter where you are located.
Dominican University of California (Private)
Barowsky School of Business
San Rafael, CA
Website
Online MBA for China (online)
Online MBA for Latin America (online)
MBA (on-campus)
- Business Analytics
- Global Business
- Finance
- Marketing
- Accreditation: AACSB
- Named as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report
- University is an approved VA Work-Study Program site
- DUSVO, the Dominican University Student Veteran Organization, offers supportive services and encourages active engagement both on campus and around Marin county for members
- As one of the nation’s most transformative four-year universities as decided by the American Council on Education, Dominican is the perfect place for a reset to a civilian career
With a one-year MBA program you may zip through Dominican like a fast-mover cleared hot, but during your time here, you’ll get the same cozy feeling as you did in a TIC with one of those bad boys overhead. Instead of 2,000 pound GBUs, though, the support you get from Dominican as an MBA student will be through extraordinary financial aid, opportunities to receive credits for your service experience, and the camaraderie of the campus SVO chapter, DUSVO. Although it’s a small school, the advantage comes through a tight-knit group of vets who have each other’s backs through all challenges—from nailing the big MBA research project to finding the perfect first job after graduation.
Concordia University Irvine (Private)
School of Business
Riverside, CA
Website
Full-Time MBA (on-campus)
- General
- Sports Business
Also offers: Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting, Business Data Analytics, Business Economics, Finance, Healthcare Management, International Business, Management, Marketing), Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Sports Business, Minors in Accounting, Business, Business Data Analytics, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Sports Business)
- Accreditation: IACBE
- CUI is an approved VA Work Study location
- Named as a Silver Level Military Friendly School for 2023
- The SSG Matthew Thompson Veterans Resource Center provides an easy place to get access to resource and guidance for all benefit and support options
- In 2024, the school had record enrollment from veterans and veteran-related students
- A quiet and peaceful setting appeals to many veterans coming back from the chaos of deployment
- The university offers a 10% tuition discount for all military members, veterans, and their spouses
- School awards credits for CLEP, DSST, and eligible military training experience
There is nothing like losing a graduate in combat to reveal the true commitment of a school to military and veteran students. Unfortunately, that occurred in 2016 for Concordia when Staff Sergeant Matthew Thompson, an alumni assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group, was killed by an IED in Helmand Province. Thompson’s name is on the school’s veterans resource center now, and his dedication and commitment are upheld in the services they offer to students today. Combined with small class sizes and the kind of structure and support that comes with a Christian university, that makes Concordia an easy choice for MBA students who want to study at a school where they are understood and appreciated. With a former paratrooper directing the veterans center and a welcoming space on campus to hang out, you won’t have any trouble connecting with people who understand and can assist through your MBA studies.
DeVry University (Private)
Keller Graduate School of Management
Long Beach/Newark/Ontario/San Diego/San Jose/Sherman Oaks, CA
Website
Full-Time or Part-Time MBA (online, hybrid)
- Business Intelligence and Analytics Management
- Entrepreneurship
- General
- Global Supply Chain Management
- Human Resources
- Information Systems Management
- Marketing
- Project Management
Also offers: Master of Accounting and Finance, Master of Human Resources, Master of Information Technology, Master of Project Management, Graduate Certificate (Project Management, HR Management, Global Supply Chain Management, Entrepreneurship, Big Data and Analytics), Associate’s in Business, Bachelor in Business Administration, Bachelor in Business (Accounting, Business Intelligence and Analytics Management, Criminal Justice, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, Health Information Management, Hospitality Management, HR Management, Information Technology-Networking Fundamentals, Project Management, Sales and Marketing, Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship), Bachelor in Management (Health Management, HR Management, Health Information Management) Undergraduate Certificate in Business Essentials
- Accreditation: ACBSP
- Credit offered from CLEP, DSST, and eligible military training experiences
- Member of the Service Members Opportunity Colleges (SOC) consortium
- The Leadership MBA option has particular attractions to military veterans who have built strong skills in the service and are looking to adapt them to civilian management roles
With multiple locations in the state, there’s almost sure to be a DeVry option somewhere near your hometown or favorite base. Of course, since the MBA options are also available online, you can pick this military-friendly option no matter where you are stationed or where you choose to settle in the Golden State after discharge. That online focus makes military and veteran support at DeVry slightly different from other California schools. Rather than a cozy closet somewhere on campus rebranded as a veteran services office, you can find the full slate of supports from DeVry available online throughout your MBA program. It also means that you can find support and connections with DeVry veteran and military students from anywhere in the country through online groups, rather than only those in your area.
Biola University (Private)
Crowell School of Business
La Mirada, CA
Website
Full-Time MBA (on-campus, hybrid)
Also offers: Master of Professional Accounting, MA in Leadership and Innovation, Graduate Certificate in Personal Financial Planning, BS in Business Management, BS in Accounting, BS in Business Administration (Management, Marketing, Marketing Management, Business Analytics, Finance, Financial Planning, Entrepreneurship), Minors in Business Administration, Business Analytics, Financial Planning, Entrepreneurship
- Accreditation: ACBSP
- Offers completion in 16 to 24 months
- The Biola Veteran Center for Military Affiliated Students is on campus in the Upper Student Union and open for drop-ins
- A new student Veteran Orientation is held each year during Biola Welcome Week to ensure that new vet students are aware of all the resources available
- Veteran community lunches are held 2-3 times each semester for check-ins and relationship building
- The Biola Veteran Association is an active chapter of the Student Veterans of America
Biola considers it an honor to be selected by veterans and military-affiliated students for attendance in their highly-respected MBA program. When a school values the commitment, character, discipline, and skills you have developed in service to your country, that’s a winner when it comes to support and encouragement in your own studies. That’s why Biola has come up with innovative ways to keep vets connected like the Veterans Day Chapel and Brunch, Veteran Community Lunches, and even a Biola Veteran Challenge Coin. Graduates wear an honor cord unique to vets during graduation ceremonies from the school. A central location for the Biola Veteran Center makes it easy to drop in, and the comfortable and useful space with computers, printer, smart TV, and fridge is a well-used hang-out. With over 150 military affiliated students at Biola, you’ll certainly run into other folks who have walked in your shoes and can offer you the mutual support you need throughout your MBA studies.
National University (Private)
School of Business and Economics
San Diego, CA
Website
Online MBA
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial Management
- General Business
- Global Business
- HR Mangement
- Leadership Studies
- Project Management
- Strategic Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
Also offers: AS in Business, BA in Integrated Marketing Communications, BA in Management, BBA, BS in Accounting, BS in HR Management, BS in Construction Management, BS in Financial Management, BS in Healthcare Administration, BS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, BS in Marketing, BS in Organizational Leadership, BS in Project Management, BS in Public Health, Minor in Accounting, Minor in Business Accounting, Minor in Business Law, Minor in Business Studies, Minor in Marketing, Certificate in Construction Management Professional, Google Project Management Professional Certificate, Professional Certificate in Self-Leadership, Master in Global Human Resources, Master of Accounting, MA in HR Management, MA in Strategic Communication, Master of Public Health, MS in Leadership Studies, MS in Marketing, MS in Organizational Leadership, Doctor of Business Administration, PhD in Business Administration, PhD in HR Management, PhD in Organizational Leadership, Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Business, Post-Master’s Certificate in Business, Professional Certificate in Grant Writing
- Accreditation: ACBSP/IACBE
- An easy application process with no fees, essays, or exams required is welcome by vets with non-traditional backgrounds
- The National University Veteran Center offers a student food pantry, coffee and snacks, peer mentoring, and career resources
- Approximately ten percent of the school’s student body are active duty military members
- Ranked as both a Military Friendly School and in the Top Ten Schools for Military Spouses for 2025
- Honored by the Military Times in 2021 as one of the Best Colleges for Vets in the nation
- College credit may be offered for military training
- The school maintains learning centers on a number of active military bases, including California’s Camp Pendleton, Twentynine Palms, and NMCSD Balboa Naval Hospital
- SALUTE, the Veterans National Honor Society, maintains a chapter at NU
- The school offers a $5,000 Veterans Victory Scholarship to help deserving students bridge the gap to degree completion, particularly important for MBA students
National University was founded by retired Navy Captain David Chigos in one of the most military-centric cities in California. Aimed at non-traditional working adults, his target market included active-duty and retired military members. As you might expect, the private university has retained everything that made it ideal for those vets and added plenty of new resources along the way that you can count on as you explore your California MBA options. The online resources site even breaks out your options based on branch of service. The NUVC helps figure out your educational choices even before enrollment, either assisting you in figuring out how to start your MBA while still on active duty or running the numbers on benefits available after discharge. They can even support your transition from military to civilian student life along the way. If you aren’t in the San Diego area, then you can find many of those same resources through the Virtual Veteran Center. The Veterans Affairs team at National University is very familiar with all the details of GI Bill®, Tuition Assistance, enrollment verification, and all the other bureaucratic details that come with government assistance in paying for your MBA.
Naval Postgraduate School (public)
Department of Defense Management
Monterey, CA
Website
Professional Master of Business Administration (online)
Also Offers: Master of Science in Contract Management, Master of Science in Program Management, Master of Science in Financial Management, Master of Science in Logistics Management, Master of Science in Manpower Systems Analysis
- Accreditation: AACSB
- A flexible curriculum and professors and administrators who are familiar with the military lifestyle make NPS the most accessible business school for active duty personnel
- A multinational student body with many overseas military officers in attendance ensures you a far-flung alumni network to tap into after graduation
- The Center for Executive Education offers programs to help you tap into the secrets of military leadership that you can take with you for the rest of your career
You can’t possibly leave out the only school in California offering an MBA that is run by the military itself for this list. Although currently closed to new admissions, the PMBA program at NPS offers a defense-focused take on traditional business management and organizational principles. It’s intended less for veterans than for active duty service members who will take that knowledge back to their commands, or civilian DoD employees who will put it to good use in procurement and other defense functions. But plenty of NPS grads take their degrees on to top jobs in the private sector, too. And it’s hard to imagine a school better suited to handling the details around TDY, housing, and other special considerations for active duty students. It’s also the case that being assigned to study here frees up all your concerns with managing the financial side of MBA attendance—while there are charges for attendance, students don’t pay them, and they don’t come out of your other college benefits packages. All in all, this is probably the best way to get your MBA while still on active duty—if you can get assigned here.