2023 Best Online Community Colleges in North Carolina

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) is a public institution in Fayetteville, NC. It offers associate degrees and certificates for remote students that want to study 100% online and on a flexible schedule. There are over 30 undergraduate degrees in a variety of subjects, such as information technology, accounting, hospitality, healthcare, and business. For example, students may choose to pursue an Associate of Applied Science in Finance, an Associate of Applied Science in Geospatial Intelligence, or an Associate of Applied Science in General Early Childhood Education. FTCC's certificate programs are even more expansive, with dozens of offerings in 10 different fields, like public service, emergency management, and business. Students use Blackboard's learning management system (LMS) to study online while also taking advantage of support that include student success coaches and financial literacy services.

Wake Technical Community College (WTCC), also known as WakeTech, is a public college located in North Carolina's capital city of Raleigh. It offers two-year degree programs and even shorter non-degree programs known as Workforce Continuing Education courses. There are over 90 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. As far as non-credit programs, students can engage in individual online courses, such as Become a Physical Therapy Aide, Writing for ESL, Human Resources Professional, and Multimedia Arts Certificate. All online courses are taken through the LMS Moodle. Additionally, academic advising, tutoring, and career services are all available for remote students.

Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) is a public institution in Charlotte, NC and the second largest community college within the North Carolina Community College System. The school's selection of remote learning programs are 100% online — including for-college-credit certificates, associate degrees, and non-credit programs. It offers two transfer programs, an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science, each designed for students interested in pursuing bachelor's degrees. It also offers 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. CPCC's non-credit courses are in corporate and continuing education. The LMS Brightspace handles all online coursework, and enrolled students are eligible for career and IT services, as well as remote counseling.

Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) is a public college situated in the Piedmont Triad between Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Highpoint, NC. It serves over 26,000 students each year through in-person and online programs. Online programs are offered 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. Out-of-state students, except those in California, are permitted to apply for a GTCC online program. Coursework is delivered via the Canvas LMS, and remote students also have access to telehealth counseling services and a remote student success center.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College (RCCC) is a public college with campuses throughout Rowan County and Cabarrus County, North Carolina. It features more than 250 online courses that make up 19 associate degrees, nine diplomas, and 33 certificates. Associate degrees are focused in areas such as business administration, healthcare management technology, and information technology, while certificates cover more specific areas of focus, 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. Blackboard is the primary LMS for RCCC students. Distance learners have access to tutoring, technology assistance, digital libraries, and career and academic advising.