At a Glance: BestColleges' Top Affordable 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.
And, according to students in BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report, they pay off. The vast majority (92%) of online associate degree students and graduates we surveyed said their degree has had or will 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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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Affordable Online Community Colleges of 2025
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.
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.
Find Financial Aid for Your Online Community College Degree
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. Another option is to look for affordable online colleges, they can save you money and provide the flexibility you need to earn a degree while working, raising a family, or balancing other obligations.
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.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Education Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller | $144,580 | Associate |
| Nuclear Technician | $104,240 | Associate |
| Radiation Therapist | $101,990 | Associate |
| Dental Hygienist | $94,260 | Associate |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or Cardiovascular Technologist | $82,570 | Associate |
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Affordable 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.