2025 Best Online Community Colleges in New York
Online community colleges in New York provide flexible programs that suit different career paths. With adequate tech support and ample financial aid options, these colleges make it easier for you to receive an affordable education from the comfort of your own home.
Key Takeaways:
- Hudson Valley Community College offers the highest Salary Score with median graduate earnings of $47,352.
- All of New York's most affordable community colleges have tuition costs below $10,100, with some institutions charging as little as $5,116.
- Bryant & Stratton College Online is in the top 3% of all colleges nationwide for hosting the most distance learners 鈥� 9,050 students studying online.
Our Best Colleges by State methodology uses a comprehensive analysis of online schools that offer benefits for remote learners, be it high graduate earnings, reasonably priced tuition rates, or strong online enrollment numbers. For the state of New York, we categorize community colleges into Best by Salary Score, Best by Affordability, and Honorable Mention.
At a Glance:
Best by Salary Score
At OnlineU, we analyze alumni salaries to assign Salary Scores, comparing each online school based on graduate earnings across majors. The highest earning community college in New York has median graduate earnings of over $47,000.
Hudson Valley Community College
Why We Like Them:
HVCC stands out for its impressive alumni outcomes with a median earnings of $47,352, which indicates a solid return on investment. Furthermore, the college's online enrollment of 1,841 students positions it among the top 24% of schools nationwide, showcasing its strong commitment to accessible online education. In addition to these strengths, HVCC offers diverse online programs, including associate degrees in arts, sciences, applied science, and occupational studies, as well as multiple certificate programs. These degrees focus on providing practical training for in-demand careers, such as dentistry, teaching, and IT support.
Best by Affordability
The methodology for Best by Affordability highlights the financial accessibility of community colleges in New York. Schools on this list have a universal tuition rate across their online bachelor's programs and must offer this rate below $30,000 annually, excluding additional course fees. After manually reviewing tuition data, we've determined that the most affordable community colleges in New York charge less than $10,200 per year.
Herkimer County Community College
Why We Like Them:
HC is among the most affordable colleges in the country with a remarkably low tuition of $5,116, placing it among the top 3% for this metric. This low cost is complemented by the fact that 90% of students receive financial aid, showing the institution's commitment to making education financially accessible for low-income individuals. HC offers an extensive array of online associate and certificate programs across fields such as business, communication, and healthcare. These entirely online programs enable you to study remotely, providing the flexibility required to balance your commitments at work and home.
Genesee Community College
Why We Like Them:
GCC offers a tuition of just $5,850, placing it in the top 8% of most affordable colleges in the country. This makes GCC an excellent choice if you are budget-conscious. Approximately 83% of students receive financial aid, with an average package of $8,622. GCC's programs aren't only financially accessible, but they're also convenient for online learners with busy schedules. The school offers flexibility through multiple delivery modalities including asynchronous, synchronous, partially synchronous, and hybrid. HyFlex is another unique option that blends recorded classes with virtual meetings.
Fulton-Montgomery Community College
Why We Like Them:
FMCC sets its tuition rate at $6,120, positioning it among the top 13% of affordable colleges nationwide. It also extends significant financial aid, where 91% of students benefit from the $8,790 average financial aid package. Moreover, the school facilitates a supportive learning environment through flexible online programs that prepare students for diverse careers. There are three online associate degrees available in business administration, marketing, and general studies. At FMCC, online students can also pursue continuing education programs that develop their professional and technical skills in human resources, medical billing and coding, bookkeeping, and network security.
Tompkins Cortland Community College
Why We Like Them:
TC3 secures its position on our affordability list with a tuition rate of $6,120, making it an attractive option if you're budget-conscious. Additionally, the school stands out with a respectable 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing you to study in smaller groups with more personalized attention from your professors. TC3's online offerings are extensive; you can complete degree programs entirely online in fields like accounting, business administration, and creative writing/screenwriting. The college also offers certificates that can be completed fully online, including business management and paralegal studies, giving you even more ways to grow your career.
Finger Lakes Community College
Why We Like Them:
FLCC offers a highly competitive tuition rate of $7,560, placing it in the top 15% for affordability among its peers. This economic advantage makes FLCC even more accessible, as evidenced by the fact that 100% of students receive financial aid. The online enrollment at FLCC is also impressive, with 1,413 students studying remotely. This puts the college in the top 29% for online student populations, indicating a well-established digital learning environment. FLCC offers a wide range of online associate degrees and certificate programs, some of which are in unique fields such as viticulture, graphic design, hospitality, and nutrition.
North Country Community College
Why We Like Them:
NCCC's tuition is $8,088, putting it in the top 18% of affordable community colleges nationally. It also boasts a commendable student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, ensuring that NCCC's faculty can devote significant time to ensuring you receive the best online education possible. The online offerings at NCCC include comprehensive degree and certificate programs in areas such as child and family services, chemical dependency counseling, and human services. If you're seeking a career that's designed to meet the needs of others and help people overcome challenges, NCCC may be the choice for you.
Adirondack Community College
Why We Like Them:
As an online student at ACC, you'll be pleased to know that tuition costs are just $8,316, placing the school in the top 21% of the most affordable colleges across the nation. This economic value leads to more than half (63%) of students returning to class after their first year. Four degrees can be completed entirely online: business administration, individual studies, humanities and social sciences, and entrepreneurship. ACC also offers hybrid learning models where half the credits for 13 degrees and certificates can be earned online, providing flexibility to suit your individual needs and career goals.
SUNY Corning Community College
Why We Like Them:
CCC offers tuition at an accessible $9,192, which makes it a cost-effective option for budget-minded students. Upon graduation, you can expect to earn $40,280. While these earnings fall short of most other colleges, you're gaining a solid educational foundation that can lead to a more advanced degree and a higher salary in the future. For online learners, CCC has fully online programs in humanities and social sciences, business administration, and sustainability studies. Utilizing Brightspace's learning management system, students have access to flexible learning modes including fully online courses and remote classes, catering to various scheduling needs.
Monroe Community College
Why We Like Them:
MCC has a tuition of $10,100, making it an adequate choice if cost is important for you. If we compare MCC's online enrollment with that of other institutions, the college would be among the top 19% of schools with the highest number of online students. This indicates a well-established online system, which is crucial for a flexible and comprehensive online education. MCC offers over 200 online courses each semester through SUNY Online, allowing you to attend classes at your convenience. Some of the academic programs offered entirely online include business administration, dental assisting, liberal arts and sciences, math, and sports management.
Honorable Mention
Bryant & Stratton College Online
Why We Like Them:
BSC secures its position in our Honorable Mention category due to an impressive online enrollment of 9,050 students, placing it ahead of 97% of all colleges and universities in the country. The fact that 91% of students at BSC receive financial aid demonstrates the school's commitment to making education accessible. Online classes are available 24/7, allowing you to engage in courses at your convenience, an important feature for balancing life and studies effectively. BSC offers more than 30 online degree programs in high-demand fields such as business, healthcare, education, and technology.
What Students Say:
"My experience at Bryant & Stratton College has been very rewarding. When I started my journey, I was unsure if I could finish. However, with the support from my instructors, student advisor, and the college as a whole, I not only completed my courses, I excelled in many of them... I would like to thank everyone at Bryant & Stratton College. They helped make my dream of having a degree a reality!"
Laura Slone, Graduated 2024
Broome Community College
Why We Like Them:
Broome stands out due to its significant online enrollment of 1,000 students, placing it in the top 36% of all American colleges. This demonstrates the school鈥檚 capacity to deliver quality education online. Moreover, the college鈥檚 affordability is supported by 90% of its students benefiting from financial aid, providing support to make higher education accessible. The 20 available online programs encompass a variety of associate degrees and certificates aimed at broadening your career opportunities. Majors include hospitality, paralegal, web development, office technologies, social media, sports management, and health studies, among others.
Berkeley College
Why We Like Them:
The online enrollment at BC is among the top 37% of institutions with an online student population of 974. Although not every student receives financial aid, the average package received is an impressive $19,263, which is in the top 12% of all schools across the country. BC Online offers a wide range of degree programs, including undergraduate degrees in fields like accounting, business data science, and health services management, as well as graduate degrees like an MBA in management and a Master of Science in Nursing. You also gain access to plenty of support such as academic advising, tutoring, and career services, all of which help you graduate on time.
What Students Say:
"The staff and employees will go to great lengths to meet and assist all students...The professors were outstanding! All of the professors I had would go to great lengths to assist. They were all incredibly experienced in their fields and were able to closely connect with us... It was a wonderful experience attending Berkeley College."
Antoinette M. Kassas, Graduated 2016
Cayuga Community College
Why We Like Them:
Cayuga's notable online enrollment of 698 students reflects its ability to host a broad online learning community. The school is also committed to making its programs accessible with 88% of students receiving financial aid packages of $9,494. These figures indicate strong financial support systems that can help you manage the cost of education more effectively. Cayuga offers many degrees and certificates that can be completed entirely online, making education both convenient and flexible. Online students utilize Brightspace, a nationally recognized distance learning platform, ensuring a seamless online education experience while studying business, writing, criminal justice, or event management.
Niagara County Community College
Why We Like Them:
NCCC hosts 480 online students. While not the highest rate of online enrollment, it still shows a strong digital infrastructure that's able to support hundreds of remote learners. The school's 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio nearly falls in line with the top half of all schools nationally. NCCC offers a range of online programs across various disciplines. Notable online associate degrees include accounting, business administration, human services, and computer information systems. There are also online certificate programs such as chemical dependency counseling and business management, making NCCC a versatile option for different career paths.
Jamestown Community College
Why We Like Them:
JCC has an acceptable online enrollment of 437 students. Although it's a relatively small online school, you can rest assured you'll receive the financial assistance you need to pursue an education, since 98% of students receive financial aid. JCC provides a range of online associate degrees and certificates, including fields like business administration, computer science, cybersecurity, and health information technology. This broad spectrum of programs ensures that you can find a pathway that aligns with your career goals. The social science program, for example, offers concentrations in Psychology, Sociology, and Economics.
Onondaga Community College
Why We Like Them:
OCC shows its commitment to accessible education by offering online students an average financial aid package of over $10,400. Although just 85% of students receive financial aid, it nonetheless demonstrates support for helping you manage costs while pursuing higher education. OCC offers over 100 online courses every semester, along with hybrid and web-enhanced options, to meet diverse learning preferences. There are two fully online associate degrees, creative writing and health information technology, both of which can be completely entirely online without the need to visit campus. Both programs are designed for full-time students to graduate within two years.
Jefferson Community College
Why We Like Them:
JCC hosts hundreds of online students each year, including 336 servicemembers. The school's faculty is also made up of several military members and their families to ensure that servicemembers receive the personalized support they need to graduate while maintaining their military responsibilities. Tuition rates are relatively low at $5,832, making online degrees more affordable than most other schools. JCC offers four degrees and one certificate entirely online, ensuring that you have flexible and accessible options to pursue. Full degrees include an Associate of Science in Business Administration, Associate of Arts in Childhood Education, and an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, among liberal arts and individual studies degrees.
Sullivan County Community College
Why We Like Them:
More than 200 distance learners take part in SCCC's comprehensive online programs, which are both accessible and flexible. SCCC offers online associate degrees and certificates, which match the standards set for its on-campus programs. You can choose from a wide array of programs, such as business administration, green building technology, and liberal arts and sciences with various specializations. Utilizing Brightspace as its centralized learning management system, SCCC ensures seamless access to course content, grades, and communication with instructors. The enrollment process is straightforward and supported by an online support team, allowing you an easy transition into your degree program.
Clinton Community College
Why We Like Them:
Although CCC only enrolls 87 online students, they benefit from a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. This shows respect for your time and education goals. CCC is even more appealing when yo consider how many students receive financial aid. Approximately 99% of learners benefit from financial support with an average financial aid package of $8,187, demonstrating the college's commitment to making education accessible. Many courses at CCC are available 100% online in meaningful fields like business administration and computer information systems. If you're not interested in a full degree, you can pursue online certificates in business management or computer support.
Student Reviews of Online Associate Programs
Amazing staff and the tutors are fantastic. Having this experience has been a hard one but the more I came to understand the better it became. I am really glad that I am graduating and even more grateful that I got to learn from such amazing people and at my own pace.
Review Date: 9/8/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I will be returning for my Bachelors Degree in business. Keep up the great work all. Without the help and support of the staff I would have only done half as good as I actually did. I appreciate everything from support, to encouragement from my teachers and other staff members.
Review Date: 8/28/2023
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
As a 47 year old woman who wanted to go back to school to better myself but was afraid since I had been out of school for so long, UMA made me feel I could do it and was by my side the whole way. With all the help I'm proud to say I'm now a honor student.
Review Date: 11/8/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am thankful for Ivy Tech simply because it is cheap. It was a nightmare trying to apply and register for my classes, since I could not figure out the website and my academic advisor was not helpful. I have had struggles with several of my teachers, and the education is decent but not wonderful. Additionally, I had a teacher tell me that a religious document I used in a reflection paper was not a scientific or historic document, although it is. She also told me that I could not include my beliefs... Read More
Review Date: 7/11/2022
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
Late in life I decided that I would like to work in a field that would assist people so I decided to do my studies online and U.M.A. was a great choice ,there was someone ready to help you at all times.At the end of my studies I received a shot that left me with nerve damage I worked so hard to achieve my degree now I was unable to use my hand for a long period because of the pain,I panic but when I talked with my instructors and academy coaches they understood and was glad to help me. I can truly... Read More
Review Date: 4/22/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Be very careful with this school. I thought I did my research on Penn Foster before enrolling, turns out I missed some key points. Here they are: 1.) I paid in full ($1,399) thinking it was for the ENTIRE cost of the program, because that is what I was lead to believe through the description of the program. Turns out, the $1,399 was only for the first semester, that's all. So I would have had to pay the $1,399 three more times in order to continue and complete the degree altogether. 2.) It is very... Read More
Review Date: 8/15/2018
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
HIT is a great program! UMA/HIT is accredited through CAHIIM which is the accrediting body of AHIMA and UMA is accredited/recognized by the US Dept of ED. You can confirm this via US Dept of Education website. I'm really enjoying my learning experience. I'm learning what's required and so much more that will aide me in my career in Health Information Management. The learner advisors as well as the coaches are available to help you succeed and you will succeed if you are dedicated and determined.... Read More
Review Date: 6/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This school is horrible the only person that will explain things to you is on Facebook . They hold your money like they have to pay it back. I wish I had never wasted my time here at this school they do not care about you or you getting a proper education. They care about their money the questions for work is the same for every class you can write anything and they will pass you this school is a big joke
Review Date: 5/13/2015
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
Go there to experience the best hands on teaching and meet life long friends who can help you network through your field. You can always go back and get tours to see how much they have advanced. It was an awesome experience for me and I would do it all over.
Review Date: 3/18/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
I cannot say enough positive things about the radiologic technology program at RRCC. It IS the most affordable program around the Denver area and the instructors prepared me extremely well for my career as well as for passing my national registry exam. I now work at a level 1 trauma center, which was one of my clinical sites the program set up for me. Their pass rate on the ARRT national registry exam is 100% for the past 4 years running. In addition to their professionalism, they were incredibly... Read More
Review Date: 1/29/2024
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Kalamazoo Valley is a good value if you are pursuing an Associate's degree to then transfer into a in-state University. However, quality of instruction varies widely by teacher. The campus and classes can be very crowed during the daytime. I like the hybrid classes the most but not many are currently offered. There are many great Community Colleges in Michigan to attend, Kalamazoo Valley is one worth considering.
Review Date: 10/24/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I would not recommend UCR to anyone especially students who are considered poor. UCR University does not put emphasis on quality education but gears all its resources towards alleviating all funds from students pockets. UCR appears to follow the Trump guidelines for greed. The University will nickel and dime you for every cent they can. While in a current pandemic the housing unit of UCR kept my deposit because I changed my mind about staying on campus isn't safe. I'm poor and had to struggle for... Read More
Review Date: 8/27/2020
Would Recommend: No
Helpful for Career: No
I had always considered a career in the medical field and after doing research on which school to attend I landed on CHCP in Austin. The instructors are all very helpful and knowledgeable. What you put into school you will definitely get out of school and CHCP is worth the effort. I've been happy with my experience here and am currently in my externship. I would definitely recommend CHCP's LMRT program!
Review Date: 11/6/2019
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
The program is quite small I would say. The overall experience was alright. I already have my BS and thought this program would be a good fit for me, since I am changing careers at the moment. I learned a lot of skills. Whether it helped push me to to new fields is up to debate. I would suggest getting a masters after this program.
Review Date: 9/11/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
UC Blue Ash is a great place to start your college education. Coming from a less affluent family, I was financially unable to attend any of the big universities in the area. UCBA is a cost efficient godsend for the community. without it I would not be graduating. The teachers are kind, thorough, and willing to work with you to achieve exemplary grades.
Review Date: 8/3/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: No
I am a recent graduate from Fortis College, Dental Hygiene. The hygiene program costs include everything you need to attend, scrubs, books, and instruments (52,000$). Please keep in mind that other programs within Maryland area are not a guarantee when prerequisites are completed. I would also advise checking other dental hygiene programs wait lists, some have a minimum 2 year after prerequisites have been completed. With Fortis your classes include the prerequisites. DO NOT TRY TO WORK THE SECOND... Read More
Review Date: 1/26/2018
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
This was a great school to get my associate degree with. Teachers try to push and give you so many opportunites even if you are going through tough times. The fact that a school actually cares to try and see you succeed is special. I enjoyed two years that brought me up to my dream job. I would highly recommend this job for any one seeking a life changing career.
Review Date: 9/21/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Grateful to have been able to go there! Amazing instructors! They have taught me so much about the career I'm going into. Awesome that they offer a cosmetology program and give you 44 credits towards your associates for doing so. Getting college credits for something I love was very helpful.
Review Date: 3/14/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
The school's sufficient. They've got degree programs worked out with the other colleges here, so a two year degree can roll right into a Bachelor's. There's also a lot of certificate programs to get people working immediately.
Review Date: 8/14/2014
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Miami Dade College is one of the greatest community colleges in the country. Going to school there was a pleasure with the latest equipment they have and the cost which was really reduced. I would definitely recommend this institution to any fresh out of High school student before tackling universities.
Review Date: 5/13/2017
Would Recommend: Yes
Helpful for Career: Yes
Overview of Online Community Colleges in New York
There are exactly 100 online community colleges in the state of New York that confer associate degrees, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (). And of that massive list, there's only one school that's 100% online 鈥� Bryant & Stratton College.
The State University of New York (SUNY) and the City University of New York (CUNY) systems encompass the majority of community colleges in New York State. SUNY operates many community colleges across various regions outside of New York City, offering accessible higher education opportunities with a focus on associate degrees and certificate programs that cater to diverse academic and vocational interests. Meanwhile, CUNY manages several community colleges within New York City, providing similar educational pathways with an emphasis on serving the city's unique urban population. Both systems aim to provide affordable higher education opportunities, facilitate workforce development, and promote lifelong learning for students across New York State.
A community college is a good place to start exploring career options and degree paths. Students enroll in SUNY and CUNY to earn associate degrees to boost their prospects in the highly competitive New York job market. Many save money by completing their first two years of college and general education credits before transferring to a bachelor's degree program. Most online associate degree courses are worth three credit hours. It takes full-time students approximately two years to complete a 90-credit associate degree. Part-time students often take longer to finish.
SUNY and CUNY have a state-recognized for students transferring within these systems, allowing students who meet general education requirements to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year program as juniors. Both SUNY and CUNY systems offer several online bachelor's and graduate programs at their four-year universities. Students transferring to schools outside these systems would still have standard enrollment requirements to meet, including official transcripts, a minimum 2.0 GPA, an application fee of approximately $50, and sometimes a letter of intent.
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Community College in New York?
in New York are $6,540 for in-state students and $10,420 for out-of-state students. This means that New York community colleges are more pricey than the U.S. average despite the state鈥檚 relatively low-cost public universities.
It's also important to note that SUNY charges tuition based on state residency for online programs. However, CUNY charges in-state tuition for all online programs regardless of residency, which helps students save money.
The State of New York enacted the first accessible college tuition program in the U.S. with the to address affordability. The Excelsior Scholarship provides free community college tuition for approximately 940,000 individuals and families earning less than $125,000 a year.
Students who meet the following specific requirements may qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship:
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Established New York residency
-
Enrollment in a SUNY or CUNY community college
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Completion of 30 credit hours per year
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Continued residency in New York after graduation
Federal financial aid can also help pay for tuition. Students should first fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they qualify for federal grants, scholarships, work study programs, or student loans. Federal student loans offer lower interest rates than traditional loans through private lenders and have more flexible repayment options.
Conclusion: Empowering Education Through Affordable Online Community Colleges in NY
Online community colleges in New York offer a variety of flexible programs tailored to different career paths, supported by comprehensive tech assistance and financial aid options. These institutions prioritize accessibility and affordability, enabling students to pursue education from home. Key highlights include Hudson Valley Community College, which boasts the highest Salary Score with median graduate earnings of $47,352, and several other colleges with tuition costs below $10,100, such as Herkimer County Community College, which charges as little as $5,116. Notably, Bryant & Stratton College Online ranks in the top 3% nationally for distance learners, with 9,050 students studying online.
Our analysis categorizes community colleges in New York into three main groups: (1) Best by Salary Score, (2) Best by Affordability, and (3) Honorable Mention, providing prospective students with insights into institutions that offer high graduate earnings, reasonable tuition rates, and strong online enrollment figures. The comprehensive breakdown of each college's offerings, including tuition rates, financial aid availability, and online program flexibility, emphasizes the state's commitment to providing accessible and quality education. This detailed evaluation helps prospective students make informed decisions based on financial considerations, academic support, and career-oriented outcomes, highlighting the overall scope and impact of New York's online community colleges.