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.
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Going to college for the first time or returning to school after a pause poses many challenges. Fortunately, online colleges can offer you a convenient solution at an affordable price.
The cheapest online community colleges let you earn an associate degree without debt. The information on this page can help you find the right school at the right price, know what to expect with online learning, and answer your questions about distance education. Check out what it offers to start your education journey on the right foot.
Most Affordable Online Community Colleges
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 2023. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology.
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Rome, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
53%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers programs on several Georgia campuses. Students can complete associate degrees online in fields such as accounting and healthcare management. Learners can develop IT skills through an AAS program in website design and development.
GNTC's short-term programs prepare enrollees for direct entry to the workforce. Learners can pursue a diploma in health information coding or logistics and supply chain management.
One of the best community colleges of 2022, GNTC delivers certificates that can qualify holders for roles as network specialists. Admission requires high school or GED transcripts.
N/A
N/A
67%
6,616
Public
Yes
$2,400
$4,800
Rome, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
53%
N/A
N/A
67%
6,616
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Georgia Northwestern Technical College offers programs on several Georgia campuses. Students can complete associate degrees online in fields such as accounting and healthcare management. Learners can develop IT skills through an AAS program in website design and development.
GNTC's short-term programs prepare enrollees for direct entry to the workforce. Learners can pursue a diploma in health information coding or logistics and supply chain management.
One of the best community colleges of 2022, GNTC delivers certificates that can qualify holders for roles as network specialists. Admission requires high school or GED transcripts.
Ogeechee Technical College
Statesboro, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
58%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Located in Georgia, Ogeechee Technical College offers an extensive catalog of online programs. Students can earn a certificate, diploma, or associate degree without visiting the Statesboro campus.
The school's programs explore fields including accounting, business technology, and computer information systems. Students pursuing the AAS in interdisciplinary studies can design their own curriculum.
One of the best community colleges of 2022, Ogeechee Tech offers some general education courses online. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.
N/A
N/A
67%
2,079
Public
Yes
$2,400
$4,800
Statesboro, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
58%
N/A
N/A
67%
2,079
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Located in Georgia, Ogeechee Technical College offers an extensive catalog of online programs. Students can earn a certificate, diploma, or associate degree without visiting the Statesboro campus.
The school's programs explore fields including accounting, business technology, and computer information systems. Students pursuing the AAS in interdisciplinary studies can design their own curriculum.
One of the best community colleges of 2022, Ogeechee Tech offers some general education courses online. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.
Carroll Community College
Westminster, MD2 yearCampus + Online
$5,016
$6,648
N/A
29%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $68-$112
Out of State | $144
Carroll Community College offers about 40 career-focused programs. Students can pursue fully online associate degrees in fields such as business administration and management information systems.
Some associate programs require campus visits. Many graduates transfer their associate degree to a four-year program. Online learners can access academic and technical support services. The school offers free use of its virtual reality lab.
One of the most affordable online community colleges of 2022, the school requires a high school diploma or GED for admission.
N/A
N/A
72%
3,126
Public
Yes
$5,016
$6,648
Westminster, MD2 yearCampus + Online
$5,016
$6,648
N/A
29%
N/A
N/A
72%
3,126
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $68-$112
Out of State | $144
Carroll Community College offers about 40 career-focused programs. Students can pursue fully online associate degrees in fields such as business administration and management information systems.
Some associate programs require campus visits. Many graduates transfer their associate degree to a four-year program. Online learners can access academic and technical support services. The school offers free use of its virtual reality lab.
One of the most affordable online community colleges of 2022, the school requires a high school diploma or GED for admission.
Southern Crescent Technical College
Griffin, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
49%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Southern Crescent Technical College is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. Southern Crescent delivers online programs in fields including business management, accounting, and early childhood care.
Associate degree-seekers can study public safety fields including fire science technology and criminal justice technology. The school's unique AS in consumer economics transfers to the University of Georgia.
Online students can pursue a variety of diplomas and technical certificates. One of the most affordable community colleges of 2022, Southern Crescent requires a high school diploma or GED for admission.
N/A
N/A
63%
5,246
Public
Yes
$2,400
$4,800
Griffin, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
49%
N/A
N/A
63%
5,246
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Southern Crescent Technical College is part of the Technical College System of Georgia. Southern Crescent delivers online programs in fields including business management, accounting, and early childhood care.
Associate degree-seekers can study public safety fields including fire science technology and criminal justice technology. The school's unique AS in consumer economics transfers to the University of Georgia.
Online students can pursue a variety of diplomas and technical certificates. One of the most affordable community colleges of 2022, Southern Crescent requires a high school diploma or GED for admission.
Southern Regional Technical College
Thomasville, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
52%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Southern Regional Technical College primarily serves students in Southwest Georgia. The school offers online associate degrees in fields including accounting and marketing. Learners can pursue an AAS to become a social work assistant. SRTC's diploma and certificate programs allow enrollees to train for new careers in weeks.
Technical certificates prepare students for positions such as payroll accounting specialist and criminal justice specialist. High school students can attend one of the best online community colleges of 2022 through dual enrollment. Admission requires high school or GED transcripts.
N/A
N/A
55%
4,973
Public
Yes
$2,400
$4,800
Thomasville, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
52%
N/A
N/A
55%
4,973
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Southern Regional Technical College primarily serves students in Southwest Georgia. The school offers online associate degrees in fields including accounting and marketing. Learners can pursue an AAS to become a social work assistant. SRTC's diploma and certificate programs allow enrollees to train for new careers in weeks.
Technical certificates prepare students for positions such as payroll accounting specialist and criminal justice specialist. High school students can attend one of the best online community colleges of 2022 through dual enrollment. Admission requires high school or GED transcripts.
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Valdosta, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
28%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College enrolls about 7,000 students in 177 programs. The school offers a limited number of online degrees in fields including accounting and education. Technical certificate programs prepare students for positions such as payroll accounting specialist.
Distance learners can enroll in 600 online programs through a network of 22 Georgia colleges. Admission to Wiregrass, one of the best community colleges of 2022, requires high school or GED transcripts.
N/A
N/A
54%
4,669
Public
Yes
$2,400
$4,800
Valdosta, GA2 yearCampus + Online
$2,400
$4,800
N/A
28%
N/A
N/A
54%
4,669
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $100
Out of State | $200
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College enrolls about 7,000 students in 177 programs. The school offers a limited number of online degrees in fields including accounting and education. Technical certificate programs prepare students for positions such as payroll accounting specialist.
Distance learners can enroll in 600 online programs through a network of 22 Georgia colleges. Admission to Wiregrass, one of the best community colleges of 2022, requires high school or GED transcripts.
Waubonsee Community College
Sugar Grove, IL2 yearCampus + Online
$8,935
$9,668
N/A
29%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $132-$434
Out of State | $471
Waubonsee Community College delivers programs at four Illinois campuses. Students choose from several fully online associate and certificate programs.
Learners who plan to pursue a four-year program can pursue an associate of arts or an associate of science. Students who plan to enter the workforce after graduating from WCC can pursue an associate of applied science in business administration or HR management.
One of the best community colleges of 2022, WCC offers some certificate programs. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and take placement tests.
N/A
N/A
72%
8,665
Public
Yes
$8,935
$9,668
Sugar Grove, IL2 yearCampus + Online
$8,935
$9,668
N/A
29%
N/A
N/A
72%
8,665
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $132-$434
Out of State | $471
Waubonsee Community College delivers programs at four Illinois campuses. Students choose from several fully online associate and certificate programs.
Learners who plan to pursue a four-year program can pursue an associate of arts or an associate of science. Students who plan to enter the workforce after graduating from WCC can pursue an associate of applied science in business administration or HR management.
One of the best community colleges of 2022, WCC offers some certificate programs. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and take placement tests.
College of the Mainland
Texas City, TX2 yearCampus + Online
$2,550
$3,450
N/A
33%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $270-$510
Out of State | $690
About 4,900 students attend College of the Mainland, one of the best online community colleges of 2022. Associate degree-seekers can supplement their on-campus studies with online courses.
Students can earn an entirely online degree in business administration or criminal justice. COM delivers an AA in general studies that transfers easily to four-year schools.
Distance learners can access one-on-one online tutoring. Admission to COM requires placement testing and a high school diploma or GED.
N/A
N/A
66%
4,687
Public
Yes
$2,550
$3,450
Texas City, TX2 yearCampus + Online
$2,550
$3,450
N/A
33%
N/A
N/A
66%
4,687
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $270-$510
Out of State | $690
About 4,900 students attend College of the Mainland, one of the best online community colleges of 2022. Associate degree-seekers can supplement their on-campus studies with online courses.
Students can earn an entirely online degree in business administration or criminal justice. COM delivers an AA in general studies that transfers easily to four-year schools.
Distance learners can access one-on-one online tutoring. Admission to COM requires placement testing and a high school diploma or GED.
Roanoke-Chowan Community College
Ahoskie, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
63%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268
Located in North Carolina, Roanoke-Chowan Community College offers a comprehensive catalog of on-campus associate programs. Students can supplement in-person learning with online courses.
R-CCC students can access fully online programs through the North Carolina Community College System. Virtual learning options include associate, diploma, and certificate programs.
One of the top community colleges of 2022, R-CCC offers dual-enrollment courses that allow high school students to earn college credits. Applicants to the college submit placement test scores and high school or college transcripts.
N/A
N/A
53%
649
Public
Yes
$2,432
$8,576
Ahoskie, NC2 yearCampus + Online
$2,432
$8,576
N/A
63%
N/A
N/A
53%
649
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $76
Out of State | $268
Located in North Carolina, Roanoke-Chowan Community College offers a comprehensive catalog of on-campus associate programs. Students can supplement in-person learning with online courses.
R-CCC students can access fully online programs through the North Carolina Community College System. Virtual learning options include associate, diploma, and certificate programs.
One of the top community colleges of 2022, R-CCC offers dual-enrollment courses that allow high school students to earn college credits. Applicants to the college submit placement test scores and high school or college transcripts.
Lewis and Clark Community College
Godfrey, IL2 yearCampus + Online
$9,000
$12,000
N/A
16%
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $125-$146
Out of State | $146
With multiple Illinois campuses, Lewis and Clark Community College delivers nearly 40 career programs. Students benefit from small class sizes. One of the top community colleges of 2022, L&C offers online courses in a variety of fields.
L&C offers associate degrees in areas including information technology and child development. Some of the school's associate programs fulfill requirements for the first two years of bachelor's studies, helping learners save money on tuition.
Applicants submit high school or college transcripts.
N/A
N/A
71%
6,413
Public
Yes
$9,000
$12,000
Godfrey, IL2 yearCampus + Online
$9,000
$12,000
N/A
16%
N/A
N/A
71%
6,413
Public
Yes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $125-$146
Out of State | $146
With multiple Illinois campuses, Lewis and Clark Community College delivers nearly 40 career programs. Students benefit from small class sizes. One of the top community colleges of 2022, L&C offers online courses in a variety of fields.
L&C offers associate degrees in areas including information technology and child development. Some of the school's associate programs fulfill requirements for the first two years of bachelor's studies, helping learners save money on tuition.
Applicants submit high school or college transcripts.
Evaluating the Cost of Online Community College
The typical in-district community college students paid $3,598 in tuition and fees during the 2022-2023 school year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). NCES figures also show that online learners saved thousands of dollars on their education by not paying for on-campus room and board. These financial benefits make online learning an attractive option for college applicants deciding between in-person and online education.
The cheapest online community colleges charge the lowest tuition rate to in-district residents. A district may consist of a county or other defined geographic area. Out-of-district degree-seekers may pay the out-of-state tuition rate.
Although the cheapest online community colleges can reduce your cost of attendance, you must still budget for technology, fees, and commuting to any in-person requirements. You can pay less for college textbooks by buying them used and reselling them at the end of the semester.
What to Expect in Online Community College
The cheapest online community colleges offer different associate degrees, such as the associate for transfer. These degrees prepare you to transfer to a bachelor’s-completion program with general education classes in the natural sciences, arts, and social sciences. You can also start your major at community college before finishing it at a four-year school.
The online learning experience varies by school. An asynchronous curriculum lets you view lectures and complete coursework at convenient times, making it a great choice for people needing work-life balance. Synchronous programs require set class meeting times you attend with a webcam and microphone.
Consider programs’ in-person requirements before applying to the cheapest online community colleges. Typical healthcare programs feature labs, practicums, and other in-person experiences. You must schedule your responsibilities around these requirements.
High-Paying Careers for Community College Graduates
A two-year degree from one of the cheapest online community colleges can prepare you for a high-paying career. Many of these jobs exist in the healthcare and information technology fields. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects moderate-to-strong growth for many of these professions.
You can increase your salary potential even if your degree does not align with one of the careers in the table below. The latest BLS data shows that professionals with an associate degree make about $150 more weekly than their peers with only a high school diploma. College graduates also experience unemployment at a much lower rate.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2023) | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Therapists | $98,300 | +2% |
| Dental Hygienists | $87,530 | +7% |
| Respiratory Therapists | $77,960 | +13% |
| Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars | $62,990 | +16% |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $60,970 | +4% |
| Computer Network Support Specialists | $60,810 | +5% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Online Community Colleges
Online learning can save you money in many ways, such as eliminating commuting costs. Community colleges also offer in-district students the lowest tuition rate, with other in-state and out-of-state learners paying much more.
Community college also offers cost savings compared to public four-year schools. You may save thousands of dollars on a bachelor’s if you start your undergraduate education at one of the cheapest online community colleges.
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