Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Thomas Broderick
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Updated on September 18, 2024
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Community colleges’ online programs can help you transfer to a four-year school. Learn more about the best online community colleges and their many benefits.
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Best Online Community Colleges

Millions of students from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds attend community college every year, taking advantage of an affordable education close to home. The best online community colleges go even further by letting you learn from anywhere with an internet connection, and some offer asynchronous instruction options.

Whether you’re preparing to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or planning to transfer into a four-year program, online community colleges can help you achieve academic and professional success.

Featured Online Associate Degree Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Top Online Community Colleges of 2024

#1 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Eastern Gateway Community College

  • Location-markerSteubenville, OH
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,115
  • Out-of-state$7,727
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled45,173
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment96%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Houston Community College

  • Location-markerHouston, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,904
  • Out-of-state$3,624
  • Retention Rate63%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled46,780
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment77%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Northern Virginia Community College

  • Location-markerAnnandale, VA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$5,412
  • Out-of-state$10,790
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled49,560
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment63%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Ivy Tech Community College

  • Location-markerIndianapolis, IN
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,487
  • Out-of-state$8,777
  • Retention Rate57%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled86,100
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment33%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Panola College

  • Location-markerCarthage, TX
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$792
  • Out-of-state$792
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled2,469
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment71%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Northwood Technical College

  • Location-markerShell Lake, WI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,570
  • Out-of-state$6,630
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled2,656
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment73%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Stanly Community College

  • Location-markerAlbemarle, NC
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,554
  • Out-of-state$9,005
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled2,456
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment89%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Lakeshore Technical College

  • Location-markerCleveland, WI
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,868
  • Out-of-state$5,802
  • Retention Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled2,322
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment66%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

James A. Rhodes State College

  • Location-markerLima, OH
  • 2 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,325
  • Out-of-state$8,649
  • Retention Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled3,402
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment35%
  • AccreditationYes
#10 Best Online Community Colleges of 2024

Itawamba Community College

  • Location-markerFulton, MS
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,900
  • Out-of-state$5,100
  • Retention Rate65%
  • Acceptance Rate0%
  • Students Enrolled4,348
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment68%
  • AccreditationYes

Is It Cheaper to Attend an Online Community College Than a Four-Year College?

The latest reported data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) shows that community college students attending an in-state school pay the lowest average tuition and fees of all undergraduates. Their out-of-state peers typically spend more than twice as much to earn a certificate or degree.

Additionally, in-state learners attending a four-year public college pay considerably more for their education, especially as the cost of college has steadily increased over the last several decades.

The cost of attending community college online can provide even further savings. Learning entirely online means you don’t need to worry about commuting to or parking on campus. Your school may also provide extra financial benefits to online learners, such as free e-textbooks.

However, remember that many factors can influence your out-of-pocket costs, such as your financial aid package and other indirect expenses.

Cost of Two-Year vs. Four-Year College, 2022-2023
Institution TypeAverage Tuition & Required Fees
Public 4-Year (In-State)$9,750
Public 4-Year (Out-of-State)$28,297
Private 4-Year$35,248
Public 2-Year (In-State)$3,598
Public 2-Year (Out-of-State)$8,565
Source: NCES

How Much Can You Make With an Associate Degree?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the typical worker with an associate degree earns over 15% more than a professional with only a high school diploma.

Speak with your online community college’s academic advisors to find out which degrees align with well-paying jobs. And check out the following table of high-paying jobs with an associate degree.

Popular Jobs You Can Get With an Associate Degree
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2023)Job Outlook (2023-2033)
Computer Network Support Specialist$60,8106%
Dental Hygienist$87,5309%
Occupational Therapy Assistant$65,45021%
Physical Therapy Assistant$58,74019%
Respiratory Therapist$77,96013%
Source: BLS

Online Community Colleges by State

One of the potential benefits of enrolling in community college online is that you can explore different schools across the nation. This may lead to opportunities you hadn’t considered, enabling you to embark on a new adventure.

However, if you do want to attend school closer to home, each state has many community colleges with online offerings.

Browse online community college and trade school programs across the United States:

What’s the Difference Between an Online Trade School, Technical College, and Career College?

Trade schools, like community colleges, typically offer students the opportunity to earn a degree in two years or less. That said, trade schools are somewhat different from colleges in that they provide more focused training on specific jobs or industries. Community colleges, meanwhile, tend to offer more generalized degrees.

Trade Schools

These schools provide focused study on different vocations, such as automotive repair, plumbing, and cosmetology. They are typically government backed or approved, and their credits can often be transferred to other accredited institutions. Students usually receive certificates — rather than degrees — upon completing these programs.

Technical Colleges

These two-year colleges are similar to trade schools in that they train you for specific careers; however, graduates typically receive associate degrees — rather than certificates — after completing course requirements. Technology-related programs, such as information technology, are common areas of study at technical colleges.

Career Colleges

The term “career college” is usually associated with for-profit schools that are not accredited. As a result, credentials earned at these institutions may not be recognized by other schools. Employers may also skip over candidates who hold an unaccredited degree.

Career college programs focus on specific careers, and students can often graduate in nine months to a year.

Can You Transfer From Community College Into a Bachelor’s Program?

Yes — many community colleges offer associate degrees well suited for transfer to on-campus or online colleges and universities. These two-year degree programs let you complete the general education courses required in a bachelor’s program. Typical classes include English composition, history, and science.

An associate for transfer track may appeal to many types of learners, including students unsure of their major and those who want to save on tuition. Also, you can explore different tracks while paying a per-credit tuition rate well below the average cost at a four-year school.

Consider checking a school’s transfer policies and reciprocity or articulation agreements before enrolling in an online community college. Once you’re a student, academic advisors can help you explore four-year schools and understand transfer requirements. Many four-year programs will accept up to 60 credits from accredited community colleges.

More Featured Online Associate Degree Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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What Associate Degrees Can You Earn Online?

If you want to get a two-year degree online, remember that several types of associate degrees are available. Take some time to research the types of associate degrees and find the best one for your academic and career goals.

  • Associate of Arts (AA). These programs typically focus on general education classes rather than those concentrated on a specific career or major. This can prepare you well for transferring to a bachelor of arts program in the future. Courses usually include English, mathematics, social sciences, and laboratory science.
  • Associate of Science (AS). This two-year degree can be a great option if you wish to enroll in a bachelor of science program in the future. In most cases, an AS degree provides a strong academic foundation rather than specific career training. However, some AS programs offer concentrations in majors like biology, computer science, physics, and health science.
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS). These programs usually focus on preparing you to enter specific career fields upon graduation, as opposed to transferring to a four-year program. They may require you to complete a few general education classes, but most of the coursework relates to your chosen major. Examples of AAS programs include computer technology, healthcare systems technology, and hospitality management.
  • Associate of Applied Arts (AAA). This category also includes specialized programs that train you for a specific vocation. Unlike AAS degrees, AAA programs tend to focus more on the visual arts, music, and advertising. You may take some general education classes, along with major-focused coursework like photography, graphic design, and art history.

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