The 50 Best Online Community Colleges for 2020

Hutchinson offers more than 250 online courses. Additionally, online students can pursue 10 different associate degrees online, including four associate of science (AS) and five associate of applied science (AAS) options. Eight professional certificates are also available to distance learners, in subjects like business technologies, early childhood education, IT in healthcare, and paralegal studies.

Online programs at HCC use the Canvas learning management system. Some courses take place over an entire semester, while others can be completed in just eight weeks. Clinicals and/or onsite practicum courses will be required for certain fields of study, including healthcare subjects and lab sciences. Most courses feature online discussion boards, and students are graded in part on their participation in class discussions.

EMCC's online catalog for fall 2016 includes nearly 200 courses in 29 academic disciplines. Popular subjects include biology, history, mathematics, and psychology. Additional courses are available through the Mississippi Virtual Community College catalog.

EMCC’s online programs use the Canvas learning management platform. Online students may be required to visit the EMCC campus in order to purchase course materials; a complete course-by-course list of books and other required materials for the 2016-17 academic year is available.

Pitt offers 50 online programs for distance learners. These include 10 exclusively online associate degree options in fields like early childhood education, health information technology, marketing, and office administration. Additionally, 31 online certificate programs are available; most of these options are concentrated in computer programming, early childhood education, or healthcare. Students can also pursue nine online diplomas in fields ranging from dental office administration to nuclear medicine technology.

Pitt's online programs use Moodle. The school's online courses offer a combination of exclusively online and hybrid programs. All first-time freshmen -- including distance learners -- must attend the on-campus new student orientation prior to beginning their first semester.

Craven offers several partially and exclusively online programs for distance learners. These include seven AAS degrees, as well as 10 diplomas in fields like accounting, entrepreneurship, and information technology. The school also offers more than two dozen professional certificates, including three in business administration, four in criminal justice technology, and 10 in IT.

Students enrolled at this online community college use Moodle to access their online course materials. Although most courses are taught asynchronously, students must submit at least one assignment early in the term; students who fail to do so will be dropped from the course. More information about the school's online programs can be found in the school’s comprehensive 2016-17 Distance Learning Student Handbook.

In addition to associate of general studies (AGS) and associate of arts (AA) degrees, students at WCC can take classes in one of seven AAS programs as well; all associate options are offered entirely online. Additionally, the school offers 11 online diplomas and professional certificates in business administration, office administration, criminal justice technology, and emergency management technology. Other individual online courses are available at WCC in fields like animal science and livestock production, American history, and principles of marketing.

Online students at WCC use Moodle. Most online courses are taught asynchronously, and require between 10 and 15 hours of study per week. All online courses require students to purchase physical textbooks; a complete course-by-course listing of required books and materials is available on the website for the WCC bookstore.

Online students at Wake Tech can choose from a range of degree, diploma, and certification pathways. Nine associate degrees are available entirely online; these include degrees in advertising and graphic design, office administration, and web design/development. Additionally, eight associate degrees are offered in a hybrid format. Students can also pursue a diploma in accounting, medical office administration, or office administration; more than 70 professional certificates are also available.

This online community college uses the Blackboard platform. A comprehensive 'eLearning intro' is offered in three learning modules; most students complete the program within five hours. Online students can also access free tutoring services through the school's Individualized Learning Center.

Allen County CC offers several degrees and certificates entirely online. The school's fall 2016 catalog features more than 200 online courses; while most will cover the entire semester, accelerated options are available in the first and second halves of the term. Online associate degree options at Allen County vary in length and course requirements. Some associate programs, like the early childhood education and addictions and preventative studies degrees, are designed for students who plan to transfer into a four-year bachelor's program.

Students attending this community college online use the Blackboard learning management platform. Resources for distance learners include an online writing lab, virtual library, and the Online Student Resource Center. Most courses require students to rent textbooks (rather than purchase them), and the rental fee is included in your tuition.

Part of the Georgia Virtual Technical Connection (GVTC), this Sandersville institution allows enrolled students to choose from online and hybrid courses offered through technical colleges throughout the state. The current GVTC catalog lists nearly 293 online courses; the most represented fields of study include allied healthcare, business, mathematics, management, and paralegal. OFLTC's detailed mission statement regarding online education is available on the school's website.

Online programs at OFLTC use Blackboard Learn. Start and end dates for online courses match the school's traditional calendar, although many follow an asynchronous schedule. Free online tutoring is available to all distance learners.

Online students at MCC can choose from 40 degrees and certificates concentrated in five core academic fields. Associate degrees in liberal studies, secondary education, accounting, and business administration are offered entirely online. You can also pursue online certificates in homeland security, public relations, and 11 business-related fields. Hybrid degrees and certificates are also available.

MCC's online courses use the Blackboard learning management platform. Advising, tutoring, and tech support are provided free of charge to all enrolled online students. Other resources for distance learners include career-building tutorials and links for entrepreneurial events and services. Most online courses at MCC are taught asynchronously, although the syllabus will typically adhere to the school's traditional semester schedule.

The virtual campus at this Arizona community college was launched in 1998, and today's online students can choose from 12 online associate degree programs. These options include seven AA degrees grounded in liberal arts fields, two associate of business degrees, and AS degrees in computer programming and intelligence operation studies (IOST). A professional certificate in Linux systems administration is also available online. Online College Plan has listed Cochise's virtual education program among the top 20 online community colleges for return-on-investment.

Students attending community college online use Moodle. Most courses follow a set timetable; they have predetermined start and end dates, and assignments and other activities are scheduled throughout the semester. All students can access free tutoring and advising services.

Eight associate degrees are available to online students at this North Carolina school. Popular programs include accounting, criminal justice, human services, and school age education. Additionally, the college offers 14 professional certificates and nine diplomas; nine of these options are concentrated in education, and other options are available in areas of study like IT and small business entrepreneurship.

SCC's online programs use Moodle’s learning management platform. Many online courses last an entire semester, although the lists dozens of accelerated online course options that cover the first or second half of a given term. Resources for distance learners at SCC include an online writing center, counseling, and advising services. Women students in certain fields are also invited to participate in the school's Female STEM Mentorship program.

Arizona's Rio Salado CC offers nearly 60 online degree, certificate, and diploma programs. The school's online offerings include 20 programs concentrated in education, child/adult development, and parent education. Other options include associate programs in accounting, general business, computer programming, and sustainable food systems. Certification opportunities include cutting-edge fields like mobile app programming, energy systems technology, and small business/startup management.

Rio Salado's online programs use the proprietary RioLearn learning management platform. Most courses are self-paced, and flexible start dates allow students to begin coursework at any time. Tuition rates are relatively low for online learners; Maricopa County residents can enroll in online courses at $85 per credit, while out-of-state residents pay $215 per credit.

Students at Forsyth Tech can pursue AS degrees in 12 disciplines. These include core subjects like business administration and computer information technology, as well as niche fields of study like emergency management, entrepreneurship, and project management technology. Thirteen professional certificates and two diplomas - computer IT (helpdesk management) and global logistics technology - are also available. Medical coders can also pursue four intensive online courses.

Forsyth Tech uses the Blackboard learning management tool. All of the school's online degree options are offered on campus as well, allowing students the opportunity to create a customized hybrid schedule if they wish. Personal, career, and academic counseling services are available for online students at Forsyth Tech.

This Harrisburg-based institution offers associate degrees in early childhood education, business administration, and criminal justice. Online certificates are also available in practical nursing, along with five programs concentrated in biofuels, bioenergy, and ethanol production.

All online associate degrees at SIC range from 62 to 67 credit hours in length, and can be completed in two years of full-time study. Most degrees are available entirely online, although some programs require you to complete a practicum, and the nursing certificate features labs and clinicals that must be completed in a medical facility.

Distance learners enrolled at Surry can choose from eight associate degrees and seven professional certificates offered entirely online. Popular degrees include programs in accounting, advertising and graphic design technology, business administration, criminal justice technology, early childhood, medical office administration, and office administration. Diplomas are also available in the latter three fields.

Surry Community College online students use Moodle. The AA is the school's shortest degree program (60-61 credits); all other associate degrees fall between 65 and 73 credits in length. Diplomas are 35 to 47 credits long, while certificate programs range from 16 to 18 credits.

CCC allows students to pursue more than 130 associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas, many of which are available at least partially online. Online programs are usually blended, and fall into one of three categories. University Transfer programs are designed for students who eventually plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree, and include AA, associate of engineering, and AS degrees. Career & technical programs include AAS degrees in 10 vocational fields. Finally, accelerated options include both one-year tracks and two-year pathways that require two days of class per week.

CCCC uses Blackboard to facilitate its online programming. Distance learners can access free online tutoring through the school's Upswing program, which is accessible 24 hours a day. An extensive mobile app also makes it convenient for students to access course materials and complete assignments on the go.

California's Foothill College allows distance learners to pursue 14 AA degrees, all of which are offered exclusively or partially online. These degrees include core subjects like accounting, English, and psychology, as well as niche subjects like art history, graphic and interactive design, and music technology.

Online courses at Foothill use either the Canvas or Etudes learning management software. Students should check with their professor to learn about which platform is required for individual classes; the school offers free tutorials for both systems on its website. E-courses at Foothill are not self-paced, and will follow the same schedule as brick-and-mortar classes. There are no scheduled face-to-face meetings for most online classes, though students will be required to log on at certain times during the week for assignments, virtual discussions, and other activities.

Central Georgia Tech allows students to enroll in online courses and pursue web-based degrees from technical colleges across the state of Georgia. A full, customizable list of online programs offered through GVTC is available on the school’s website.

Most online courses at CGTC use Blackboard’s learning management software, although some use different platforms, such as MyMathLab. Online courses at CGTC vary in length and delivery. Some cover a full semester, while other 'mini session' options run for the first or second half of a given term. Most courses are offered entirely online, although some have in-person practicum requirements.

Online students at Kirkland can pursue associate degrees in accounting, business administration, business management, and health information technology. Professional certificates in accounting and small business management/ entrepreneurship are also available. Kirtland students can also select online courses offered through the Michigan Community College Virtual Learning Collaborative -- all offered at Kirtland's low tuition rate.

Online degree and certificate programs at Kirtland feature web-based lectures, labs, and classroom discussions. Associate degrees range from 60 to 64 credits in length, and can be completed within two years of full-time study; the health IT pathway carries a practicum requirement. Certificates range from 30 to 35 credits, and can be completed in two semesters with an additional summer session.

Barton County CC offers three options for distance learners. Online students can pursue an associate degree through BARTonline: 16 degrees are available, including six in business/economics and two programs concentrated in dietary management. Standalone BARTonline courses are offered as well, and online students can also enroll in web courses through edukan, a Kansas-based consortium of six online schools. Finally, Barton County CC is a participant in the Kansas State University Global Campus Partnership; this agreement allows online students to enroll in courses through Kansas State.

Online students receiving veteran's benefits from the CH 30-Montgomery GI Bill, CH 33-Post 9/11, CH 35 Survivor-Dependent, and CH 1606 will only pay up to 25% of their total tuition costs. The BARTonline website includes a 'Featured eCourse', as well as updates for students and a running Twitter feed.

The 2016-17 catalog for ENMU-Roswell lists 100 online courses that don't require any campus visits or onsite training. Students can pursue associate degrees online in core fields of study like criminal justice, accounting, and statistics. Additionally, the school offers a range of programs in less common fields like alcohol and drug abuse studies, medical coding, renewable energy, and media arts.

Some health-related programs carry practicum requirements; ENMU-Roswell operates three health centers based at local high schools. Most associate programs at the school are geared toward students who plan to transfer into a bachelor's program, and degree requirements can be completed within two years.

Three associate degrees are available to online students at WGTC: business management, marketing management, and web design. Diplomas are also available in these three fields of study. Additionally, online students can earn professional certificates for child development specialist, early childhood program administration, and technical specialist. All of these programs are delivered entirely online. Hybrid degree programs are also available.

Online programs at WGTC use the Blackboard learning management platform. All associate programs at the school range from 63 to 65 credits in length. The business and marketing pathways including required specializations, while the web design option largely consists of occupational training courses. Each online course generally requires eight to 10 hours of study per week.

Online students enrolled at this Georgia-based institution can choose from eight online associate programs; these include degrees in accounting, applied technical management, fire science technology, and business/marketing management. Professional certificate options include programs for fire officers, early childhood care specialists, sales professionals, and medical coding specialists. Six diplomas are also available, and students can explore other online courses through the GVTC.

Lanier Tech's online programs use the Blackboard platform. The associate in healthcare management technology is 73 credits long; the remaining seven associate options range from 60 to 68 credits. All of these programs can be completed in two years of full-time study. Diplomas range from 55 to 62 credits, and most certificates are 15 credits or less.

Online students Spokane Falls can choose from a range of web-based programs. A total of 21 associate degree options are available, including a transfer-ready program in early childhood education and associate of arts and business degrees that include direct transfer agreements with four-year colleges and universities in the state. Additionally, 17 professional certificates are offered in fields like education paraprofessional, legal office software specialist, and social media marketing.

Spokane Falls CC is a member of the Community Colleges of Spokane online consortium, and the school's web-based programs use Canvas’ learning management software. While most degree and certificate programs are delivered entirely online, the hearing instrument specialist, medical assistant, and pharmacy technician pathways have in-person requirements.

Located in Rock Springs, WWCC offers 11 associate degree programs for online learners. These include four AS degrees in business-related fields, three AA degrees in social sciences, and an AAS degree in office information systems. Additionally, online professional certificates are available in accounting, digital design technology, emergency management, journalism, website development, and Western American studies. WWCC also participates in WyCLASS, a Wyoming-based college consortium that allows students to enroll in online courses offered throughout the state.

WWCC's online programs use the Blackboard learning management tool. The school's ACE IT Center provides free career counseling, academic advising, and tutoring services to students. Additional resources for students include online tutorials about plagiarism, technical writing, and 'netiquette’.

Online students at Crowder can choose from a range of associate degree options. These include 26 AA degrees geared toward students who plan to transfer into a bachelor's program, a teaching degree, four AS programs, and 30 AAS degrees in agriculture, alternative energy, healthcare, automotive, business and other technical fields. Additionally, 19 professional certificates are offered online.

Distance programs at Crowder use the Blackboard learning management platform. Online courses are taught in a synchronous format, and students are expected to log in each week and complete assignments in accordance with the syllabus.

Distance learners at Maysville can choose from 22 online certificate programs. These include 16 certificates in business-related fields, three options for medical coding professionals, and tech-oriented programs in IT security and data entry. Standalone online courses are also available; nearly 200 web-based classes were offered this fall.

MCTC's online programs use Blackboard learning management software; a video tutorial for first-time Blackboard users is available on the school's website. Most online courses at the college run the length of an entire semester, although students can also take fast-track courses that last just half of a semester. Online students have access to web-based academic counseling from faculty advisors.

Gateway CTC allows students to fulfill degree requirements by enrolling in exclusively online courses. The school offered 28 web-based courses this fall across 16 academic disciplines. Popular programs include biology, computer information technology, and English.

GCTC's online program uses the Blackboard Learn platform. Individual online courses may be delivered in five, eight, 10, or 12-week schedules. The curriculum for online courses at GCTC consists of online and textbook readings, video lectures, and virtual class discussions. Distance learners can learn more about Blackboard and receive technical support by visiting the school's Center for eLearning at Gateway.

Distance learners can pursue associate degree programs, including offerings in early childhood education and early childhood education with a special education emphasis. Additionally, distance learners can obtain an online diploma or professional certificates in early childhood education (with or without a special education emphasis) or aquaculture.

Both ECE associate options are 76 credits in length, while the AA degree consists of 66 credits; all three can be completed in two years of full-time study. In addition to standard online courses, BCC also offers scheduled 'interactive video courses', along with hybrid and web-assisted course modules. An online career development center is available for distance learners who seek academic and/or professional advising.

Distance learners at Sinclair CC can pursue 14 different online associate programs. Popular options include degrees in business administration/management, computer information systems, and criminal justice. Additionally, six one-year certificate programs and eight fast-track certificates are available for online students. The 'Ohio Transfer Module' is a separate online course program that helps students planning to attend a four-year school complete basic graduation requirements.

Sinclair's online programs use the eLearn educational management tool; an eLearn student guide and video tutorial are available for first-time platform users. Some online courses run the length of an entire semester, while others take place during the first or second half of a given term. An online course schedule planner allows students to easily browse and sign up for open web-based classes.

As a member of the Virtual Texas College consortium, this Snyder-based institution allows online students to enroll in web-based courses available at colleges and universities across the state. The current catalog lists a range of options for online students; courses are offered in 16 academic areas of study, as well as career/technical fields like IT business management, petroleum technology, and turfgrass/landscape management.

Web courses at Western Texas are taught in a synchronous format, and carry regular requirements; students who do not log in at least once per week will be dropped from the course. Online students must register for all courses no later than two days prior to the start of the given semester. Academic advisors are available to answer questions about course transfers, degree and career planning, and other key concerns for distance learners.

Located in Paducah, WKCTC has offered online courses and web-based degree programs for more than two decades. Students can follow an exclusively online schedule, or create a hybrid mix of online and on-campus courses. More than 300 online courses are offered through ed2go; an online refresher course is also available for nurses.

In addition to standard semester-length online courses, students can participate in WKCTC’s Learn in Demand program by taking 11 accelerated self-paced courses over the span of a semester; each mini-course lasts three to five weeks. Distance learners can receive academic and career advising from a dedicated online student services counselor.

Metropolitan offers a range of associate degree programs for online students. Many technology-oriented programs are available, including seven degrees in information technology, three in health information management studies, and three computer-oriented pathways for students who plan to transfer into a bachelor's degree program. Other associate options include degrees in criminal justice, early childhood education, and office technology, as well as transfer-ready tracks in business and liberal arts. Students can pursue 14 certificates of achievement and four career certificates as well.

Online courses at WKCTC use Blackboard’s learning management software. Most associate degree tracks range from 95 to 105 credits in length, and can be completed over six or seven quarters of full-time study.

Online students enrolled at this Nebraska institution can pursue more than a dozen web-based associate degrees. These options include three business-oriented programs, along with degrees in criminal justice and education. Additionally, the school offers 'partner programs' in early childhood education, library/information sciences, and culinary arts; these programs are co-sponsored by community colleges across Nebraska. A diploma in general business and professional certificates in insurance services and food service/dietary management are available to distance learners as well.

Students must complete between 60 and 70 credits to graduate, depending on their program; this normally requires two years of full-time study. First-time distance learners can learn more about the school's online courses and degree programs through a video tutorial. Once in school, all online students can access NCC’s writing clinic and online tutoring services.

Albany Tech allows distance learners to pursue exclusively online associate degrees in nine occupational fields, including fire science technology, hotel/restaurant/tourism management, law enforcement technology, and six business and management fields; diplomas are available in these areas of study as well. ATC's emphasis on fire training extends to its online certificate programs, which include three programs for fire officers. Other certifications are offered in fields like entrepreneurship, industrial preparation, and supply chain management.

ATC's online courses use the Blackboard learning management system. Online students are expected to log into their course portal at least three to five times per week for class discussions and information about upcoming assignments and exams. All associate degree programs can be completed in between 18 months and two years of full-time study.

Located a few miles north of downtown Seattle, Shoreline CC offers a variety of courses and degrees to online learners. Associate programs for online students include six AA degrees in career-oriented fields and 10 AA offerings designed for students who eventually plan to transfer into a bachelor's program. Shoreline also offers six certificates of competency (45 to 89 credits), four certificates of completion (20 to 44 credits), and 11 short-term certificates (19 credits or less) online.

Shoreline CC's online courses use the Canvas learning management platform. The school's associate degree programs range from 90 to 94 credits in length, and can be completed within two academic years (or six to seven quarters) of full-time study. Services for online students include web-based tutoring, counseling, and virtual 'success coaching'.

TVCC offers online associate degree and certificate programs for distance learners. According to the school's mission statement for online learning, TVCC is "committed to advancing the quality of our online education to meet the standards of our courses delivered in a traditional, face-to-face manner." Only Texas residents can enroll in online courses at TVCC.

Trinity uses the Blackboard Learn learning management platform to facilitate online courses. An 11-page Distance Learning Student Handbook is available to distance learners, and first-time online students can learn more about the school's web-based programs by logging into their account and accessing the Student Orientation to e-Courses tutorial.

Henderson offers online associate degrees in agricultural technology, business administration, and computer/information technology. Online students interested in a bachelor’s degree can also take 2+2 associate-to-bachelor's pathways. The school also offers more than 1,000 standalone online courses through the Kentucky Community & Technical System.

HCC’s online courses use the Blackboard learning management platform. Most courses are taught entirely online, although some may require students to visit their campus for proctored exams. In addition to the standard semester-length schedule, online students can participate in the Learn on Demand program, which features mini-courses that last between three and five weeks.

Madisonville CC offers a comprehensive online program for surgical first assistants. Using a combination of online coursework and onsite training, students master a range of competencies in the field. The school also features online associate programs in energy management, human services, and paralegal technology. Diplomas and certificates in these fields are available to distance learners as well.

MCC's online courses use Blackboard’s learning management platform. All associate degrees at the college are delivered entirely online, and are between 61 and 66 credits in length. Most programs can be completed within two years of full-time study.

Online students enrolled at Cowley County can earn an online associate degree in 35 different academic disciplines. Popular subjects include core fields of study like accounting, computer science and psychology, as well as less common fields, like agribusiness, equine management, and sports management. Online professional certificates are also available in business administration, medical coding/transcription, medical office support, and milling technician. The school also offers more than 600 standalone online courses.

Cowley uses Blackboard to host online class materials. Courses are taught synchronously, and follow a standard semester schedule; students are required to log on at least once per week to receive instructions and assignments from their professors.

Snead State offers hundreds of online courses. Additionally, distance learners can earn an AAS degree in applied business, child development, and office administration. Online students who wish to become registered nurses can also participate in Snead’s LPN-to-RN mobility program. Standard certificates and short certificates are available, as well.

Snead State's online programs use the Blackboard learning management platform. The child development and LPN-to-RN programs feature practicum/clinical components that must be completed onsite, but all other online options are delivered entirely online. Each online course requires roughly six to seven hours of study per week. The school provides a Distance Learning Handbook to all new online students.

A range of online associate degrees and certificate programs are available to distance learners enrolled at Mesa CC. Most associate options are categorized as AAS degrees; these include fields like residential appraising, computer programming, fashion merchandising and design, music business, and seven other business-oriented fields. Mesa also offers 11 certificates of completion; most are offered in either business or information technology.

MCC’s online courses use Canvas’ learning management software. Most associate programs are delivered exclusively online, and can be completed within two years. Each certificate program features six to eight courses, and typically takes one year to complete.

Distance learners enrolled at LCCC can earn online associate degrees in nine academic disciplines. Seven of these options -- including programs in accounting, cybersecurity, health IT management, and homeland security -- are exclusively online. The remaining two, business management and early childhood education, are blended programs. Online students can also earn a professional certificate in medical claims coding, as well as diplomas in fields like entrepreneurship and web design.

Online programs at LCCC use the Desire2Learn learning management platform. Most online courses at the college are synchronous, with weekly assignments and planned exams that mirror the traditional semester schedule. LCCC's online learning page features surveys to help prospective web students assess their abilities in time management, computer operations, and online learning compatibility.

Central Piedmont allows web-based students to earn a general AA or AS degree. Both of these options are geared toward students who plan to eventually transfer into a bachelor's degree program. Additionally, distance learners can pursue associate programs in three other fields: fire protection technology, health information technology, and simulation and game development. The school's offerings are particularly robust in this latter category: in addition to the associate, students can earn eight different diplomas or certificates in simulation and game development.

CPCC facilitates its online courses with the Blackboard learning management tool. Associate degree programs are roughly 60 credits long, and can be completed in two years of full-time study. The school also offers 'TELEWEB' courses, accredited classes that incorporate streaming video and broadcast lessons on the CPCC cable channel; lessons are available any time of day on the internet.

Online students State Fair CC can select from three web-based associate degree programs: a general AA degree, as well as AAS programs in medical assistance and business management. A professional certificate for medical assistants is offered online as well. Additionally, students can take standalone online courses to fulfill their degree requirements, and SFCC offers a mix of exclusively online and hybrid course options. The school's partnership with the Community College of the Air Force also enables U.S. Air Force service members and employees to take general education courses online through SFCC.

SFCC's online courses use the Blackboard learning management tool. Online students at the school receive free academic advising and career counseling through the Student Success Navigator program. Online tutoring services in math, English, and writing are also available to distance learners.