Most Affordable Online Community Colleges

Attending an online community college can be an affordable, flexible path to a better career.
Bennett Leckrone
By
Edited by
Updated July 30, 2025
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At a Glance: BestColleges’ Cheapest Online Community Colleges

  • #1: Western Texas College — WTC’s focus on college preparation makes it an ideal option if you plan to eventually transfer to a four-year college.
  • #2: Wayne Community College — Wayne Community College offers high-demand certificates at an affordable price.
  • #3: Copiah-Lincoln Community College — Copiah-Lincoln’s customizable curriculum can help you tailor your degree to your career goals.

Attending a community college is one of the most affordable ways to get a degree. And many community colleges offer online degrees built for working professionals.

This means you won’t have to put your job or personal life on pause to get your degree.

Students emphasized affordability and flexibility in BestColleges’ 2024 Online Education Trends Report — 90% of online associate degree students and graduates we surveyed said they expect their degree to have a positive return on investment.

We used federal data on affordability and student outcomes to compile a list of community colleges that can get you a degree at a fraction of the cost of a traditional program.

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Cheapest Online Community Colleges of 2025

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.
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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.

#1

Western Texas College

Snyder, TX2 yearCampus + Online

$3,510

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,530

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

87%

Online Enrollment

Why WTC Made Our List

WTC is all about college preparation. Its associate degrees fall into four categories: associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science, and associate of arts in teaching. These degrees feature majors in areas like communications, biology, business, and more. They cover the general education requirements of many four-year degrees. 

Why Attend WTC Online

Built for transfer: WTC designs its degrees to transfer to four-year colleges.

Affordable: The average annual net price after aid is $7,135, based on our analysis of federal data.

Most graduate: Roughly 59% of WTC students graduate, one of the highest rates on our list. 

Know Before You Go

Limited offerings: WTC’s degrees are broad, with multiple majors to help you transfer to a four-year institution. That means you’ll have less opportunity for specialization. 

Curriculum designed for Texas colleges: WTC accepts out-of-state students, but its curriculum is designed to transfer to four-year colleges within Texas. 

Online advising available: WTC pairs students with an online advisor to help you plan your degree. 

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

1,434

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,510

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,530

Western Texas College

Snyder, TX2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,510

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,530

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

87%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

1,434

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why WTC Made Our List

WTC is all about college preparation. Its associate degrees fall into four categories: associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science, and associate of arts in teaching. These degrees feature majors in areas like communications, biology, business, and more. They cover the general education requirements of many four-year degrees. 

Why Attend WTC Online

Built for transfer: WTC designs its degrees to transfer to four-year colleges.

Affordable: The average annual net price after aid is $7,135, based on our analysis of federal data.

Most graduate: Roughly 59% of WTC students graduate, one of the highest rates on our list. 

Know Before You Go

Limited offerings: WTC’s degrees are broad, with multiple majors to help you transfer to a four-year institution. That means you’ll have less opportunity for specialization. 

Curriculum designed for Texas colleges: WTC accepts out-of-state students, but its curriculum is designed to transfer to four-year colleges within Texas. 

Online advising available: WTC pairs students with an online advisor to help you plan your degree. 

#2

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, NC2 yearCampus + Online

$2,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,576

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

81%

Online Enrollment

Why Wayne Community College Made Our List

Wayne Community College offers a variety of online degrees in everything from applied animal science technology to cybersecurity and emergency management. Students also have access to high-demand certificates in areas like business administration, medical office administration, and web development. 

Why Attend Wayne Community College Online

Low net price: With an annual net price of $3,597, Wayne Community College is one of the more affordable schools on our list.

Most students graduate: Wayne Community College has a 57% graduation rate, the third highest on our list. 

Designed for working professionals: Online degrees from Wayne Community College are designed with flexibility for working professionals in mind. 

Know Before You Go

Diplomas and certificates available: Wayne Community College offers dozens of foundational diplomas and certificates alongside its two-year degrees to build on your skills. 

Widely accredited: In addition to its schoolwide accreditation, Wayne Community College holds a number of programmatic accreditations in areas like nursing, health education, and more. 

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

2,883

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,576

Wayne Community College

Goldsboro, NC2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$8,576

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

81%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

2,883

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Wayne Community College Made Our List

Wayne Community College offers a variety of online degrees in everything from applied animal science technology to cybersecurity and emergency management. Students also have access to high-demand certificates in areas like business administration, medical office administration, and web development. 

Why Attend Wayne Community College Online

Low net price: With an annual net price of $3,597, Wayne Community College is one of the more affordable schools on our list.

Most students graduate: Wayne Community College has a 57% graduation rate, the third highest on our list. 

Designed for working professionals: Online degrees from Wayne Community College are designed with flexibility for working professionals in mind. 

Know Before You Go

Diplomas and certificates available: Wayne Community College offers dozens of foundational diplomas and certificates alongside its two-year degrees to build on your skills. 

Widely accredited: In addition to its schoolwide accreditation, Wayne Community College holds a number of programmatic accreditations in areas like nursing, health education, and more. 

#3

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Wesson, MS2 yearCampus + Online

$3,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

64%

Online Enrollment

Why Copiah-Lincoln Community College Made Our List

Copiah-Lincoln Community College has one of the more customizable programs on our list. You’ll have access to five applied science degrees and a highly flexible associate of arts and sciences program that offers concentrations in everything from the humanities to health science and business. That’ll help prepare you for both the workforce and a four-year degree. 

Why Attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College Online

Customizable concentrations: The concentration format of Copiah-Lincoln’s degree program means you’ll be able to build a degree based on your interests. 

Affordable: The average net price after aid is $5,098, per our data analysis. 

More than half of students graduate: Copiah-Lincoln has a 52% graduation rate, meaning most students are likely to graduate. 

Know Before You Go

Fewer degree options: While Copiah-Lincoln offers a host of concentrations in its associate of arts and sciences program, there are fewer full degree options to select from. 

Restricted financial aid: Most of its grant programs are available only to Mississippi residents. 

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

2,834

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,500

Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Wesson, MS2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,500

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,500

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

64%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

73%

Students Enrolled

2,834

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Copiah-Lincoln Community College Made Our List

Copiah-Lincoln Community College has one of the more customizable programs on our list. You’ll have access to five applied science degrees and a highly flexible associate of arts and sciences program that offers concentrations in everything from the humanities to health science and business. That’ll help prepare you for both the workforce and a four-year degree. 

Why Attend Copiah-Lincoln Community College Online

Customizable concentrations: The concentration format of Copiah-Lincoln’s degree program means you’ll be able to build a degree based on your interests. 

Affordable: The average net price after aid is $5,098, per our data analysis. 

More than half of students graduate: Copiah-Lincoln has a 52% graduation rate, meaning most students are likely to graduate. 

Know Before You Go

Fewer degree options: While Copiah-Lincoln offers a host of concentrations in its associate of arts and sciences program, there are fewer full degree options to select from. 

Restricted financial aid: Most of its grant programs are available only to Mississippi residents. 

#4

Coastal Pines Technical College

Waycross, GA2 yearCampus + Online

$2,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

38%

Online Enrollment

Why Coastal Pines Made Our List

Coastal Pines has the lowest net price of any school on our list after aid is applied. Students pay an average of just $2,168 annually, based on our analysis of federal data. However, its overall ranking was lessened due to a slightly lower graduation rate than other schools. Coastal Pines emphasizes business and real-world learning through its flexible online programs.

Why Attend Coastal Pines Online

Business emphasis: Coastal Pines infuses real-world business education into its online programs. That can help you hit the ground running after graduation or prepare you to transfer to a four-year business school. 

The most affordable school on our list: Coastal Pines has the lowest average net price on our list at less than $2,200 annually. 

Technical education: As a technical college, Coastal Pines highlights industry connections throughout its programs. It also offers standalone professional development courses in areas like strategic leadership. 

Know Before You Go

Fewer online programs: Coastal Pines offers eight online programs, which isn’t as many as other schools on this list. 

Lower graduation rate: At 46%, Coastal Pines has one of the lower graduation rates on our list. 

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

4,137

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,800

Coastal Pines Technical College

Waycross, GA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,800

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

38%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

4,137

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Coastal Pines Made Our List

Coastal Pines has the lowest net price of any school on our list after aid is applied. Students pay an average of just $2,168 annually, based on our analysis of federal data. However, its overall ranking was lessened due to a slightly lower graduation rate than other schools. Coastal Pines emphasizes business and real-world learning through its flexible online programs.

Why Attend Coastal Pines Online

Business emphasis: Coastal Pines infuses real-world business education into its online programs. That can help you hit the ground running after graduation or prepare you to transfer to a four-year business school. 

The most affordable school on our list: Coastal Pines has the lowest average net price on our list at less than $2,200 annually. 

Technical education: As a technical college, Coastal Pines highlights industry connections throughout its programs. It also offers standalone professional development courses in areas like strategic leadership. 

Know Before You Go

Fewer online programs: Coastal Pines offers eight online programs, which isn’t as many as other schools on this list. 

Lower graduation rate: At 46%, Coastal Pines has one of the lower graduation rates on our list. 

#5

Southern Crescent Technical College

Griffin, GA2 yearCampus + Online

$2,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,800

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

76%

Online Enrollment

Why Southern Crescent Made Our List

Southern Crescent Technical College offers some of the more specialized (and high-demand) online associate degrees on our list. Those include fire science, criminal justice, supply chain management, business management and technology, consumer economics, and general studies. Those affordable, in-demand degrees can help you transition to fast-growing fields. 

Why Attend Southern Crescent Online

High-demand subjects: Southern Crescent is an ideal option for students looking to break into niche areas, including logistics. 

Many certifications available: Southern Crescent’s technical certifications can complement a degree. 

Career emphasis: All of Southern Crescent’s offerings focus on high-demand, fast-growing areas. 

Know Before You Go

Average price after aid: Southern Crescent’s average net price after aid is $5,158, putting it solidly in the middle of affordability on this list. 

Fair graduation rate: Southern Crescent is also somewhere in the middle in terms of student outcomes, with a 51% graduation rate. 

Limited nontechnical options: While Southern Crescent shines in its technical offerings, it isn’t a strong option for students looking to major in the humanities.  

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

5,804

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,800

Southern Crescent Technical College

Griffin, GA2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$2,400

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,800

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

76%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

5,804

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Southern Crescent Made Our List

Southern Crescent Technical College offers some of the more specialized (and high-demand) online associate degrees on our list. Those include fire science, criminal justice, supply chain management, business management and technology, consumer economics, and general studies. Those affordable, in-demand degrees can help you transition to fast-growing fields. 

Why Attend Southern Crescent Online

High-demand subjects: Southern Crescent is an ideal option for students looking to break into niche areas, including logistics. 

Many certifications available: Southern Crescent’s technical certifications can complement a degree. 

Career emphasis: All of Southern Crescent’s offerings focus on high-demand, fast-growing areas. 

Know Before You Go

Average price after aid: Southern Crescent’s average net price after aid is $5,158, putting it solidly in the middle of affordability on this list. 

Fair graduation rate: Southern Crescent is also somewhere in the middle in terms of student outcomes, with a 51% graduation rate. 

Limited nontechnical options: While Southern Crescent shines in its technical offerings, it isn’t a strong option for students looking to major in the humanities.  

#6

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, WI2 yearCampus + Online

$4,386

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,579

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

31%

Online Enrollment

Why Fox Valley Made Our List

Fox Valley Technical College holds two distinctions on our list: It’s the most expensive after aid, and it has the highest graduation rate. So while Fox Valley is slightly more expensive, more of its students are completing their studies and graduating. As a Fox Valley student, you’ll have access to high-demand subjects like cybersecurity and data. 

Why Attend Fox Valley Online

Higher graduation rate: At 61%, Fox Valley boasts the highest graduation rate on our list. 

Live classes available: If you want a traditional lecture format with online learning, Fox Valley offers virtual classroom experiences with live meetings. 

Fast-growing fields: Fox Valley offers associate degrees in areas like criminal justice and cybersecurity. You’ll also have access to a number of business-related degrees. 

Know Before You Go

Higher net price than other schools: The average net price after aid for Fox Valley is more than $10,000, making it the most expensive school on our list. 

Certificates available: In addition to numerous degree options, you’ll have access to certificates in small business, digital media, and more. 

Transfer options available: Fox Valley has a variety of four-year credit transfer agreements with colleges, meaning you can also save money on a bachelor’s degree.  

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

10,995

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,386

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,579

Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, WI2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,386

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,579

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

31%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

68%

Students Enrolled

10,995

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Fox Valley Made Our List

Fox Valley Technical College holds two distinctions on our list: It’s the most expensive after aid, and it has the highest graduation rate. So while Fox Valley is slightly more expensive, more of its students are completing their studies and graduating. As a Fox Valley student, you’ll have access to high-demand subjects like cybersecurity and data. 

Why Attend Fox Valley Online

Higher graduation rate: At 61%, Fox Valley boasts the highest graduation rate on our list. 

Live classes available: If you want a traditional lecture format with online learning, Fox Valley offers virtual classroom experiences with live meetings. 

Fast-growing fields: Fox Valley offers associate degrees in areas like criminal justice and cybersecurity. You’ll also have access to a number of business-related degrees. 

Know Before You Go

Higher net price than other schools: The average net price after aid for Fox Valley is more than $10,000, making it the most expensive school on our list. 

Certificates available: In addition to numerous degree options, you’ll have access to certificates in small business, digital media, and more. 

Transfer options available: Fox Valley has a variety of four-year credit transfer agreements with colleges, meaning you can also save money on a bachelor’s degree.  

#7

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, MI2 yearCampus + Online

$4,224

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,976

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

67%

Online Enrollment

Why Washtenaw Made Our List

Washtenaw Community College offers more than a dozen online degrees with a focus on workforce development. These include areas like construction supervision, industrial training, and criminal justice. You’ll also have the option for general studies and transfer-specific degrees to help you earn a bachelor’s degree.

Why Attend Washtenaw Online

Affordable: Washtenaw is the second-most affordable college on our list, with an average net price of $3,588 after aid is applied.

Broad offerings: Washtenaw offers online associate degrees in everything from liberal arts to construction supervision, meaning you’ll have options regardless of your career path. 

Niche business offerings: Washtenaw lets you dive deep into specific business skill sets with degrees in business enterprise, occupational studies, retail management, and supply chain management. 

Know Before You Go

Transfer-specific degrees: Some of Washtenaw’s degrees are built specifically to transfer to a four-year college. You’ll work with an advisor to build your degree based on the college you want to attend. 

Lower graduation rate: Washtenaw has a 30% graduation rate, although that is partially explained by its focus on transferring. 

Certificates available: Washtenaw also offers a number of advanced certificates in subjects including programming and cybersecurity. 

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

10,756

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,224

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,976

Washtenaw Community College

Ann Arbor, MI2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,224

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$5,976

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

67%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

65%

Students Enrolled

10,756

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Washtenaw Made Our List

Washtenaw Community College offers more than a dozen online degrees with a focus on workforce development. These include areas like construction supervision, industrial training, and criminal justice. You’ll also have the option for general studies and transfer-specific degrees to help you earn a bachelor’s degree.

Why Attend Washtenaw Online

Affordable: Washtenaw is the second-most affordable college on our list, with an average net price of $3,588 after aid is applied.

Broad offerings: Washtenaw offers online associate degrees in everything from liberal arts to construction supervision, meaning you’ll have options regardless of your career path. 

Niche business offerings: Washtenaw lets you dive deep into specific business skill sets with degrees in business enterprise, occupational studies, retail management, and supply chain management. 

Know Before You Go

Transfer-specific degrees: Some of Washtenaw’s degrees are built specifically to transfer to a four-year college. You’ll work with an advisor to build your degree based on the college you want to attend. 

Lower graduation rate: Washtenaw has a 30% graduation rate, although that is partially explained by its focus on transferring. 

Certificates available: Washtenaw also offers a number of advanced certificates in subjects including programming and cybersecurity. 

#8

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, NC2 yearCampus + Online

$1,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,432

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

88%

Online Enrollment

Why Vance-Granville Made Our List

Vance-Granville Community College offers 12 online degrees, including broad associate of arts offerings and more specific, niche degrees in information technology (IT) and medical office administration. Vance-Granville has a focus on flexibility in its online programs, which feature asynchronous courses and self-paced modules. 

Why Attend Vance-Granville Online

Asynchronous courses: Online courses at Vance-Granville are asynchronous, meaning you can work toward your degree on your own schedule. 

Individual courses available: Vance-Granville also offers individual online courses. 

Affordable: The average net price of attending Vance-Granville is less than $5,400. 

Know Before You Go

Some courses may have live options: Vance-Granville notes that some instructors may have live courses. 

Graduation rate: Vance-Granville is on the lower end of graduation rates for our list at 47% based on federal data. 

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

2,841

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,432

Vance-Granville Community College

Henderson, NC2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$1,824

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$6,432

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

88%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

2,841

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Why Vance-Granville Made Our List

Vance-Granville Community College offers 12 online degrees, including broad associate of arts offerings and more specific, niche degrees in information technology (IT) and medical office administration. Vance-Granville has a focus on flexibility in its online programs, which feature asynchronous courses and self-paced modules. 

Why Attend Vance-Granville Online

Asynchronous courses: Online courses at Vance-Granville are asynchronous, meaning you can work toward your degree on your own schedule. 

Individual courses available: Vance-Granville also offers individual online courses. 

Affordable: The average net price of attending Vance-Granville is less than $5,400. 

Know Before You Go

Some courses may have live options: Vance-Granville notes that some instructors may have live courses. 

Graduation rate: Vance-Granville is on the lower end of graduation rates for our list at 47% based on federal data. 

#9

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, NE2 yearCampus + Online

$3,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,530

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

49%

Online Enrollment

 Why Northeast Community College Made Our List

Northeast Community College offers flexible online degrees designed to help you transfer to a four-year college and excel in the workforce. Its online degrees and certificates touch on everything from social science and food service management to criminal justice and education. 

Why Attend Northeast Community College Online

Get resident tuition: Resident tuition for a Nebraska resident is $3,300, based on 30 credit hours for the academic year. And if you live in any bordering state, you can get that same tuition as well. 

Strong graduation rate: 56% of Northeast Community College students graduate.

Agriculture transfer program: Northeast offers an agriculture-focused college transfer program to help you earn your bachelor’s. 

Know Before You Go

Not as many options as other schools on this list: Northeast Community College offers fewer degrees and certificates than some other schools on our list, although its degrees focus on high-demand areas.

Diploma program: In addition to certificates, Northeast also offers more in-depth diploma programs that offer expanded education in a field without the commitment of a full degree. 

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

5,595

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,530

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, NE2 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,240

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$4,530

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

49%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

71%

Students Enrolled

5,595

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

 Why Northeast Community College Made Our List

Northeast Community College offers flexible online degrees designed to help you transfer to a four-year college and excel in the workforce. Its online degrees and certificates touch on everything from social science and food service management to criminal justice and education. 

Why Attend Northeast Community College Online

Get resident tuition: Resident tuition for a Nebraska resident is $3,300, based on 30 credit hours for the academic year. And if you live in any bordering state, you can get that same tuition as well. 

Strong graduation rate: 56% of Northeast Community College students graduate.

Agriculture transfer program: Northeast offers an agriculture-focused college transfer program to help you earn your bachelor’s. 

Know Before You Go

Not as many options as other schools on this list: Northeast Community College offers fewer degrees and certificates than some other schools on our list, although its degrees focus on high-demand areas.

Diploma program: In addition to certificates, Northeast also offers more in-depth diploma programs that offer expanded education in a field without the commitment of a full degree. 

#10

Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Andalusia, AL2 yearOnline

$3,810

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$7,620

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

62%

Online Enrollment

 Why Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Made Our List

LBW combines learner support with a career focus. Its online programs focus on preparing students for real-world roles, and they are often tailored to specific jobs like pharmacy technician and clinical assistant. 

Why Attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Online

Experience in distance education: LBW has a long track record of distance education, and it has support systems and advisors to help you succeed in a remote environment. 

Career focus: Lurleen B. Wallace’s online programs center around real jobs to prepare you for graduation.

Affordability: The average net price after aid is $3,842, based on our analysis of federal data. 

Know Before You Go

Externship: Online students also have access to LBW’s externship program. It’s an optional volunteer opportunity to get real-world experience with an employer in your field.

Graduation rate: LBW has a 43% graduation rate.  

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

2,130

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,810

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,620

Lurleen B Wallace Community College

Andalusia, AL2 yearOnline

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$3,810

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$7,620

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

62%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

62%

Students Enrolled

2,130

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

 Why Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Made Our List

LBW combines learner support with a career focus. Its online programs focus on preparing students for real-world roles, and they are often tailored to specific jobs like pharmacy technician and clinical assistant. 

Why Attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College Online

Experience in distance education: LBW has a long track record of distance education, and it has support systems and advisors to help you succeed in a remote environment. 

Career focus: Lurleen B. Wallace’s online programs center around real jobs to prepare you for graduation.

Affordability: The average net price after aid is $3,842, based on our analysis of federal data. 

Know Before You Go

Externship: Online students also have access to LBW’s externship program. It’s an optional volunteer opportunity to get real-world experience with an employer in your field.

Graduation rate: LBW has a 43% graduation rate.  

How Much Does Online Community College Cost?

Public two-year colleges are considered highly affordable, costing around $4,000 in annual tuition and fees for full-time students as of the 2022-2023 school year, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Private nonprofit and for-profit two-year institutions tended to be significantly more expensive, costing upwards of $16,000.

That’s significantly more affordable than four-year institutions, which tend to charge much more for their degrees.

Cost (2022-2023) by Institute Type

Institution Type

Cost (2022-2023)

Public Two-Year

$4,000

Public Four-Year

$9,800

Private Four-Year

$40,700

According to the NCES 2020 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study, the average tuition and fees for associate degrees was virtually the same for online and in-person students — $3,323 and $3,422 respectively.

The cost of community college varies by state, and some colleges charge higher tuition for out-of-state students.

How to Save Money on Online Community College

The tuition and fees you see posted on a community college’s website aren’t necessarily what you’ll end up paying. Financial aid and free community college programs can help cut down the price tag of a two-year degree.

1. See if Your State Offers Free Community College

Depending on where you live, you might not have to pay for your associate degree at all.

At least 34 states offer some form of tuition-free community college. However, these programs are generally for state residents who attend in-state colleges. Some states, like Arkansas, also require residents to have lived in the state for at least three years and completed community service and mentoring as part of the program.

We’ve compiled a free community college tracker to help you find out more about whether you can get a free degree in your state.

2. Apply for Financial Aid

Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is key to cutting down on the cost of community college.

The Department of Education generally launches the FAFSA around October, although it’s been delayed by technical issues in recent years.

You can also apply for scholarships through your community college and through third-party organizations that help fund associate degrees.

3. Test Out of Classes

Testing out of college classes can shorten your degree completion and save you both time and money.

Some community colleges accept subject-specific tests like the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) that demonstrate your knowledge in a subject area and allow you to skip introductory courses and go into more advanced-level instruction.

Taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes in high school can also count toward college credit.

Some community colleges also offer credit for life and work experience, including military service.

Are the Cheapest Online Community College Degrees Worth It?

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data shows that getting a degree from a community college can pay off.

People with an associate degree had higher weekly earnings and a lower unemployment rate than those with a high school diploma alone, according to the findings. Whereas people with only a high school diploma had a 4.2% unemployment rate in 2024, that figure was 2.8% for those with an associate degree.

Earning an associate degree can also help you earn an affordable online bachelor’s degree. A number of major universities accept general education credits from community colleges, meaning you can cut down on the time and cost of a four-year degree.

If your community college is one of a growing number that offers bachelor’s degrees, it might be especially worth it. BestColleges previously reported that getting a bachelor’s degree from a community college is about three times less expensive than at four-year universities.

Higher-Paying Community College Degrees

An associate degree, coupled with on-the-job training and experience, can help you land some of these higher-paying jobs.

Higher-Paying Community College Degrees
JobMedian Annual Salary (May 2024)Education Needed
Air Traffic Controller$144,580Associate
Nuclear Technician$104,240Associate
Radiation Therapist$101,990Associate
Dental Hygienist$94,260Associate
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Cardiovascular Technologist$82,570Associate

Frequently Asked Questions About the Cheapest Online Community Colleges

Community college isn’t free across the United States, but at least 34 states have some form of free college program. Those programs usually have residency requirements.

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