The top online Community Colleges offer flexible certificate and degree programs for working adults to advance their careers while they work. Community colleges offer many benefits and advantages.
Online options also provide many helpful, practical, and excellent benefits for post-secondary schooling students. These include choices like community colleges online degree programs or online vocational schooling options. Community colleges are great options for students who need to save money on prerequisite classes. Additionally, they are ideal for working students who want more affordable degree options. Online programs also provide many benefits that also complement the advantages of community college, such as affordability, flexibility, and convenience.
If you have asked – Are there any online community colleges? – the answer is yes. There is an abundance of quality two-year and community college online programs. And the good news is that Community Colleges offer many practical, helpful, and cost-effective solutions for those seeking to further their education.
How We Ranked The Best Online Community Colleges
The Online Schools Guide editors found accredited Community Colleges offering online or hybrid degree programs. We first ranked the schools based on the number of online programs the school offers. Then the schools are ranked by cost, student reviews, and salary.
| 10 Top Online Community Colleges |
|---|
| #1 South Texas College |
| #2 Wake Tech Community College |
| #3 Coastal Pines Technical College |
| #4 Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
| #5 Clovis Community College |
| #6 Lincoln Trail College |
| #7 Southwestern Community College |
| #8 Southern Arkansas University Tech |
| #9 West Kentucky Community & Technical College |
| #8 Southern Arkansas University Tech |
1. South Texas College
South Texas College (STC) is among the best online community colleges. STC has eight locations in the McAllister, Texas area. However, the school’s reach is worldwide, with 35 online degrees. Students can complete all of these programs 100 percent online.
South Texas also has a dozen certificate programs, from computer programs to management and marketing. And there are more than 20 associate degree programs in healthcare and technology areas. There are a few baccalaureate programs as well. In-district tuition is $77 per credit – defined as residents of Hidalgo and Starr counties. Texas tuition is $87 per credit hour for the rest of the in-state students. Out-of-state tuition is $200 per credit hour. STC also has special programs for military personnel.
South Texas College is ahead of its time. The school makes it easy to complete programs while you work at your regular job, no matter where that is. The eight-campus community college enrolled 28,000 students in the fall of 2020. South Texas was founded in 1993 and is the only community college in the State of Texas to offer five bachelor’s degree programs.
2. Wake Tech Community College
Another one of the Best Online Community Colleges is Wake Tech Community College. Wake Tech has eight locations in central North Carolina and is the most prominent community college in the state. It expands its borders by offering dozens of online programs.
According to the school’s website, Wake Tech Online offers more online diplomas, certificates, and degrees than any community college in the United States. Wake Tech has more than 200 programs, including associate’s degrees, diplomas, and certificates for continuing education in many fields. In addition, the school offers short-term non-degree programs in IT, healthcare, public safety, and various skilled trades.
Wake Tech has an English as a foreign language program and high school equivalency preparation. There is also a free e-learning intro course to help you get the most out of online education. In-state tuition at Wake Tech is $76 per credit hour, and out-of-state tuition is $268 per credit. Students in the area may also take a combination of online and in-person classes. Financial Aid and student services on campus are also available for those taking online courses.
3. Coastal Pines Technical College
Among the best online community colleges, Coastal Pines Technical College stands out for many reasons. The school has several locations around Georgia for in-person classes; you may take online classes from anywhere. You can complete 100% online programs, including accounting, business, criminal justice, and marketing. Online classes are identical to in-person classes, with the same lectures and materials. The same assignments are given, and the same amount of time is needed to complete the work. All student services are also available for online students.
Students living in the area may do some of their classwork online as well. This online community college offers a dozen degree programs with associate degrees available. There are also certificates and non-credit classes for continuing education programs. Tuition is $100 per credit hour for Georgia residents and $200 for non-Georgia residents. In addition, Georgia residents over 62 may take classes for non-credit without cost and on a space-available basis.
4. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is one of the Best Online Community Colleges. The school has several locations in South Georgia and can connect students to any school in the state through its e-campus program.
This online community college offers different methods of online education. It has a limited number of fully online courses that students can complete. But, it also offers hybrid classes and web-enhanced courses that add some online material to regular classes. Online classes are identical to in-person classes, and all student services are available to online students. Wiregrass offers five online degree programs, six online diploma programs, and twenty-six online Technical Certificates of Credit in different academic areas.
This technical college tuition is the same for online and in-person classes. Instate tuition is $100 per credit hour and $200 for out-of-state students. Classes taken online are easily transferable to schools in the Georgia educational system. Likewise, Wiregrass courses will transfer to other states. However, the transfer policies differ from state to state, so check with each institution before taking a class.
5. Clovis Community College
Clovis Community College (CCC) is one of the Best Online Community Colleges. CCC offers a lot of programs for people in the area. In addition, their online degrees enable students from anywhere to take classes.
This community college in Clovis, New Mexico, offers online degree programs in behavior science, business, computers, criminal justice, paralegal, and liberal arts. Clovis Community College is one of the lowest-cost online degree community colleges you will find. In-state tuition is $46 per credit hour, and for out-of-state students, the price is $111 per hour. People in the area may take some classes online in a hybrid program.
The school also offers a general studies curriculum online for students with credits from different institutions or multiple interests. They may combine them all into one degree here. Military personnel is also encouraged to take online courses here, and there are programs to facilitate signing up. In addition, the school offers instruction in how to take online courses for those that need it at no cost. Student services are also available to all students, whether online or in person.
6. Lincoln Trail College
Lincoln Trail College (LTC) in Robinson, IL, is part of the Eastern Illinois Community Colleges system. The College is one of the best online community colleges and offers degrees designed to be transferred to four-year colleges in the state.
The transfer degrees offered include science, arts, and general studies. Most of these may be hybrid programs. Students can also earn online Associate degrees in accounting, medical assistant, health information, and sports management. In addition, there are about 20 certificates students may earn online.
The Lincoln Trail tuition costs $92 per credit hour for in-state residents and $342 for out-of-state students. In-state students may take courses online at a lower cost and transfer them to four-year schools. Many associates degrees can be specifically tailored to transfer. The same instructors that are on campus are also teaching online classes. The lectures are recorded live in the actual classrooms.
7. Southwestern Community College
Another of the Best Online Community Colleges is Southwestern Community College in Sylva, N.C. Southwestern offers thirty degree programs that students complete entirely online.
There is an Associate of Art (AA) transfers degree available. Associate of Applied Science programs in accounting, business, electronics, and information technologies are also available. In addition, several certificates are available online in accounting, business, education, health, and information technology. Diplomas are available in accounting and business.
Southwestern Community College tuition is $76 per credit hour for in-state students and $144 for out-of-state students. A proctor is required for some tests in some classes, meaning a school official will monitor you taking the test electronically. The online courses are identical to the on-campus programs, and you may communicate with the instructors electronically.
8. Southern Arkansas University Tech
Southern Arkansas University Tech is an online degree community college that offers a solid deal for out-of-state students. SAU Tech offers programs and certificates that are partially online and several fully online program options. Additionally, the school offers three-credit-hour classes for $534 for online students regardless of the state of residence.
This is one of the online community colleges that encourage students at other universities to take classes during summer and winter breaks to fast-track their education. The school offers more than ten online degrees and certifications. Business administration, general studies, computer technology, criminal justice, fire science, environmental studies, and health sciences are all online.
Eight more courses for students have transfer capability. SAU is in Camden, Arkansas, and serves southern Arkansas and north Louisiana. Students in that area may take several hybrid programs. Military personnel should take classes here, and there are programs to make signing up easy.
9. West Kentucky Community and Technical College
West Kentucky Community and Technical College is an online degree community college serving students nationwide. WKCTC has nine degrees that are entirely online. Additionally, there are many programs students can complete in a combination of online and in person. Associate degrees are available in arts and sciences and business administration. These are easily transferable to four-year colleges.
There are three computer science programs criminal justice, marine technology, and medical information technology. Associate degrees can also transfer to four-year colleges. Online courses for in-state students are not low, at $179 per credit hour. However, out-of-state students get the in-state price for all online courses., making it a good deal for an online degree in community college.
West Kentucky Community College also offers programs for military personnel that students complete where they deploy. Student services available on campus are also available to online students. You may visit the school in person as you wish.
10. Herkimer College
Herkimer County Community College is part of the State University of New York system. The school is in Herkimer, NY, and also offers a four-year college experience. As it grows, the school is rebranding to just Herkimer College. Herkimer County Community College is one of the best online community colleges that serve students from all over the nation.
The school has 25 degrees in multiple disciplines that can complete entirely online. Eleven are in the business area, and Herkimer offers a travel and events management program. Herkimer offers four criminal justice degrees, including a paralegal studies certificate. A legal studies program is a prerequisite for law school. There are three programs in healthcare, including management, human services, and coding. A general studies program is also available that can transfer easily to other schools. Tuition cost for in-state students is $5,116 for a full-time student and $8000 for out-of-state students.
What is the Best Online Community College?
In addition to there being many good options, these programs also offer the benefit of being accessible from anywhere. In layman’s terms, that means that the best online community colleges anywhere in the world are available. So it doesn’t matter where you look for the best online community colleges because they are all a click away today.
Not every school or program will be the right one for each person or their situation. For example, some students are also parents and will need to take on-demand classes. Others are working students who may need evening classes or flex schedule options.
It is also essential to find a school with the degrees or programs you seek and compare aspects of the programs such as tuition, class expenses, and job placement programs. These are just a few considerations that will help determine the best online community colleges and programs for you. Where ever you decide to earn your degree, ensure the school has accreditation.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Community College Degree?
We have discussed the benefits of seeking community college degrees, particularly pursuing online community college degrees. But, what jobs can you get with community college degrees? The opportunities and jobs that two-year degree programs can open might surprise many.
Community college degrees usually follow one of two tracks. Many jobs’ two-year degree programs are designed to be used as entry-level positions. These courses aim to teach many foundational principles en route to gaining experience and being part of ongoing vocational, educational, and career pursuits. The medical field is an example of where many two-year degree programs are part of larger programs.
The other design and aim of community college degrees is to enable people to begin their careers. These programs are vocational or trade school programs due to the specific nature of the various courses. Programs such as HVAC, mechanical, or even paralegal programs can fall into this category.
How Much Does an Online Community College Degree Cost?
Another major aspect of finding and choosing the right school will involve asking questions like how much does community college cost? Based on data from a recent report from Educationdata.org, the average cost to attend a community college is about $10,000. That, of course, averages out to about $5,000 a year for two-year programs.
Community college costs can also range considerably, from tuition fees of less than $2,000 per year to substantially more programs. Like any investment, it is only reasonable to know how much community college costs and the difference between the programs on your shortlist. Along with asking how much community college costs, it is also a good idea to inquire about financial aid and assistance programs. And when it comes to community college costs, this is another excellent benefit of online community colleges.
Community colleges make the educational pursuits of students more accessible and more affordable. With online community colleges, students get the best of both worlds. Online college programs offer the ease and convenience of every community college, and more often than not, at even lower tuition rates.
Students seeking more affordable community college cost options should take the time to inquire about online schooling programs, and compare the benefits of online versus traditional community college schooling. Online schooling options and community college programs are great solutions. However, these schools are not for everyone.
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