2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) is a public two-year school in Wellesley Hills. MassBay offers a broad range of online associate degrees and certificates in areas such as business, paralegal studies, communications, cybersecurity, computer-aided design, computed tomography, and medical office administration. Students can opt for a specific major or earn a general studies degree to apply toward a future bachelor's program. The college's most popular associate degrees and certificates are in liberal arts and sciences, healthcare, business, and automotive repair. The school is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), a group of online colleges that work together to improve quality and establish academic standards for online degrees across the country. Students at MassBay Online access classes through Blackboard, a learning management platform where they can review course materials, assignment deadlines, and participate in discussions.

Middlesex Community College (MCC) was one of the first colleges in Massachusetts to offer online classes. Today, students can earn online associate degrees in fields such as computer science, fashion merchandising, English literature, mathematics, and psychology. The college also offers certificate programs in computerized accounting, small business management, hospitality, travel services management, and cybersecurity. Online students can access services such as online tutoring, writing labs, library resources, and a 24/7 help desk. Students will access their online classwork and turn in assignments through Blackboard, a learning management system. Alumni of MCC qualify for a range of benefits, including professional development resources, financial coaching, discounts on community education classes, and networking opportunities.

Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) in Worcester serves nearly 6,000 students through its campus and online programs. QCC offers 12 associate degrees and seven certificates that are 100% online, alongside a handful of degrees with minimal in-person requirements. Students can opt for programs in healthcare, accounting, administration, human services, sociology, history, business administration, and other areas of study. Online students at QCC can access career services such as an online job board or virtual career counseling, counseling services including weekly mindfulness meditation, online tutoring, and library resources. Classes are delivered through the learning management system Blackboard.

Bristol Community College (BCC) offers 10 fully online associate degrees and four online certificates, as well as a wide range of hybrid options requiring limited time on campus. Students can earn an associate degree in specific fields such as business administration, behavioral and social sciences, or computer information systems in preparation to transfer to a four-year program or to prepare for a career in the field. Online students at BCC access courses through Blackboard, where they can turn in assignments and participate in class discussions from their computers. The college also offers digital tools such as the Bristol Mobile App, library services, tutoring on campus and online, and technical support. BCC is a member of NC-SARA and can provide online education in all member states.

Public two-year school Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) offers seven online associate degrees and five online certificate programs in business administration, fire science, liberal arts and sciences, legal studies, and other areas of study. Online classes are instructor-led, just like they are on campus, and follow a similar schedule. Online degrees at MWCC are offered through Blackboard, allowing students to access course materials and turn in assignments online. MWCC students can access support services, including career advising and placement, online job search tools, veterans support resources, and two food pantry locations at the Gardner and Leominster campuses. MWCC is also an NC-SARA member and works to uphold high academic standards for distance learning programs across the country.