Best Online Community Colleges in Minnesota

Northwest Technical College (NTC) offers online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees through Distance Minnesota. The community college features popular majors such as business, nursing, and computer technology. The online diplomas and certificates are available in business entrepreneurship and health and human services specialties.

Why we like them: NTC offers a unique structure to ensure you pursue an online program that meets your academic and career goals. NTC categorizes its programs into career paths: automotive service, building systems, business, healthcare, and child development. Each path features separate online programs at different levels based on your experience and career aspirations. NTC's online learning experience allows you to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue your career with confidence.

At Minnesota State College Southeast (MSC), there are several online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees you can pursue. Online associate degree majors are available in IT support, criminal justice, and early childhood education. MSC has a number of online pathways transfer degrees it offers in popular majors such as economics, English, sociology, criminal justice, business, and accounting. Graduates of these programs can transfer to a Minnesota university.

Why we like them: Online community college can be intimidating at first if you’ve never taken online courses. We like that MSC offers a free online tool to give prospective students insight into what online learning looks like at its institution. It's called the Distance Learning Tool. This interactive website gives you an idea of what it takes to learn remotely.

North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) offers convenient online programs if you seek scheduling flexibility to pursue your educational goals. You can complete online associate degrees in various majors, such as finance management, marketing, and business computer systems — to name a few options. Online certificates can alternatively equip you with targeted job skills, and NHCC offers these in many fields, such as accounting, business, computer information systems, and computer science.

Why we like them: Plan on seeking a bachelor’s degree after graduation? NHCC makes it easy to transfer to a four-year institution. Online transfer pathways associate degrees in business and accounting help students earn credits that can later apply toward bachelor’s degrees at Minnesota’s four-year institutions. We think these transfer pathways can help ensure you meet the general education requirements so you can start your bachelor’s degree as a junior.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College (Anoka-Ramsey) offers fully online programs you can pursue. You can complete online associate degrees in various majors, such as business, integrative health and healing, liberal arts, creative writing, and sales management. Many of these programs include transferable credits that can later apply to bachelor’s degrees at Minnesota's four-year institutions.

Why we like them: If you’re seeking a two-year degree or want to enter your career as soon as possible, consider one of Anoka-Ramsey’s online job readiness certifications. These can help you build occupational-specific skills, and these are available in healthcare, accounting, business communication, and administrative support. If you’re a new online learner, you can take the SmarterMeasure assessment to identify your strengths and weaknesses that may impact your success in an online course. After the assessment, you’ll receive a detailed report to share with your academic advisor.

Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) has several online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees you can pursue. Associate degrees include accounting, construction management, and medical coding specialist majors. Please be aware that some programs may require you to complete in-person activities.

Why we like them: DCTC is known for its Bounce Back program. This program consists of online synchronous sessions that provide student success tools for stress management, self-care, time management, note-taking, and communication with faculty. In addition, DCTC has Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), which is academic credit given to students who can demonstrate college or university-level learning obtained through experiences outside of the classroom. To get credit, you must complete an assessment, which may be delivered as an exam, portfolio review, skills demonstration, or interview.

Alexandria Technical and Community College (ATCC) offers online certificates and associate degrees in cybersecurity, economics, accounting, business, and more majors. A few examples of online associate degrees you can pursue include an Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Mechanics, an Associate of Applied Science in Exercise Science, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts. Unlike traditional courses, ATCC’s online courses allow you to complete assignments on your own time.

Why we like them: If you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree after graduation, ATCC can help ensure you are better prepared to transfer to a four-year institution. ATCC is known for its transfer pathway degrees, designed to get you into state and public universities in Minnesota. These programs include the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, with communication and critical thinking coursework, for their general education requirements.

Normandale Community College (Normandale) is located in Bloomington, Minnesota. While it offers online learning opportunities, its website remains unclear as to which degree programs are fully online. It does boast a range of distance learning options, from synchronous and asynchronous to a hybrid learning model — all delivered through the learning management, Brightspace.

Why we like them: What stands out about Normandale is the overall review rating of 4.64, signaling a high level of satisfaction among those who've chosen this online community college for their academic journey. Even more compelling is the 100% recommendation rate. Imagine, nearly every student who attended the school would recommend it to you! Also, a glance at their financial aid statistics reveals a generous average package of $7,283, with 70% of students receiving financial aid, making education more accessible for all.

Minnesota West Community and Technical College (MWCTC) offers several online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. The online associate degrees require 60 credits and feature majors such as nursing, mathematics, and telecommunications. A few of these degrees have a curriculum that prepares you to successfully transition into a four-year university. Also, many of the online associate degrees are available as certificates and diplomas if you’re seeking shorter programs.

Why we like them: In addition to degrees, MCTC offers continuing education and customized training solutions. You can take live online classes in business, workplace safety, and computer and technology. These courses can help you start a new career or build your skills so you can advance in your current role. These short-term training programs are designed to meet the needs of job seekers and professionals in almost any industry.

Century College (Century) offers several online associate degrees you can pursue. Some of the online associate degrees include business, health, and social work. These online degree programs can be 60 credit hours, which can take two years to complete with a full class schedule. Many of Century’s online associate degrees are also offered as shorter certification programs.

Why we like them: If you’re new to online learning, Century ensures you’re set up for success. The community college offers a D2L Brightspace Student Practice Course. In this course, you’ll learn how to navigate online courses on the learning management system D2L Brightspace, do practice quizzes, submit assignments, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn about other technologies Century uses for online learning, such as Microsoft 365, LinkedIn Learning, Mediaspace, and a virtual computer lab.

Northland Community and Technical College (NCTC) offers several online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. NCTC specializes in business and health programs with majors in digital marketing, accounting, health sciences, and medical administrative assistant. NCTC is known for its specialized certificates, which help you develop unique skills in welding technology, production technology, and customer service.

Why we like them: You can expect to get quality online education at NCTC. Since 2010, NCTC has been a Quality Matters (QM) institution. QM is a nationally recognized, faculty-centered, peer review process designed to certify the quality of online courses and components. Because NCTC is a QM school, we believe that the school strives to provide students with the best online learning experience possible.

At Lake Superior College (LSC), you can choose from several online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. Computer and web programming, paralegal studies, and accountant majors are available at the associate level. LSC also has a hybrid Associate of Arts degree designed to help you transfer to a four-year Minnesota university. Online certifications are available in topics like cyber defense, paralegal studies, and welding technology.

Why we like them: LSC offers the Pathways to College Success & Placement Program for select students. This program is free for students who are ready to transition into college-ready courses. This is a hybrid program, as students will complete both in-person and online courses. We understand that some students may need additional support when entering college, so we appreciate that LSC offers a program tailored for adult learners.

At Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC), you can pursue online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. Associate degrees are available in cancer registry management, executive office professional, health information technology, and health office professional. Online certificate programs explore topics like workplace communication, supervisory leadership, and healthcare office professional.

Why we like them: If you’re interested in working in healthcare, attending RCTC can provide a stepping stone into this field. RCTC is known for its online programs in the healthcare field. Along with the associate degrees mentioned above, there are certificates in healthcare office professional and cancer registry management and a diploma in healthcare informatics. We believe RCTC is a suitable online school for students seeking healthcare careers.

Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) has online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. Associate degrees require 60 credits and include a range of majors to choose from, such as health sciences, accounting, and management and marketing. M State provides you with an affordable and flexible way to further your education.

Why we like them: By attending M State, you’ll be better prepared to enter a four-year university. M State is known for its pathway degrees in psychology, business, and political science. Graduates of these programs are guaranteed junior status at their transfer universities. We know many associate degree graduates move on to a four-year degree, so we appreciate that M State ensures they meet the educational requirements to start their journey to a bachelor’s degree.

Ridgewater College (Ridgewater) provides a plethora of online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. The online associate degrees at Ridgewater focus on specific career paths, such as administrative assistant, health information technician, and legal assistant — each requiring 60 credits. If you’re seeking a short-term program, Ridgewater offers unique certificate and diploma options, including meat cutting, peace officer training, professional photography, and poultry management.

Why we like them: Want to take your college experience beyond the classroom? Ridgewater offers traditional and online students the opportunity to study abroad. The school has one study-abroad opportunity to visit Scotland in the fall and spring semesters. We believe studying abroad may enhance your college experience and create long-lasting memories.

Central Lakes College (CLC) offers a limited number of online associate degrees and diplomas. You can pursue associate degrees in computer information technology, agriculture science, enology, and viticulture. If you plan to transfer to a four-year university, CLC offers an Associate of Arts transfer degree in majors like communication studies, psychology, and sociology.

Why we like them: If you don’t want to commit to a full program, you can pursue online training courses at CLC. These online classes are designed for career enhancement and skill development. Some examples of the courses available include Quickbooks, PC security, grant writing, video marketing, and many more. We like that CLC offers online courses students can take to become well-rounded professionals.

St Cloud Technical and Community College (SCTCC) has several online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. Each associate degree requires 60 credits and features majors such as business, psychology, and health information technology. Taking online classes at SCTCC will give you the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in your next career.

Why we like them: If you’re not looking to break the bank for online college education, consider attending SCTCC. The community college offers one of Minnesota's most affordable online tuition. If you’re a veteran, active duty member, or family member of one, you may be able to lower tuition costs to save money on tuition. The MN Dream Act also provides certain benefits to undocumented students who meet specific criteria.

Anoka Technical College (ATC) is located in a suburban area of Minnesota. It offers over 70 online programs, including mostly certificates but also online degrees and diplomas. The school is especially known for its career-focused programs and the hands-on training it offers from industry experts in a variety of fields.

Why we like them: At ATC, 99% of attending students receive financial aid, illustrating ATC's commitment to making education accessible. Plus, with a tuition of $6,143 and an average financial aid package of $4,367, it's evident that ATC values providing an affordable education. Though the faculty-to-student ratio is just outside our preferred threshold at 16:1, and the graduation rate could improve, the high financial aid coverage underscores the school's value.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) has online diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees you can enroll in. Associate majors are in early childhood education, graphic design, and library information technology. Specific examples of online associate degree programs you can pursue include an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Applied Science in Library Information Technology.

Why we like them: MCTC is known for offering several program levels for each major. For example, the graphic design associate degree is also available as a diploma and certificate. The same goes for web design and early childhood education. We know students may be seeking online programs that are shorter than an associate degree, so we appreciate that it provides a wide range of options.

Saint Paul College (SPC) is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution in Saint Paul, Minnesota. It offers online courses on a wide variety of subjects, but it's unclear whether they have 100% online degrees across the vast range of subjects it covers.

Why we like them: Even though it's unclear whether the school provides fully online degrees or not, 1,300 students are enrolled online at SPC. This showcases the college's capacity to deliver quality education beyond the physical confines of the campus, accommodating a wide range of needs and schedules. While SPC may have areas to grow in terms of graduation and retention rates, the foundation for a supportive and inclusive education environment is clearly set.

South Central College (SCC) is a two-year, public community college that offers online courses that meet regional accreditation standards. SCC's online classes are designed the same as the on-campus versions of the same classes. SCC's students have the option to complete all or only part of their degree online.

Why we like them: With 99% of students receiving financial aid, SCC ensures that nearly every student has the support they need to begin or continue their educational journey without the burden of unmanageable costs. While some of the data points, such as graduation and retention rates, are areas for growth, the value SCC offers through financial support and accessibility plays a pivotal role in its selection. We believe these elements are critical in reducing barriers to education, allowing more students to pursue their academic and professional goals.

Riverland Community College (RCC) has several online offerings in the form of diplomas, certificates, and associate degrees. If you’re interested in a business career, RCC specializes in business-related programs with majors in supervisory management, accounting, and administrative assistant. RCC is known for its Minnesota State Transfer Pathway degrees, which offer guaranteed transfer to Minnesota state universities.

Why we like them: The learning management system at RCC is D2L Brightspace, where you can study online and asynchronously. With D2L Brightspace, you can access courses, contact your instructors, and engage with classmates through discussion boards. In addition, RCC ensures you have all the necessary resources to support your online program. You can access career services such as resume preparation, virtual tutoring, and resources to improve your study skills.