Best Online Community Colleges in North Carolina

Stanly Community College (SCC) hosts a range of online programs at the certificate and diploma level, but it also has 11 fully online associate degrees. These majors range from accounting and information technology to human services and early childhood education.

Why we like them: The small class sizes at SCC are a significant benefit to online students because they foster a more intimate and personalized learning environment, allowing students to establish strong connections with their instructors, receive individualized attention, and engage in meaningful interactions, which can enhance comprehension and academic success. Additionally, the institution's emphasis on part-time enrollment aligns with the needs of many online learners, providing flexibility that accommodates work or other responsibilities, making it more accessible for individuals to pursue higher education while managing their busy lives.

Asheboro's Randolf Community College (RCC) offers online associate degrees in several fields, including business administration, criminal justice technology, information technology, and medical office administration. Online teacher preparation associate degrees are also available for students pursuing four-year degrees and earning their credentials.

Why we like them: Almost three-quarters of RCC students participate in distance-only learning. Like other community colleges, the school has an open admission policy, making education highly accessible. Moodle is the digital learning platform students at RCC use to access online coursework and instruction. Class sizes are small, allowing for plenty of interaction with instructors. Online student services include Career Coach for career exploration and access to the Student Success Team to provide academic counseling and advising.

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) offers for-college-credit certificates, associate degrees, and non-credit programs. Additionally, it provides transfer programs, an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science, each designed for students interested in pursuing bachelor's degrees. Other options include two Associates of Applied Science in Information Technology, an Associate of Applied Science in Simulation and Game Development, and an Associate of Applied Science in Fire Protection Technology. Finally, there are several options for certificates, ranging from criminal justice to game design.

Why we like them: Remote students at CPCC are provided with a wide range of resources to help them succeed. The LMS Brightspace handles all online coursework. Plus, you’ll be able to take advantage of career and IT services, as well as remote counseling.

Wake Technical Community College (WTCC), also known as WakeTech, offers two-year degree programs and even shorter non-degree programs known as Workforce Continuing Education courses. There are over 100 online programs among more traditional associate degrees, including an Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Programming and Development, and an Associate in Fine Arts - Visual Art.

Why we like them: All online courses are taken through the LMS Moodle, the school’s learning management system, making your education flexible and convenient. Additionally, you’ll have access to student services such as academic advising, tutoring, and career services. These resources enhance the overall educational experience, providing crucial support systems that can help students succeed academically and professionally while studying remotely.

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) has more than 30 online associate degree programs to pursue as a stepping stone to your next career. A few examples of online undergraduate degrees at FTCC include criminal justice technology, geospatial intelligence, and PC support & services. The community college also offers several online certifications, such as entrepreneurship, payroll accounting, and total quality management.

Why we like them: FTCC strives to provide online students the same support as traditional, on-campus students. They offer various online student services you can use while completing your degree. A few of FTCC’s online resources include advising, success coaching, career services, disability support services, and an online library. We believe that by offering these online resources, FTCC ensures you get the best virtual learning experience possible.

Wilmington's Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) offers online associate degrees in education, public service, and business to prepare for job market entry and transfer to four-year universities. Majors include criminal justice technology, emergency management, accounting and finance, and business administration. CFCC's online associate degrees take two years of full-time study.

Why we like them: CFCC enrolls about a third of its students in distance-only education. The school gives distance learners access to Blackboard to participate asynchronously in classes, which can help them create a flexible schedule. We also like that the Cape Fear Community College Foundation awards thousands of scholarships each year to help students pay for college — and students only have to complete one application to be considered for all eligible scholarships.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) features more than 250 online courses that make up 17 associate degrees, nine diplomas, and 33 certificates. Associate degrees at RCCC are focused on areas such as business administration, healthcare management technology, and information technology, while certificates cover more specific areas, including criminal justice, fire protection technology, and early childhood education. Transfer pathways are also available for an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts.

Why we like them: At RCCC, remote students can use all the same resources as their on-campus peers, including tutoring, technology assistance, digital libraries, and career and academic advising. Additionally, the school uses Blackboard as its primary LMS, which is a popular learning platform for online students. This user-friendly platform makes earning a degree more accessible to online students, thus reducing potential technical barriers to learning.

Pitt Community College (PCC) features close to 60 fully online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas, primarily in the areas of business, information technology, education, and health services. Among the associate degree options are business administration, health information technology, early childhood education, and medical office administration.

Why we like them: PCC is exceptionally strong in distance learning. Online learners at Pitt participate in their courses through the Moodle platform, and they have access to library resources and tech support. Further, two-thirds of Pitt's student population attend school on a part-time basis. This means that the institution recognizes and accommodates the diverse needs and schedules of its student body. It allows individuals who may have work or family responsibilities to pursue higher education at their own pace.

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) offers online programs in both certificate and associate degree levels. Within the criminal justice field, for example, GTCC features an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Technology and four additional certificates covering criminal justice foundations, homeland security, intervention, and law enforcement management. Other areas of study include business administration, customer service, information technology, and medical office administration, among others.

Why we like them: GTCC features a student success center dedicated to ensuring students are confident they are on the right path to graduation — and online learners have access to this resource as well. They can also take advantage of telehealth counseling services. Coursework is delivered via the Canvas LMS, a well-established platform for virtual learning.

Forsyth Technical Community College (Forsyth Tech) currently offers just 20 degrees online, including associate degrees and certificates. The associate degrees remote students can earn completely online include Criminal Justice Technology, Business Administration, and Emergency Management, to name just a few. Online learners can also take courses in human resources or notary and e-notary.

Why we like them: About two-thirds of Forsyth Tech students are part-time learners, while the rest study at a full-time pace — meaning working professionals should fit right in. We also like that online students can take advantage of the school's many student resources, such as academic advising, tutoring, and tech support. Specifically, access to academic advising ensures that students receive guidance in planning their educational paths and making informed decisions.

Alamance Community College (ACC) offers seven online associate degrees and 10 online certifications. You’ll have the flexibility to complete coursework on your own time and at any place. You can choose from an Associate in Arts, an Associate in General Education, or an Associate in Applied Science with your preferred major, like business technologies and fire protection. Some of ACC’s online associate degree programs require you to complete in-person activities like field experiences.

Why we like them: ACC uses the learning management system Moodle to facilitate online learning. You’ll use Moodle to communicate with your instructors and classmates, submit assignments, and engage in discussion boards. Having a reliable and easy-to-understand virtual learning platform is crucial for online student success, so we appreciate ACC’s investment in Moodle for its students.

Online learners at Gaston College (GC) have an extensive array of online associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates to choose from. In addition to an online Associate in Arts transfer degree for students who plan to continue on at a four-year university, there are 16 online associate degrees in subjects such as information technology, business administration, and medical office administration.

Why we like them: Remote students at GC receive all the support they need to study online. Blackboard is Gaston's online learning platform, giving students access to course materials, homework assignments, and group discussions. The school also provides academic advising, counseling, library resources, and tech support for all students. By offering these services to all students, we believe the school fosters an environment where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and technologically, ultimately leading to their overall success and well-being.

Durham Technical Community College (Durham Tech) offers 18 online associate degrees and certificates. Online learners can earn associate degrees in business administration, criminal justice technology, public safety administration, and general studies. For those students who plan to transfer to a four-year school to complete a bachelor's degree, there is also an Associate of Arts transfer program available.

Why we like them: This college is especially popular among part-time students — in fact, most of its students are enrolled on a part-time basis. We believe this shows that this school can be a great choice for busy professionals who don’t have the time and resources to study as full-time students. This approach enables students to balance their education with their careers and other commitments, making it easier for them to advance their skills and career prospects without sacrificing their current livelihoods or financial stability.

If you want to take college courses online but aren’t looking for an online degree, consider enrolling at Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC). The community college offers many online courses across various specialties, including computer science, theater, macroeconomics, and many more. Most of CVCC’s courses are delivered in synchronous formats, so you’ll be required to attend class virtually at a certain time.

Why we like them: CVCC works with Ed2Go and Ed4Career to provide online adult education. You can join open enrollment programs that can provide you with the necessary skills to assume roles within in-demand career fields. Some programs you can enroll in include auto dealer initial training, insurance pre-licensing, notary public, and personal trainer certification. These adult education programs can be a great starting point for landing your ideal career.

Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) offers 12 online degree programs. For those who want to earn associate degrees before moving into the workforce, online programs are available in accounting, business, and supply chain management. For those who plan to transition to a bachelor's program at a four-year university, there is a choice of Associate of Arts or Associate of Science transfer programs.

Why we like them: VGCC is another school on our list providing education for working professionals. Nearly three-quarters of the students are enrolled part-time. Remote students use a popular platform Moodle to view lectures and readings, submit assignments, and participate in group learning activities. Additionally, access to the school's tutoring, academic advising, and library services enriches the overall educational experience by providing crucial academic support, personalized guidance, and extensive research resources, enhancing students' learning and academic success.

At Lenoir Community College (LCC), students can pick from several online associate degrees to prepare for entry-level careers and university transfer. Fields of study include business, criminal justice, emergency management, information technology, and medical office administration. An online emergency medical science bridging associate degree program also allows certified, non-degree paramedics to apply 45 transfer credits toward earning their degrees.

Why we like them: LCC is a small and highly affordable school with most students enrolled online. LCC delivers its online programming via Moodle, and students can rely on instructors’ personalized support, thanks to the small-sized classes. We also appreciate that it’s a diverse school, with only about half students identifying as white.

College of the Albemarle (COA) offers online associate degrees in criminal justice technology, business administration, general education, and global business management. It also offers an online Associate in Arts for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Students can also complete an online accelerated associate degree in business administration in a little over a year.

Why we like them: At COA, most students participate in online-only education. Moodle helps make online learning accessible to distance learners, and the class sizes are comparatively small. Since attending college online isn't for everyone, CCC offers an online learning assessment prospective students can take. We believe this could be incredibly helpful for students who are unsure if this learning environment is a good choice for them.

The state-run Nash Community College (Nash CC) offers a small selection of online associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. The four associate degree programs require the completion of 60 credit hours. Students can opt for either an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Science transfer degree in either general studies or teacher preparation.

Why we like them: This is another institution on our list focused on part-time learners, with most students enrolled part-time. We also appreciate that online learners also have access to such crucial student services as the career center and library resources. Access to the career center, in particular, allows online students to receive guidance and support in their career development, job searches, and resume building, which is crucial for their long-term success.

Sandhills Community College (SCC) offers several online associate degree programs you can pursue. You can choose from majors like management and business technologies and fire protection technology. The community college also has an Associate in Arts degree that allows you to transfer credits to a four-year university to earn a Bachelor of Arts. SCC facilitates learning in two ways: fully online and hybrid.

Why we like them: If you have a specific career you’d like to pursue, SCC’s online training programs can help you develop your skills. The college partners with Ed2Go to provide open enrollment programs. You can choose from over 300 career training programs, including business, hospitality, language, and teacher professional development. We believe these programs are a great opportunity to learn skills for in-demand careers while completing your degree to be a well-rounded professional once you graduate.

Central Carolina Community College (CCCC) provides a great selection of close to 50 online associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in the areas of business technologies, health sciences and human services, public service technologies, and general studies. Some examples of associate degree programs at CCCC include accounting and finance, health information technology, criminal justice technology, and medical office administration. There are also five associate degree transfer programs that prepare students for bachelor's programs at four-year colleges.

Why we like them: At this school, online learners use the Brightspace learning system to complete their distance education courses. The majority of students at CCCC are enrolled part-time. The school provides academic advising, counseling, tutoring, and library services for all students.

At Wayne Community College (WCC), students can opt for one of more than 50 online degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Those who want to earn an associate degree can major in AI and cloud technologies, emergency management, software development, cybersecurity, IT business support, and more. Others may want to enroll in the Associate of Arts transfer program if their goal is to later transfer to a four-year university.

Why we like them: Besides plenty of options for online education, WCC equips students with the tools they need to succeed. Remote learners use the Moodle platform to access online course materials and communicate with peers and instructors. The school also features a number of student services, such as achievement coaching, tutoring, and writing support.

Craven Community College (CCC) provides a limited selection of online associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Study areas include accounting and finance, business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, medical billing and coding, and medical office administration.

Why we like them: Almost half of CCC students attend completely online, taking classes via Moodle. We also like that it has small classes, which can encourage interaction between students and instructors. Additionally, CCC is considered military-friendly and offers priority registration to all service members and dependents.

At Davidson-Davie County Community College (DDCCC), students can choose from several online associate degrees in emerging fields. These areas of study include criminal justice, health information technology, supply chain management, and emergency medical science.

Why we like them: About one-third of DDCCC students attend exclusively online, taking courses via Moodle. It’s also a rather affordable school even for out-of-state students. Moreover, about two thirds of students receive financial aid, and some are awarded scholarships through the Davidson-Davie Community College Foundation.

The public Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute (CCCTI) offers a broad selection of 29 online programs, including 12 fully online associate degrees. Some of the possible areas of study include business administration, early childhood education, human services technology, and medical office administration. Students who plan to continue on at a four-year university may also be interested in the Associate in Arts or Associate in Science transfer programs.

Why we like them: At CCCTI, distance learners use a popular platform Moodle to view course materials, submit assignments, and participate in class discussions. About two-thirds of the school's student population are enrolled part time, meaning the school can be a great choice for working professionals and others with busy schedules. All students have access to academic advising and tutoring services.

Bolivia's Brunswick Community College (BCC) provides a selection of online programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas. Examples of majors include health and fitness science and early childhood education. Several information technology certificates are also available in C++ programming, cyber security, and JAVA programming.

Why we like them: More than half of BCC students enroll in distance-only education through online associate degrees. By logging into Moodle, online students can attend classes and receive instruction, as well as plenty of interaction with instructors, thanks to small class sizes. We also appreciate that BCC aims to make higher education accessible and affordable.

Get the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue your next career with one of the many online associate degree programs offered at Blue Ridge Community College - NC (Blue Ridge). These programs are designed for busy professionals needing flexibility while pursuing further education. Some of the fully online majors at Blue Ridge include criminal justice technology, cybersecurity, and public safety administration. These programs are completely online, so you won’t need to visit the college’s campus to take your classes.

Why we like them: Blue Ridge partners with several North Carolina universities to provide transfer programs. These programs can ensure that all the courses you take are accredited when applying for a four-year program. Sometimes, transferring schools can be a hassle, so we appreciate that Blue Ridge can guarantee all your credits will go toward your bachelor’s degree with these programs.

Isothermal Community College (ICC) provides a variety of online associate degrees. These online degrees are available in majors such as business administration, criminal justice, information technology, and medical office administration to help fill growing employer needs. An emergency medical science degree bridge is also available for actively certified EMTs/paramedics to receive credit for work experience to meet degree requirements quickly.

Why we like them: Nearly half of ICC students are enrolled in an online program. The school uses Moodle for online programming delivery. It’s a small school with a low student-to-faculty ratio. Online learning resources include access to the library, tutoring, and writing help.

Distance learners at Southwestern Community College (SCC) have their choice of 42 online associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. One option is an Associate of Arts transfer program that enables students to more easily transition to a four-year bachelor's program. Other associate degree possibilities include criminal justice technology, early childhood education, business administration, and information technology.

Why we like them: Despite the school’s open admissions policy and most students being enrolled part-time, SCC has a fairly high graduation rate. Remote leaders use the Moodle learning management system to access their online courses. They also have access to such crucial resources as academic advising, counseling, and career services.

Robeson Community College’s (RCC) online associate degree programs are the same quality as those they deliver on campus. The online programs you can pursue at RCC include an Associate in Arts, an Associate of Applied Sciences in Business Administration, and an Associate of Applied Sciences in Criminal Justice Technology. All programs provide the flexibility that allows you to continue your daily obligations while furthering your education.

Why we like them: If you need assistance during your degree, RCC offers several online student services to support your academic journey. Attending this community college gives you access to disability services, an online bookstore, counseling, career services, and an academic success center. By offering these online student resources, we believe RCC strives to ensure online students have everything they need to succeed in their program.

Surry Community College (SCC) provides nine online associate degrees, as well as certificates and diplomas. Online students can choose to study subjects such as office administration, nursing, early childhood education, or digital media technology. There’s also an option to earn an Associate of Arts transfer degree, fulfilling most of their general education requirements before transferring to a four-year bachelor's program.

Why we like them: According to the school’s website, each of its online programs follows the same program of study as its face-to-face counterpart. This ensures that online students receive the same quality and depth of education as their on-campus peers, eliminating concerns about the legitimacy of their degrees. Additionally, Surry's academic advising and career services for online students serve as valuable assets, offering students personalized guidance to excel in their studies and access to resources that empower them to make informed career decisions and achieve their professional goals.