Below, we list the best online colleges in Tennessee that offer online associate degrees. These programs meet the same academic standards as on-campus options, catering to undergraduates, working professionals, military personnel, and students with diverse schedules, making them ideal for those balancing education with other commitments.
Key Takeaways:
- Chattanooga State Community College stands out with impressive median graduate earnings of $46,238.
- South College has high online enrollment with 2,902 distance learners.
- Roane State Community College boasts an impressive 99% of students receiving financial aid.
Methodology: We rank colleges first based on the highest Salary Score™, derived from alumni earnings data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard. After that, schools are ordered by popularity among online students based on enrollment numbers.
2025 Best Online Community Colleges in Tennessee
#1 Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga State Community College
- Salary Score: B-
- Median Earnings: $46,238
- Online Enrollment: 1,736 enrolled
- Location: Chattanooga
Why we like them: ChattState earns its high rank due to its notable median earnings for graduates, which stand at $46,238. This places ChattState in the top half of institutions for alumni earnings, signifying a strong return on investment for your education. Complementing this, ChattState also exhibits a significant online enrollment of 1,736 students, positioning it among the top 25% of schools with the most online learners. This online school offers a range of over 30 fully online degrees and certificates, including specialized fields such as nuclear medicine and business administration.
#2 South College South College South College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $40,647
- Online Enrollment: 2,902 enrolled
- Locations: Multiple Locations
Why we like them: South College secures its rank among Tennessee's best online community colleges due to its impressive online enrollment figures. If we were to compare South College's online enrollment with other institutions, we'd find it among the top 16% with the highest number of students engaging in online studies. This metric underscores the college's robust online learning infrastructure and its ability to cater to a large student body effectively. The diverse array of online degrees spans from associate and bachelor's to master's and doctoral levels, covering disciplines such as business, healthcare, education, and technology.
#3 Volunteer State Community College Volunteer State Community College Volunteer State Community College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $38,960
- Online Enrollment: 2,805 enrolled
- Location: Gallatin
Why we like them: VSCC distinguishes itself with a significant online enrollment of 2,805 students, positioning it in the top 17% of community colleges for online learners. This suggests a solid digital learning environment that supports distance education effectively. Adding to its appeal, VSCC demonstrates a strong commitment to affordability, with an impressive 93% of students receiving financial aid. VSCC excels in offering a broad range of online associate degrees and technical certificates, covering various fields including business, criminal justice, and information technology.
#4 Southwest Tennessee Community College Southwest Tennessee Community College Southwest Tennessee Community College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $38,704
- Online Enrollment: 2,236 enrolled
- Locations: Memphis (and 2 others)
Why we like them: Southwest stands out for its online enrollment, with 2,236 students participating in online studies. Additionally, 94% of students receive financial aid, highlighting the school's commitment to making higher education affordable. Combining this with an average financial aid package of $6,558 ensures that you have substantial support to manage tuition costs. Although the institution's retention and graduation rates offer areas for growth, the emphasis on financial support and extensive online program options make it a compelling choice.
#5 Motlow State Community College Motlow State Community College Motlow State Community College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $40,919
- Online Enrollment: 2,218 enrolled
- Location: Tullahoma
Why we like them: Motlow is in the top 21% of community colleges for the most significant number of students studying online. This extensive online student body reflects the college's capacity to deliver quality education remotely. Moreover, its affordability stands out, with a total tuition fee of $17,232, positioning it favorably among its peers. Additionally, nearly 100% of students receive financial aid. Motlow offers a broad spectrum of online associate degrees, including arts, science, applied science, and transfer pathways, which provide flexibility whether you aim for immediate employment or further academic pursuits.
#6 Nashville State Community College Nashville State Community College Nashville State Community College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $40,449
- Online Enrollment: 1,251 enrolled
- Location: Nashville
Why we like them: With 1,251 students opting for remote learning, NSCC is among the top third of institutions in this regard. This significant online student body highlights the accessibility and flexibility of its online programs. Additionally, NSCC offers an array of online degrees and certificates, catering to various fields like accounting, business, healthcare, and early childhood education. So whether you're looking to earn a technical certificate, an Associate of Applied Science, or an Associate of Science for transfer to a four-year institution, NSCC's comprehensive online offerings provide diverse educational pathways for you to choose from.
#7 Roane State Community College Roane State Community College Roane State Community College
- Salary Score: N/A
- Median Earnings: $41,319
- Online Enrollment: 995 enrolled
- Locations: Harriman (and 8 others)
Why we like them: Roane State stands out for its commitment to making education accessible, as evidenced by the fact that 99% of its students receive financial aid, placing it among the top 30% of institutions for this metric. Complementing this is a substantial number of students — 995 — enrolled in its online programs, pointing to a strong and growing virtual presence. This allows you to be part of an established and supportive online learning community. Additionally, the college maintains a reasonably affordable tuition rate of $17,540.
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