Best Online Community Colleges of 2025
You can earn a two-year associate degree at an online community college without going to campus. Explore the best community colleges of 2025.
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Community colleges are easy to get into and offer affordable pathways to earning an associate degree, making them a great place to begin your higher education journey.
With an associate degree, you can transfer to a four-year college or pursue a career in your desired field.
Another great thing about community colleges is that many offer plenty of opportunities to learn online, giving you time to manage your other priorities. Explore our ranking of the best online community colleges of the year.
Best Online Community Colleges of 2025
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This list is from 2025. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
Delgado Community College
New Orleans, LA2 yearCampus + Online
$3,335
$3,335
N/A
68%
Why We Chose This School
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, Delgado Community College (DCC) provides a mix of online, hybrid, virtual, and on-campus classes. The college offers 11 fully online associate degrees, including programs in accounting, criminal justice, and hospitality management.
Although the college has a higher average net price of over $11,000, 98% of students receive financial aid, meaning you will likely receive assistance to cover costs. Additionally, graduates from DCC earn a higher salary six years after entry compared to graduates from other community colleges.
Highlights
- 98% of students awarded financial aid
- Higher salary six years after entry
Know Before You Go
- Small online degree catalog
- Offers transfer equivalencies to local universities for select associate programs
N/A
N/A
57%
12,377
Public
Yes
$3,335
$3,335
New Orleans, LA2 yearCampus + Online
$3,335
$3,335
N/A
68%
N/A
N/A
57%
12,377
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, Delgado Community College (DCC) provides a mix of online, hybrid, virtual, and on-campus classes. The college offers 11 fully online associate degrees, including programs in accounting, criminal justice, and hospitality management.
Although the college has a higher average net price of over $11,000, 98% of students receive financial aid, meaning you will likely receive assistance to cover costs. Additionally, graduates from DCC earn a higher salary six years after entry compared to graduates from other community colleges.
Highlights
- 98% of students awarded financial aid
- Higher salary six years after entry
Know Before You Go
- Small online degree catalog
- Offers transfer equivalencies to local universities for select associate programs
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MI2 yearCampus + Online
$4,056
$5,736
N/A
71%
Why We Chose This School
Ann Arbor, Michigan's Washtenaw Community College has various degree offerings and an affordable price tag. The college offers more than 50 online associate degrees covering subjects like business, computer science, construction, and health professions. While some courses have specific log-in times, many can be taken asynchronously.
Washtenaw offers the most affordable net price of our top picks, just over $3,500. Additionally, two-thirds of students are awarded financial aid, making it a cost-effective option for students.
Highlights
- Most affordable average price after aid
- Wide variety of degree offerings
Know Before You Go
- Lower percentage of students receive financial aid
- Transfer agreements with several in-state and out-of-state institutions
N/A
N/A
65%
10,622
Public
Yes
$4,056
$5,736
Ann Arbor, MI2 yearCampus + Online
$4,056
$5,736
N/A
71%
N/A
N/A
65%
10,622
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Ann Arbor, Michigan's Washtenaw Community College has various degree offerings and an affordable price tag. The college offers more than 50 online associate degrees covering subjects like business, computer science, construction, and health professions. While some courses have specific log-in times, many can be taken asynchronously.
Washtenaw offers the most affordable net price of our top picks, just over $3,500. Additionally, two-thirds of students are awarded financial aid, making it a cost-effective option for students.
Highlights
- Most affordable average price after aid
- Wide variety of degree offerings
Know Before You Go
- Lower percentage of students receive financial aid
- Transfer agreements with several in-state and out-of-state institutions
McLennan Community College
Waco, TX2 yearCampus + Online
$3,720
$5,430
100%
80%
Why We Chose This School
McLennan Community College (MCC) offers students 25 fully online associate degrees in subjects including real estate, child development, and accounting. Based in Waco, Texas, the college has a 100% admissions rate and a 100% financial aid rate, making it highly likely for students to be accepted and receive financial assistance.
Additionally, graduates from MCC have the highest salary six years after entry compared to our other top choices. The college also partners with local universities, including Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University, simplifying the transfer process for students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree after completing their associate degree.
Highlights
- 100% admissions rate
- 100% of students awarded financial aid
- Higher salary six years after entry
Know Before You Go
- Local community college for Baylor University
- Transfer agreements with some in-state universities
N/A
N/A
58%
6,942
Public
Yes
$3,720
$5,430
Waco, TX2 yearCampus + Online
$3,720
$5,430
100%
80%
N/A
N/A
58%
6,942
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
McLennan Community College (MCC) offers students 25 fully online associate degrees in subjects including real estate, child development, and accounting. Based in Waco, Texas, the college has a 100% admissions rate and a 100% financial aid rate, making it highly likely for students to be accepted and receive financial assistance.
Additionally, graduates from MCC have the highest salary six years after entry compared to our other top choices. The college also partners with local universities, including Tarleton State University and Texas Tech University, simplifying the transfer process for students interested in pursuing a bachelor's degree after completing their associate degree.
Highlights
- 100% admissions rate
- 100% of students awarded financial aid
- Higher salary six years after entry
Know Before You Go
- Local community college for Baylor University
- Transfer agreements with some in-state universities
Craven Community College
New Bern, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
100%
77%
Why We Chose This School
Based in North Carolina, Craven Community College features a low student-to-faculty ratio and a 100% admissions rate. It offers nine fully online associate degrees in subjects like accounting & finance, early childhood education, and medical billing and coding, all available in both asynchronous and synchronous formats.
With a net price slightly over $4,000, around 70% of students are awarded financial aid. The college also has partnerships with several in-state institutions, including the University of North Carolina system and North Carolina State University.
Highlights
- 100% admissions rate
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1
- Low net price after financial aid
Know Before You Go
- 70% of students awarded financial aid
- Small online degree catalog
- Transfer agreement with the University of North Carolina (UNC) system for students with an associate in arts or science degree
N/A
N/A
62%
2,701
Public
Yes
$1,824
$6,432
New Bern, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$1,824
$6,432
100%
77%
N/A
N/A
62%
2,701
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Based in North Carolina, Craven Community College features a low student-to-faculty ratio and a 100% admissions rate. It offers nine fully online associate degrees in subjects like accounting & finance, early childhood education, and medical billing and coding, all available in both asynchronous and synchronous formats.
With a net price slightly over $4,000, around 70% of students are awarded financial aid. The college also has partnerships with several in-state institutions, including the University of North Carolina system and North Carolina State University.
Highlights
- 100% admissions rate
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1
- Low net price after financial aid
Know Before You Go
- 70% of students awarded financial aid
- Small online degree catalog
- Transfer agreement with the University of North Carolina (UNC) system for students with an associate in arts or science degree
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Clarkston, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
70%
Why We Chose This School
Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) offers more than 50 fully online academic programs in subjects like business, computer science, media, and criminal justice. It has an open admissions policy, which guarantees admittance for students who meet specific requirements. The college maintains an average net price of $7,845, with 95% of students receiving financial aid.
Additionally, GPTC has more than 30 transfer agreements with four-year universities both within and outside Georgia.
Highlights
- Open admissions policy
- 95% of students awarded financial aid
Know Before You Go
- Students enrolled in online courses are required to do one proctored event per course
- Prospective applicants are required to submit SAT, ACT, or other approved college assessment scores
N/A
N/A
56%
2,874
Public
Yes
$2,400
$4,800
Clarkston, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
70%
N/A
N/A
56%
2,874
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) offers more than 50 fully online academic programs in subjects like business, computer science, media, and criminal justice. It has an open admissions policy, which guarantees admittance for students who meet specific requirements. The college maintains an average net price of $7,845, with 95% of students receiving financial aid.
Additionally, GPTC has more than 30 transfer agreements with four-year universities both within and outside Georgia.
Highlights
- Open admissions policy
- 95% of students awarded financial aid
Know Before You Go
- Students enrolled in online courses are required to do one proctored event per course
- Prospective applicants are required to submit SAT, ACT, or other approved college assessment scores
Lenoir Community College
Kinston, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
82%
Why We Chose This School
With over 50 fully online degrees, North Carolina-based Lenoir Community College is a good choice for students seeking affordable education with a wide array of degree options. Programs cover subjects including accounting and finance, early childhood education, and information technology.
Lenoir is one of the more affordable options on our list, with an average net price of just over $5,000, with 92% of students awarded some form of financial aid. The college has an open admissions policy, but prospective students are required to take a placement test as part of their application if they graduated from high school more than 10 years ago.
Highlights
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1
- 92% of students awarded financial aid
- Low average net price
Know Before You Go
- Open admissions policy
- Classes start every eight weeks
N/A
N/A
61%
2,199
Public
Yes
$2,432
$8,576
Kinston, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
82%
N/A
N/A
61%
2,199
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
With over 50 fully online degrees, North Carolina-based Lenoir Community College is a good choice for students seeking affordable education with a wide array of degree options. Programs cover subjects including accounting and finance, early childhood education, and information technology.
Lenoir is one of the more affordable options on our list, with an average net price of just over $5,000, with 92% of students awarded some form of financial aid. The college has an open admissions policy, but prospective students are required to take a placement test as part of their application if they graduated from high school more than 10 years ago.
Highlights
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1
- 92% of students awarded financial aid
- Low average net price
Know Before You Go
- Open admissions policy
- Classes start every eight weeks
Albany Technical College
Albany, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
81%
Why We Chose This School
Albany Technical College is one of Georgia's 22 technical colleges and offers 13 fully online associate of applied science degree programs in fields such as business management, fire science technology, and hotel, restaurant, and tourism management.
Online courses at Albany Tech follow the traditional course schedule, beginning on the first official day of class and ending on the last day of the semester. The college maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio and an average net price close to $5,000.
Additionally, with 99% of students receiving some form of financial aid and an open admissions policy, students are highly likely to be accepted and receive financial assistance for their education.
Highlights
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1
- 99% of students awarded financial aid
Know Before You Go
- Smaller online degree catalog
- Placement test required for new students who have not taken an approved exam in the past five years
N/A
N/A
52%
2,577
Public
Yes
$2,400
$4,800
Albany, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
81%
N/A
N/A
52%
2,577
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Albany Technical College is one of Georgia's 22 technical colleges and offers 13 fully online associate of applied science degree programs in fields such as business management, fire science technology, and hotel, restaurant, and tourism management.
Online courses at Albany Tech follow the traditional course schedule, beginning on the first official day of class and ending on the last day of the semester. The college maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio and an average net price close to $5,000.
Additionally, with 99% of students receiving some form of financial aid and an open admissions policy, students are highly likely to be accepted and receive financial assistance for their education.
Highlights
- Low student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1
- 99% of students awarded financial aid
Know Before You Go
- Smaller online degree catalog
- Placement test required for new students who have not taken an approved exam in the past five years
Arkansas Northeastern College
Blytheville, AR2 yearOnline
$2,520
$4,020
100%
80%
Why We Chose This School
Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) offers a wide range of fully online courses and degrees in fields including business management, information technology, health professions, and mechanic and repair technologies.
Despite a higher average net price of over $6,000, 100% of students are awarded financial aid. While some online courses are instructor-led, many are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
Additionally, ANC has transfer agreements with several universities to facilitate a smooth transition from an associate to a bachelor's degree, including options to earn an online bachelor's degree.
Highlights
- 100% of students awarded financial aid
- Open admissions policy
Know Before You Go
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1
- Recent ACT or Accuplacer test scores are required for admission
N/A
N/A
83%
1,502
Public
Yes
$2,520
$4,020
Blytheville, AR2 yearOnline
$2,520
$4,020
100%
80%
N/A
N/A
83%
1,502
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) offers a wide range of fully online courses and degrees in fields including business management, information technology, health professions, and mechanic and repair technologies.
Despite a higher average net price of over $6,000, 100% of students are awarded financial aid. While some online courses are instructor-led, many are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
Additionally, ANC has transfer agreements with several universities to facilitate a smooth transition from an associate to a bachelor's degree, including options to earn an online bachelor's degree.
Highlights
- 100% of students awarded financial aid
- Open admissions policy
Know Before You Go
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio of 17-to-1
- Recent ACT or Accuplacer test scores are required for admission
East Mississippi Community College
Scooba, MS2 yearCampus + Online
$3,500
$6,500
N/A
67%
Why We Chose This School
With the largest fully online catalog available among our top picks, East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) is an ideal choice for students undecided on their career path. EMCC offers more than 450 online courses each fall, spring, and summer semester. Courses are not asynchronous and follow scheduled start and stop dates, as well as regular due dates.
EMCC has an average net price of nearly $5,000, with 87% of students awarded financial aid. Prospective students are not required to submit exam scores to be eligible for admission, but ACT scores are necessary for placement purposes and scholarship consideration.
Highlights
- Large online catalog
- 87% of students awarded financial aid
Know Before You Go
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1
- Online courses are taught synchronously
N/A
N/A
54%
3,324
Public
Yes
$3,500
$6,500
Scooba, MS2 yearCampus + Online
$3,500
$6,500
N/A
67%
N/A
N/A
54%
3,324
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
With the largest fully online catalog available among our top picks, East Mississippi Community College (EMCC) is an ideal choice for students undecided on their career path. EMCC offers more than 450 online courses each fall, spring, and summer semester. Courses are not asynchronous and follow scheduled start and stop dates, as well as regular due dates.
EMCC has an average net price of nearly $5,000, with 87% of students awarded financial aid. Prospective students are not required to submit exam scores to be eligible for admission, but ACT scores are necessary for placement purposes and scholarship consideration.
Highlights
- Large online catalog
- 87% of students awarded financial aid
Know Before You Go
- Higher student-to-faculty ratio of 18-to-1
- Online courses are taught synchronously
Fox Valley Technical College
Appleton, WI2 yearCampus + Online
$3,860
$6,977
68%
30%
Why We Chose This School
Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC), located in Appleton, Wisconsin, offers 60 fully online programs and the lowest student-faculty ratio of just 10-to-1. Online courses have specific start and end dates and are offered during the fall, winter, spring, and summer terms.
While the average net price of attending FVTC surpasses $10,000, only 54% of students are awarded some sort of financial aid. However, graduates had the highest salary six years after entry compared to our other top picks.
Highlights
- Lowest student-to-faculty ratio
- Highest salary six years after entering (around $33,000)
Know Before You Go
- Open admissions
- High average net price after aid
- Lower percentage of students receive financial aid
N/A
N/A
74%
11,181
Public
Yes
$3,860
$6,977
Appleton, WI2 yearCampus + Online
$3,860
$6,977
68%
30%
N/A
N/A
74%
11,181
Public
Yes
Why We Chose This School
Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC), located in Appleton, Wisconsin, offers 60 fully online programs and the lowest student-faculty ratio of just 10-to-1. Online courses have specific start and end dates and are offered during the fall, winter, spring, and summer terms.
While the average net price of attending FVTC surpasses $10,000, only 54% of students are awarded some sort of financial aid. However, graduates had the highest salary six years after entry compared to our other top picks.
Highlights
- Lowest student-to-faculty ratio
- Highest salary six years after entering (around $33,000)
Know Before You Go
- Open admissions
- High average net price after aid
- Lower percentage of students receive financial aid
How to Choose the Best Online Community College for You
Some of the most important factors to consider before you apply to an online community college are tuition rates, program length, and accreditation status. Learn about these factors below.
How Much Does an Online Associate Degree Cost?
Associate Degree Tuition Cost, 2019-2020
Online
$3,323 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$1,869 Avg. Net Price
On-Campus
$3,422 Avg. Tuition & Fees
$1,965 Avg. Net Price
The average cost of tuition for an associate degree is $3,323 for online programs and $3,422 for on-campus programs, according to National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) data from 2019-2020.
With financial aid, the average tuition rates for associate degree programs drop to $1,869 for online programs and $1,965 for on-campus programs.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Community College Degree
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?
Typical # of Credits
60 Credits
Typical Program Length
2 Years
Community colleges typically expect students to earn 60 credits over two years to get their associate degrees, whether online or on campus.
For example, online associate degrees at Ivy Tech Community College require 60 credits over two years. Some community colleges, like Lorain County Community College, offer accelerated programs that let you complete your associate program in 15 months.
Accreditation for Online Community Colleges
College accreditation ensures that your community college is legitimate and will provide a quality education. It also allows you to access financial aid and transfer credits to four-year institutions.
Enroll in a community college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC), or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
You can verify your desired schools’ accreditation statuses by visiting the above organizations’ databases on their websites or the United States Department of Education’s database of accredited institutions. Alternatively, you can also contact these schools or search their websites to learn about their accreditation.
Is an Associate Degree Worth It?
An associate degree, particularly one from an online community college, can benefit students who are balancing work or family responsibilities. Compared to traditional degrees, online community colleges typically offer affordable, flexible programs for busy adults.
You can find the return on investment (ROI) of your associate degree by comparing the cost of your degree against how much you expect to earn once you graduate.
Associate degrees typically cost around $3,300 for online programs, according to the NCES. Meanwhile, the average starting annual salary for those with associate degrees in the class of 2023 was $51,108, according to the National Association for Colleges and Employers (NACE).
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:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Community College
Community colleges offer a broad range of two-year academic programs, including associate degrees, which students can use to transfer to four-year universities.
By contrast, technical schools provide career-focused training so you can find immediate employment in a trade or technical field. Your training will relate directly to your future field.
Explore More College Resources
Most Affordable Online Community Colleges
Many prospective college students worry about going into debt. Research the cheapest online community colleges to find an affordable degree.
Updated July 24, 2024
Community Colleges a More Affordable Path to a Bachelor’s Degree: Report
A report from the University of Washington shows just how much cheaper it is to earn your bachelor’s degree at a community college.
by Elin Johnson
Updated March 12, 2025
Is Community College Free? Yes, in These States
Get an associate degree, certificates, or workforce training tuition-free in 35 states.
Updated May 12, 2025
Other General Resources
General
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