Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Summer Classes in 2026

Summer classes at community colleges give you the chance to move ahead in your degree without waiting for fall. Whether you want to catch up, explore new subjects, or lighten your course load for the year, these short sessions make it easier to fit learning into your schedule. 

With affordable tuition, flexible online and in-person formats, and transferable credits, community colleges provide a smart way to keep your education on track. Below, you’ll find some of the best options available.

Do Community Colleges Offer Summer Classes?

Yes, most community colleges run summer terms with classes that are shorter and more condensed than a regular semester. These sessions are especially helpful if you’re trying to balance school with a job or family commitments since they give you more scheduling flexibility. Summer courses also make it easier to transfer credits, catch up on requirements, or even graduate sooner by keeping your momentum going year-round.

Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Summer Classes

The following community colleges make summer learning accessible with affordable tuition, flexible formats, and courses that transfer smoothly to four-year programs. Each school gives you a chance to stay on track and earn credits faster.

1. Massachusetts Bay Community College

Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) in Wellesley, MA, offers a summer session designed for students who want to get ahead or earn transferable credits quickly. Courses are available online or in person, making it easier to balance school with summer plans. Sessions run about six weeks, so you have a chance to finish classes in a shorter timeframe without a loss of momentum.

MassBay participates in the MassTransfer program, so eligible credits earned here apply toward degrees at state universities and University of Massachusetts campuses. That means you can move smoothly into a four-year program with guaranteed admission for qualified students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $24 per credit hour (in-state); $230 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Blue Ridge Community College

Located in Flat Rock, NC, Blue Ridge Community College gives students the option to use summer classes as a way to stay on track or finish requirements more quickly. Flexible scheduling makes it easier to balance school with work or family responsibilities, and shorter sessions mean you can complete credits in less time.

Many of the courses are transferable to four-year institutions, and academic advisors are available to help you plan ahead. That guidance ensures your summer coursework supports your long-term goals and makes the transition to a bachelor’s program smoother.

• Estimated tuition cost: $76 per credit hour (resident); $268 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. Austin Community College

In the heart of Texas, Austin Community College (ACC) gives students the chance to keep momentum going with a wide range of summer courses. Shorter sessions help you complete classes more quickly, while flexible scheduling makes it easier to balance academics with work, travel, or family responsibilities.

Because ACC has strong partnerships with universities, many summer courses transfer directly into bachelor’s programs. Advisors are available throughout the summer to help you choose classes that align with your degree plan, so the credits you earn continue to move you toward your goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85 per credit hour (in-district); $286 per credit hour (out-of-district)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Portland Community College

Oregon’s largest community college, Portland Community College (PCC), offers summer classes that give students the flexibility to keep moving forward academically. The shorter terms are ideal if you want to complete general education requirements, take transferable credits, or try out new subjects without committing to a full semester.

PCC provides multiple campuses and online options so you can design a schedule that works for you. Many courses are part of statewide transfer agreements, making it simple to carry credits into four-year universities. With advising and support services available year-round, PCC helps you make the most of your summer learning.

• Estimated tuition cost: $138 per credit hour (resident); $288 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

5. College of DuPage

Students in Glen Ellyn, IL, can take advantage of College of DuPage’s (COD) summer courses offered in online, in-person, and hybrid formats. Shorter, more intensive terms allow you to complete classes quickly while maintaining academic quality, making it easier to fit learning into a busy summer schedule.

Whether you’re catching up on requirements or exploring new subjects, COD’s summer session is built around flexibility. The college also places a strong emphasis on transfer, with many courses accepted at four-year institutions. Academic advisors are available to guide you in selecting classes that align with your degree plan so your credits move you closer to graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $156 per credit hour (in-district); $359 per credit hour (out-of-district); $429 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

6. Madison Area Technical College

Summer classes at Madison Area Technical College give you the chance to catch up, get ahead, or explore new interests without waiting for the fall semester. Courses are offered in condensed formats, so you can complete credits in a shorter timeframe while still receiving quality instruction and support.

Located in Madison, WI, the college provides a wide selection of general education and career-focused classes that transfer easily to four-year universities. With flexible scheduling and online options available, you can fit summer learning into your plans. Academic advising and support services are also accessible during the summer, helping you make the most of each course.

• Estimated tuition cost: $153 per credit hour (in-state); $229 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

7. Monroe Community College

Monroe Community College (MCC) in Rochester, NY, makes it easy to keep your education moving with summer sessions. Courses are offered in different formats to provide flexibility, so you can fit learning into your summer alongside work or other activities. Accelerated scheduling also makes it possible to complete classes in a shorter timeframe.

MCC advisors support students in selecting classes that meet degree and transfer requirements. With many credits transferable to four-year programs, summer courses at Monroe provide a clear pathway to continue your education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $216 per credit hour (in-state); $433 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College lets you take advantage of summer sessions with courses that are both affordable and widely transferable. Many students use the summer term to stay on track for graduation, retake a challenging class, or get ahead before the fall semester begins. Shorter formats also mean you can earn credits more quickly.

Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood offers summer classes across a variety of subjects, including general education courses that meet transfer requirements at universities throughout the state. With advising and student services available year-round, the college helps ensure your summer coursework supports your academic and career goals.

• Estimated tuition cost: $221 per credit hour (resident); $296 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: HLC

9. Front Range Community College

With campuses across Colorado and a strong online presence, Front Range Community College makes it easy to keep your degree moving during the summer. Shorter terms let you finish classes in less time, and flexible scheduling means you can fit coursework around work, family, or travel plans.

Many of Front Range’s summer courses fall under Colorado’s guaranteed transfer pathway, so credits are widely accepted at the state’s four-year universities. Whether you’re tackling general education requirements or trying something new, advisors are available to help you choose classes that align with your long-term plans.

• Estimated tuition cost: $285 per credit hour (resident); $694 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: HLC

10. Casper College

In Wyoming, Casper College gives students a flexible way to keep moving forward with summer classes. You can use the condensed terms to complete prerequisites, lighten your future course load, or explore new interests while finishing credits more quickly.

Many summer courses fulfill general education requirements that transfer smoothly into bachelor’s programs both in Wyoming and at universities beyond the state. With advising and student support available throughout the summer, Casper can help you choose courses that fit your academic plan and keep you on track toward graduation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $294 per credit hour (resident); $714 per credit hour (non-resident)
• Accreditation: HLC
  
  

How We Rank Schools

We rank community colleges offering summer classes by focusing on the factors that matter most for students. Accreditation, program offerings, and flexibility all play a role in ensuring summer courses truly support your goals.

• Accreditation: Schools must be accredited to guarantee that credits earned in summer classes are recognized and transferable.
• Program offerings: We look for a wide selection of courses so students can stay on track with general education, electives, or major requirements.
• Flexibility: Options like online, hybrid, and condensed formats make summer learning more accessible for students balancing school, work, and personal commitments.

How Do Summer Classes at Community Colleges Work?

Summer classes at community colleges are typically shorter than fall or spring terms, often lasting between four and eight weeks. Because of the condensed schedule, the pace is faster, with more material covered in each class session.

Courses are offered in flexible formats, including online, hybrid, and traditional in-person options, making it easier to fit school around jobs or personal responsibilities. Many students choose summer classes to catch up on credits, stay on track for graduation, or lighten their workload during the regular semester. Others use them to get ahead and accelerate their path to a degree.

How Do I Transfer Summer Credits From a Community College?

Transferring summer credits from a community college to a university is usually straightforward, but it’s important to plan ahead. Many colleges have articulation agreements with nearby universities, which outline exactly how courses transfer into degree programs.

You should always confirm with an academic advisor before registering to make sure the classes you choose align with your long-term goals. Regional accreditation also matters since universities are more likely to accept credits from accredited schools. In most cases, general education courses like English, math, or science transfer smoothly, while prerequisite classes for majors may require additional approval.

Benefits of Taking Summer Classes at a Community College

Taking summer classes can be a smart move if you’re looking to save money, stay on track, or create more flexibility in your schedule. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Affordability makes community college summer courses a budget-friendly choice compared to four-year universities.
• Accelerated course lengths let you finish classes in just a few weeks, helping you stay on track or graduate faster.
• Flexible scheduling options, such as online, hybrid, and evening formats, make it easier to fit school around work or family responsibilities.
• Transfer credit opportunities allow you to complete general education or prerequisite requirements without delaying your long-term degree goals.
• Balancing academics with summer commitments is easier when courses are designed to be short, flexible, and accessible.

FAQs About Summer Classes at Community Colleges

If you’re considering summer courses, you may be wondering how they work, what they cost, and whether the credits will transfer. Below, we’ll answer some of the most common questions students ask before signing up.

How Long Do Summer Classes Usually Last?

Most community college summer classes run between four and eight weeks, which is shorter than fall or spring terms. Because of the condensed schedule, the pacing is faster and material is covered more quickly. This structure allows you to earn the same number of credits in a fraction of the time, making summer sessions a great option if you want to stay on track or finish your degree sooner.

Are Summer Classes at Community Colleges Cheaper?

Summer classes at community colleges usually cost the same per credit as fall and spring courses, but they’re still much more affordable than a four-year university. Since tuition is charged by the credit, you only pay for the courses you take. This makes summer sessions a budget-friendly way to complete general education requirements or prerequisites without overspending.

Can You Transfer Summer Credits to a University?

Yes, many summer credits earned at a community college transfer to four-year universities, especially when they are general education or prerequisite courses. Before enrolling, it’s smart to check articulation agreements and speak with an advisor to make sure the classes you take will count toward your bachelor’s degree. Accreditation also matters; credits from regionally accredited schools are more likely to be accepted.

Do Community Colleges Offer Online Summer Classes?

Most community colleges now offer summer courses in online or hybrid formats, in addition to traditional on-campus classes. Online classes give you the flexibility to complete coursework from anywhere, while hybrid options combine virtual learning with occasional in-person sessions. These formats are especially helpful if you’re balancing school with work or personal commitments during the summer months.

How Many Classes Can You Take in the Summer?

The number of classes you can take during the summer depends on the college and the session length, but most students enroll in one to three courses. Because summer terms are shorter and more intensive, it’s important to consider your workload carefully. Taking too many classes at once can be overwhelming, but with careful planning, you can balance your schedule and still make steady progress.

Explore Summer Courses at Community Colleges

Summer classes are a flexible, affordable way to earn credits, transfer coursework, and keep your degree on track. Explore community college summer programs on Learn.org to find options that fit your schedule and goals.