Updated: Jan 12, 2024, 2:16pm
Community colleges provide affordable higher education to millions of Americans each year. Some two-year colleges even offer some of their degree programs online, making education even more accessible to students around the nation.
Some online community colleges focus on providing technical education, which allows students to quickly enter the workforce and start earning a decent wage. Others offer online associate degrees that prepare students to transfer to four-year schools and earn their bachelor’s degrees.
Read on to learn about the 10 best online community colleges in the country, including tips and considerations for distance education.
Our Methodology
Best Online Community College Options
Should You Enroll in an Online Community College?
Online learning is widely appealing due to its flexibility and convenience, but it doesn’t suit all learning styles. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether you should attend an online community college:
- What are your other commitments? Flexibility is among the best features of distance learning. If you are a parent or plan to work while in community college, online learning might help you juggle your commitments. You may want to consider enrolling in a program that delivers coursework asynchronously, or without scheduled online class times.
- What’s your budget? Online learning can be more affordable than on-campus learning since distance learners often avoid paying for costs associated with housing and transportation.
- What’s your learning style? Online learning is a good fit for students who already have great self-discipline, organizational skills and time management strategies. If you crave additional structure or prefer regular face-to-face interactions with your classmates and professors, you may want to consider going to college in person or taking hybrid college classes.
Accreditation for Online Community Colleges
There are two important types of college accreditation to know: institutional and accreditation.
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education oversee the agencies that award institutional accreditation. These agencies vet schools for the quality of their financial practices, student outcomes, faculty and programs, among other areas. You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools, as this is the only way to qualify for federal student aid.
To see if your school is accredited, you can visit its website or check the database on CHEA’s website.
How To Find the Right Online Community College for You
You have the world of online college at your fingertips. Here’s how to pick the right school.
Consider Your Future Goals
To choose the right college for you, you need a clear understanding of your goals. First, consider your desired career and identify a relevant major. Prioritize online community colleges that offer degrees in your area of interest.
You should consider whether you want to enter the workforce after finishing your community college program or transfer to a four-year school to earn a bachelor’s degree. If you know you want to attend a specific four-year school, consider nearby community colleges that may offer transfer pathways to your choice school.
Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options
With the exception of Cañada College, which offers free tuition to San Mateo County residents, the colleges on our list charge per-credit tuition rates ranging from $76 to $217. Extrapolated over a 60-credit associate degree, this translates to approximately $4,500 to $13,000 for an entire degree. If you are an out-of-state learner, you may pay higher tuition rates.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, as of the 2021–22 academic year, the average two-year institution charged $3,859 in annual tuition. Extrapolated over a two-year associate program, this translates to total tuition costs of around $7,700, which aligns with our top-ranked schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Online Community Colleges
Can I go to community college online?
Yes, you can go to community college online. This guide ranks 10 of the best online community colleges in the nation.
Is online college cheaper than community college?
Online college is often more affordable than in-person community college because distance learners can avoid campus fees and expenses associated with housing and transportation.
What is the best online community college to attend?
We ranked Pitt Community College in Winterville, North Carolina, as the best online community college in the U.S. based on factors like student outcomes, affordability, student experience and credibility.