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Best Online Community Colleges in Missouri

Updated 3/20/2024 By Bailey Fletcher

Want an online degree that's:

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Updated 3/20/2024 By Bailey Fletcher

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We have compiled a list of online community colleges in Missouri, ranked by Salary Score and online enrollment. This data-driven approach empowers you to make informed decisions about your future. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU

To find other colleges near you, check out our list of online colleges by state

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

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How We Rank "Best" Schools

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The OnlineU research team ranks community colleges in each featured state using Salary Score, our proprietary measure of how graduates' earnings compare with those of students who earned the same associate degrees elsewhere. Using U.S. Department of Education earnings data, we compare each college's associate graduates with graduates of the same degrees nationwide, providing a degree-level perspective of financial outcomes rather than relying on institution-wide earnings.

When there isn't enough data to calculate a reliable Salary Score, we rank eligible schools by online enrollment, highlighting colleges with larger, more established distance-learning communities. While some of our rankings include partner schools, every school is evaluated using the exact same criteria.

Tuition numbers were manually collected and verified where noted
Only verified student reviews informed our overall ratings and recommendation rates
Rank School Salary Score Online Enrollment Recommendation Annual Tuition Median Salary
# 1 #1 North Central Missouri College B- 656 N/A $6,300 $53,141
# 2 #2 Metropolitan Community College - Longview B- 2,963 N/A $7,110 $53,111
# 3 #3 Saint Louis Community College N/A 3,134 33% $3,750 $45,143
# 4 #4 Ozarks Technical Community College N/A 2,632 56% $6,240 $39,865
# 5 #5 Moberly Area Community College N/A 1,825 N/A $5,760 $41,600
# 6 #6 Bryan University - MO N/A 1,767 100% $10,800 $31,212
# 7 #7 State Fair Community College N/A 1,463 100% $7,590 $41,215
# 8 #8 Crowder College N/A 503 33% $5,400 $43,852
# 9 #9 Jefferson College N/A 479 N/A $8,100 $49,536
#1
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Helpful for Career

North Central Missouri College (NCMC) offers 11 online associate degrees and two online certificates you can pursue. Students wanting to earn an associate degree can study behavioral health, criminal justice, early childhood development, business, and more. These degrees require completing at least 61 credit hours, and some programs require occasional campus visits.

Why we like them: NCMC provides several opportunities to fund your online degree. All students can apply for federal- or state-funded financial aid, but those who qualify for the Missouri A+ Scholarship may receive full tuition and general fees coverage. In addition, if eligible, you can apply for veteran’s assistance, employer tuition assistance, and other financial aid opportunities. We understand that college education can be a financial burden for some students, so we like that NCMC provides several opportunities to save on tuition costs.

  • Online Enrollment: 656 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $6,300
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $6,300
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $53,141
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 66%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#2
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Helpful for Career

Metropolitan Community College - Longview (MCC) offers nine fully online associate degrees. You can study teaching, software development, cybersecurity, and several business specializations, such as logistics, retail management, and small business management. You can take two eight-week classes at a time, which allows you to earn your associate degree in two years.

Why we like them: MCC makes it easy to transfer to a four-year university if you decide to do so. The community college has articulation agreements with several Missouri universities, which makes transitioning easier for those students who want to continue with a bachelor's degree. In addition, MCC has seven start times each year, so you can begin your online program at whichever time fits your schedule. We like that MCC helps students easily transfer to another university and allows them to further their education independently.

  • Online Enrollment: 2,963 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $7,110
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $9,600
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $53,111
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 67%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#3
3.42 / 5
Overall Rating
33%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Saint Louis Community College (STLCC) offers an extensive line-up of fully or partially online associate degree and certificate programs. Of these programs, students who want to earn a 100% online associate degree have several options: business administration, accounting, and general studies earned in either a traditional two-year timeframe or an accelerated format. Before enrolling in one of STLCC’s programs, the school requires you to complete an online readiness assessment to ensure you’re ready for online learning.

Why we like them: We appreciate that STLCC provides free software to students, allowing you to save money on some of the required equipment for your online education. The school gives online students Microsoft Office 365 for free. With this software, you’ll get access to OneDrive cloud storage, a student email, access to Office Online applications, and much more.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Graphic Design Degree taught by Teachers in the Industry, Graduated 2005
Overall Rating: 4.5/5

While I took this over a decade ago, I wanted to write a review as I saw there were only two--one good and one bad. I went to the Meramec campus but also had some courses in Web Design at the Forest Park campus. My fundamentals as well as my design ethics... Read More

Dawn, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 5/5

The education I received at STLCC has been amazing! The majority of my teachers were doctors or taught at other highly ranked universities in the area. I basically received a first class education at a community college with low cost tuition. I have had... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Saint Louis Community College as delivering unusually strong academic value, with highly credentialed instructors who also teach at universities or work directly in industry. Students say this combination produced rigorous coursework, strong fundamentals, and practical guidance that compared favorably with more expensive four-year institutions. Several felt they received an education equal to, or better than, peers elsewhere while paying far less. Long-term career outcomes were also viewed positively, with one reviewer noting competitive pay and opportunities despite a two-year credential. The clearest criticism centers on uneven post-completion career support, especially from the career center.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 3,134 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $3,750
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $3,750
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $45,143
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 21%
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#4
2.6 / 5
Overall Rating
56%
Recommend
29%
Helpful for Career

Through Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC), you can earn one of 12 online associate degrees in social work, health information technology, criminal justice, business, and more. These programs promote Missouri's Core 42 requirements — a set of common general education courses that all Missouri students must complete to transfer to a state university. OTC also has articulation agreements with several in-state universities, making transferring to a four-year college easier.

Why we like them: OTC offers several online resources to support your academic journey. As an online student at OTC, you can access a bookstore, disability support, career services, financial aid, tutoring, and much more. If you receive food stamp benefits, you may qualify for free college tuition and support services through the SkillUP Missouri program. We believe OTC goes above and beyond in supporting its online students.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Shannon, Graduated 2011
Overall Rating: 5/5

I graduated with an Associate of Arts degree with the intention to transfer to a 4 year University to complete my Bachelors. I am so glad I took the route of attending OTC in Springfield. The campus was great and has only improved since I graduated. I... Read More

Nicole Lockmiller, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 5/5

OTC is a great school for undergraduate students to begin at. It is also much cheaper than other colleges for random courses you need for your general education. Really good facilities and I love the industry and tech. There are many vocational programs... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Ozarks Technical Community College as affordable and accessible, with strong value for starting coursework, smaller classes, multiple campuses, improving facilities, and several supportive instructors who helped reviewers feel prepared to transfer or continue their education. Positive feedback centers on cost savings, personal attention, and approachable teaching. Negative reviews, however, are unusually severe and focus on disorganization, inconsistent communication, hostile or belittling instructor behavior, poor advising, scheduling problems, billing disputes, and weak online systems. Several reviewers describe administrative errors, unavailable classes, and clinical coordination issues that made progress feel unstable, stressful, and in some cases financially damaging.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 2,632 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $6,240
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $7,940
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $39,865
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 33%
  • Retention Rate: 100%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#5
1.6 / 5
Overall Rating
N/A
Recommend
N/A
Helpful for Career

Moberly Area Community College (MACC) offers online courses, but the website makes it unclear which degrees are fully online. That said, MACC caters to a diverse group of learners, including working adults, those with family commitments, and rural students who might not have access to campus-based education.

Why we like them: With an online enrollment of 1,825, MACC demonstrates the capacity for delivering quality distance education to a large number of students. This suggests not only the ability to reach students wherever they are but also the presence of a well-established online learning infrastructure. And notably, 100% of students at MACC receive financial aid. This clearly shows the school's dedication to making education accessible.

  • Online Enrollment: 1,825 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $5,760
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $7,740
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $41,600
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 63%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#6
4.57 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

Bryan University - MO (BU) offers several online associate degrees. Online degrees are available in business, allied health, and health and wellness at the associate, bachelor's, and master's levels. Notable degrees include an online associate degree in medical billing and coding, an online bachelor's degree in allied health management, and a master's degree in business administration.

Why we like them: If you’re not seeking an associate degree, BU offers career training programs. These programs award diplomas and certificates you can finish quickly, as well as programs through its School of Trades, including an online solar energy technician program. BU strives to create a challenging environment that helps students meet their educational and career goals. We appreciate that BU provides short-term programs for online students who are ready to enter the workforce.

Student Review Summary: The review is strongly favorable, driven by a high rating and a clear recommendation. The reviewer praises the instructors as highly experienced, engaged, and genuinely invested in your success, suggesting that faculty support is a defining strength. The coursework is described as both challenging and enjoyable, which indicates a balance between academic rigor and an encouraging learning environment. A notable takeaway is that the curriculum appears aligned with evolving industry demands rather than outdated instruction. No meaningful criticisms are mentioned, so the feedback centers on quality teaching, personal support, and practical preparation for changing professional expectations.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,767 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $10,800
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,800
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $31,212
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: N/A
  • Institution Type: For-Profit
#7
5.0 / 5
Overall Rating
100%
Recommend
100%
Helpful for Career

State Fair Community College (SFCC Online) offers over 260 online classes, plus two complete degree programs online. If you are looking for a 100% online degree, check out SFCC's Associate of Arts, which is a transfer degree, or the Associate of Applied Science in Business Management. These may still require at least some in-person commitments, like an initial in-person meeting.

Why we like them: SFCC shines with a perfect review rating of 5.0 and a recommendation rate of 100%. These figures mirror the satisfaction and confidence that former students have in the institution. We value both student feedback and transparent metrics, which is why these particular stats stand out to us. While the graduation and retention rates might not meet our highest benchmarks, the overwhelmingly positive feedback and strong support mechanisms in place for students show that SFCC is a great option for an online associate degree.

2 Student Reviews for Associate Degrees

Micheala garrett, Graduated 2023
Overall Rating: 5/5

With my experience at State Fair, I have only good things to say! Your school coordinators help you out with managing classes and they help come up with a plan for the whole time you are attending. The teachers are amazing and if you are low income financial... Read More

Ellie Schmutz, Graduated 2015
Overall Rating: 5/5

State Fair Community College is a great school for students to get a feel of college. What I really loved about attending there is that the campus was a smaller one, but I still got the feel of what college is like. It's great for people who are intimidated... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray State Fair Community College as an accessible, low-pressure entry point into higher education, especially for people who feel overwhelmed by larger campuses. Students repeatedly praise the smaller campus feel, saying it helps them learn how college works without feeling lost. Advisers, coordinators, and instructors stand out for hands-on guidance, long-term planning help, encouragement, and consistent responsiveness across in-person and online classes. Affordability is another major strength, with financial aid noted as especially helpful for low-income students. Free tutoring and flexible course scheduling add value. The only notable drawback mentioned is a small gym with limited hours.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 1,463 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $7,590
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $9,690
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $41,215
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 60%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#8
2.39 / 5
Overall Rating
33%
Recommend
20%
Helpful for Career

Crowder College (Crowder) does not display online degrees on its site, but it does have online education offerings in the form of courses. Online students in these classes engage in various learning activities, such as reading assignments, watching videos, asking questions, and receiving feedback from instructors within virtual classrooms. Crowder College encourages students to take advantage of online courses but emphasizes the differences compared to face-to-face classes.

Why we like them: Every single student has some form of financial aid at Crowder. This signals CC's commitment to making education accessible to everyone. This dedication is further seen in the tuition, which sits at an attractive $5,277, making it a financially feasible option for many. While CC's graduation rate and retention rate might not reach our highest benchmarks, the student-faculty ratio of 13:1 indicates a favorable level of personalized attention and support.

1 Student Review for Associate Degrees

Tameca, Graduated 2017
Overall Rating: 5/5

I would recommend this college to anyone because It's a great start for your career. I was so afraid of going back to school, but Crowder made those feelings pass. I was able to take the course at my own speed; this was good for me because I was not sure... Read More

Student Review Summary: Reviews portray Crowder College as an affordable entry point, but with sharply uneven value across experiences. Positive feedback centers on low cost, a flexible pace for returning learners, supportive instructors and advisers, and strong transfer potential when the full credential is completed. Several reviewers see it as a practical first step rather than a final destination, noting limited income impact afterward. Negative reviews are far more severe, citing poor teaching quality, weak hands-on and clinical training, minimal academic support, unprofessional communication, and heavy out-of-pocket costs for books and fees. Internship access also appears inconsistent, leaving some unable to complete required field experience.

This is an AI-generated overview of real student feedback submitted to OnlineU, highlighting common themes and insights. The summary was reviewed for accuracy.
  • Online Enrollment: 503 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $5,400
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $5,400
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $43,852
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 59%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit
#9
N/A
Overall Rating
N/A
Recommend
N/A
Helpful for Career

Jefferson College (JC Online) has two 100% online degrees: an Associate of Arts in General Studies (transfer degree) and an Associate of Applied Science in Health Information Technology. It also offers two programs that are "50% or more online," including an Associate of Arts in Teaching (transfer degree) and an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management.

Why we like them: At JC, 479 students are enrolled online. The college makes a point to regularly assess its online courses to guarantee that they are equivalent to the in-person classes they offer in terms of content and level of rigor. While JC’s graduation rate may not be as high as we’d like, JC's retention rate of 60% suggests that a good number of students find enough value to continue their education at JC after their first year.

  • Online Enrollment: 479 enrolled
  • In-State Tuition: $8,100
  • Out-of-State Tuition: $10,035
  • Program Length: N/A
  • Median Earnings: $49,536
  • Avg. Graduation Rate: N/A
  • Retention Rate: 69%
  • Institution Type: Non-Profit

Want an online degree that's:

  • Affordable
  • Popular
  • Highly Rated
  • Military-friendly

We've got them. Let's get started.

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