What You Should Know About This Degree
Community colleges attract all kinds of students. They are ideal for students who want to enter careers that require an associate degree or are completing general education coursework before transferring to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree. Many individuals with established careers may attend community college to complete certificate or diploma programs to acquire new skills to advance in their field. Completing these courses online offers even greater flexibility and affordability.
If you are attending an online community college with the intention of transferring to another institution, you should confirm that the school is regionally accredited and find out which schools they have articulation agreements with. This will facilitate your application and transfer process when you’re ready to switch institutions.
Although in theory you can earn an online degree from anywhere, there are some restrictions on how distance education is provided. Before enrolling in a program, check with the National Council of State Authorization of Reciprocity Agreements to confirm that your school is authorized to grant degrees to students in your home state. Also, because community colleges are intended to specifically serve the community where they are located, tuition is typically lower for local students versus out-of-state students. This may apply even in online programs, so take a close look at tuition rates before enrolling.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Community Colleges:
- How does the school support online students? Online students need academic and career support just like on-campus students. Find out what type of access online students have to advising, libraries, tutoring, technical support, and career services. Also, talk to your program of interest regarding faculty accessibility, so you know how to interact with and get support from your instructors.
- How are courses delivered? This will vary by program and school, but generally, online courses are delivered in synchronous or asynchronous format. Scheduling for synchronous classes is more rigid, but you get more interaction with instructors and peers. Asynchronous classes are more flexible, but more of your learning is self-guided. Think about what style works best for you when selecting a program.
Research admissions and financial aid requirements as part of your community college search process. This information is typically available on the school’s website, or you can contact their admissions and financial aid departments. If you are currently employed, talk to your employer about tuition assistance benefits.