2023 Best Online Community Colleges in Minnesota

North Hennepin Community College (NHCC) offers convenient online programs for students who need scheduling flexibility in order to pursue their educational goals. They can complete online associate degrees in a wide range of majors, such as Finance Management, Marketing, Business Computer Systems and Management, and Accounting — to name a few options. 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. Online certificates can alternatively help equip students with targeted job skills, and NHCC offers these in many fields, such as accounting, business, computer information systems, and computer science. NHCC supports its distance learning initiatives by providing online access to advising, library services, tutoring, writing assistance, textbook purchasing, technical support, and test proctoring.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College offers fully online programs through synchronous and asynchronous coursework, depending on the course of study. Distance learners 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. Online job-readiness certificates can also help students build occupational-specific skills, and these are available in Healthcare, Accounting, Business Communication, and Administrative Support. Anoka-Ramsey provides online access to student resources, such as tutoring, tech support, streaming services, Zoom, Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, text-to-speech technology, and the school library.

Alexandria Technical and Community College (Alexandria Tech) offers online associate degree and certificate programs to help students earn transfer credits, start on their chosen career paths, and develop in-demand job-readiness skills. Students can choose from numerous disciplines, including Behavioral Health and Human Services, Law Enforcement, Medical Coding, Pre-social Work, Psychology, Retail Management, and Speech-Language Pathology. For example, students can complete an online associate degree in Pre-social Work in order to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in Social Work. Those who are not interested in degree completion can still enroll in an online program to earn a diploma in Behavioral Health and Human Services or earn a certificate in Cybersecurity to acquire job skills for entry-level positions. Online students can purchase books and supplies through Alexandria Tech’s virtual bookstore and access library resources remotely. Other online student services include IT support, writing assistance, and tutoring.

Rochester Community and Technical College (RCTC) offers several online educational programs to distance learners who appreciate the convenience and the opportunity to work independently. Students can enroll in online associate degree programs in majors such as Cancer Registry Management, Health Information Technology, and Liberal Arts and Sciences. These online programs can enable students to transfer credit toward bachelor’s degrees. Online certificates and diplomas in communication studies, workplace communications, and medical coding may interest students looking to acquire job skills or enter the workforce directly. Distance learners can access technical support services, library resources, tutoring, and the bookstore online.

Minneapolis Community and Technical College helps busy students fit higher education goals into their busy schedules through its diverse online program offerings. Students can enroll in online associate degree programs in majors such as Early Childhood Education, Graphic Design, or Library Information Technology, for example, to kick-start a career or earn transfer credits for bachelor’s degrees. Online certificate programs — such as Web Design, Public Information Services, and Technical Information Services — can also help students develop job-readiness skills for direct workforce entry. Minnesota College further supports distance learners by providing online access to its library, college store, academic advising, and technical support services.