Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Winter Sessions in 2026

Winter break doesn’t have to mean taking time off from your education. Many community colleges that offer winter sessions give you the chance to complete a course in just a few weeks. 

These condensed terms are perfect if you want to catch up, retake a class, or get ahead before spring starts. With online options, visiting student enrollment, and transferable general education courses, winter sessions make it easier to stay on track with your degree while making the most of your break.

Do Community Colleges Offer Winter Sessions?

Yes, many community colleges offer winter sessions, sometimes called intersessions, during the short break between fall and spring semesters. These terms usually run anywhere from two to five weeks in December or January, with courses delivered in online, hybrid, or accelerated formats. Because the calendar is condensed, you can focus on one class at a time and move through material quickly.

Winter sessions are especially helpful if you want to catch up on credits, lighten your spring workload, or graduate sooner. They’re also popular with visiting students from four-year universities who use the break to complete transferable general education requirements. With their short length and flexible delivery, winter sessions make it possible to stay productive without interrupting your holiday plans.

Top 10 Community Colleges That Offer Winter Sessions

Winter sessions combine convenience, affordability, and transferability, making them a smart option for many students. These short terms let you complete courses quickly, often at a lower cost, while ensuring credits apply toward your degree or transfer smoothly to a four-year university.

1. Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College in Boston, MA, offers a fast-paced winter session each January, giving you the chance to complete a course between fall and spring. Most classes are online, making it easy to focus on one requirement and earn credits quickly in just a few weeks.

The college welcomes visiting students, and winter credits roll into the spring term on your transcript. You’ll find high-demand general education options designed for transfer, plus access to advising and tutoring to help you succeed in the condensed schedule.

• 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. Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute

In the foothills of western North Carolina, Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) offers an online winter session that runs during the December–January break. The accelerated format makes it possible to complete a course from anywhere and stay on track for the spring semester.

Most offerings are general education courses, which transfer easily to four-year schools. Visiting students are welcome, and the enrollment process is straightforward. Throughout the session, you’ll have access to online learning tools, advising, and tech support to help you succeed in a fast-paced format.

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

3. Johnson County Community College

Students in Overland Park, KS, can take advantage of Johnson County Community College’s (JCCC) four-week winter session held over the holiday break. Courses are fully online and accelerated, with weekly checkpoints in Canvas to keep you engaged and on schedule.

Because the winter session counts as part of the fall semester, credits transfer smoothly to Kansas public universities as well as many other institutions. JCCC also welcomes visiting students, offering simple enrollment steps and advising support to make sure your credits apply where you need them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85 per credit hour (in-county); $105 per credit hour (out-of-county); $221 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

4. Moraine Valley Community College

Located in Palos Hills, IL, Moraine Valley Community College (MVCC) gives students a convenient way to earn credits over the winter break. The winter session is fully online, which lets you focus on one class and complete it quickly during the holiday season.

General education courses make up most of the offerings, and they transfer widely to four-year schools. Both current and visiting students are welcome, with advising available to confirm transfer options. MVCC also provides online tutoring, library resources, and other support services to help you succeed in the fast-paced format.

• Estimated tuition cost: $137 per credit hour (in-district); $332 per credit hour (out-of-district); $388 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Sussex County Community College

Sussex County Community College in Newton, New Jersey, hosts a Wintersession that usually lasts two to three weeks in early January. With the short calendar, you can complete a requirement before spring begins, often through flexible online options.

Course offerings focus on general education subjects, chosen for their transferability to four-year universities. Visiting students are welcome, and the college provides advising and academic support during the fast-paced session to help you make the most of the time.

• Estimated tuition cost: $146 per credit hour (in-county); $218 per credit hour (out-of-county); $291 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

6. Community College of Philadelphia

The Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) offers a four-week winter term running from mid-December into early January. The accelerated structure is a convenient way to complete a general education requirement or retake a course without delaying your degree progress.

Credits earned in the winter term are recorded with the spring semester, and the college welcomes visiting students. CCP advises learners to plan carefully with advisors and watch enrollment deadlines to keep pace with the fast-moving schedule.

• Estimated tuition cost: $159 per credit hour (in-district); $318 per credit hour (other PA); $477 per credit hour (non-PA)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Bucks County Community College

Bucks County Community College in Pennsylvania runs a winter session across the December–January break. Most courses are online, made for quick completion so you can stay productive while regular classes are paused.

General education subjects make up the bulk of offerings and are transferable to many universities. Visiting students are invited to enroll, and Bucks pairs the short term with advising, tutoring, and other support so you’re not tackling the accelerated pace alone.

• Estimated tuition cost: $170 per credit hour (in-county); $340 per credit hour (out-of-county); $250 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

8. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers a winter session that runs during the holiday break, giving you the chance to complete a course quickly before spring. The format is accelerated, with transferable classes that fit directly into NOVA degree pathways and beyond.

NOVA opens winter sessions to visiting students and provides resources such as advising, tutoring, and library access. With support available and credits designed for transfer, you can use the short term to add momentum to your academic plans.

• Estimated tuition cost: $195 per credit hour (in-state); $387 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Finger Lakes Community College

In the Finger Lakes region of western New York, Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) runs winter sessions that typically last three to five weeks. Most courses are offered online, and some are self-paced, giving you the flexibility to balance academics with travel or holiday plans.

General education subjects make up much of the schedule, ensuring credits transfer smoothly to four-year institutions. FLCC also welcomes visiting students and offers advising and academic support throughout the winter term, helping you stay on track and complete classes with confidence.

• Estimated tuition cost: $231 per credit hour (in-state); $325 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: MSCHE

10. Massachusetts Bay Community College

Massachusetts Bay Community College (MassBay) serves the greater Boston suburbs and offers an intensive winter intersession each January. The session lasts about 10 instructional days, and the condensed schedule lets you complete a class before the spring semester begins.

Popular courses are chosen for broad transferability, helping both current and visiting students meet requirements that carry over to four-year institutions. Advising, tutoring, and library access remain available throughout the session, and with clear calendars and daily schedules, MassBay makes it easier to balance coursework with work or travel plans.

• Estimated tuition cost: $249 per credit hour (in-state); $455 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

How We Selected These Schools

We chose these community colleges based on qualities that make winter sessions worthwhile for students. Accreditation, course variety, and scheduling flexibility all help ensure that winter classes provide real value.

• Accreditation: Schools must be accredited so credits earned in winter sessions are recognized and transferable.
• Winter course variety: We looked for colleges offering a strong mix of general education and degree-focused courses that meet transfer or graduation needs.
• Scheduling flexibility: Options such as online, hybrid, or condensed formats allow students to complete courses efficiently during the short winter break.

How Do Winter Sessions at Community Colleges Work?

Winter sessions at community colleges are short, intensive terms held between fall and spring semesters. Most run for two to five weeks, with courses compressed into a much faster pace than regular semesters. Because of the condensed schedule, students usually focus on just one class at a time.

Courses are often offered in online, hybrid, or accelerated in-person formats, making it easier to fit school into your holiday break. The structure allows you to complete a requirement in a fraction of the time, which can help you catch up, retake a class, or get ahead before spring.

What Types of Courses Are Offered in Winter Sessions?

Most winter session schedules focus on general education courses, since these are widely transferable and required across many degree paths. Classes in English, math, psychology, and history are common, which makes it easier to complete credits that apply at both community colleges and four-year universities. Many students use the short term to meet requirements that could otherwise extend their graduation timeline.

You will also see prerequisites for certain majors in winter sessions, such as introductory science or computer courses. Some colleges include electives, which give you a chance to explore subjects of interest while lightening your course load for future semesters.

Advantages of Taking Winter Classes at a Community College

One of the biggest advantages of winter classes at a community college is affordability. Tuition is typically lower than at four-year schools, making it cost-effective to complete general education or prerequisite courses. The condensed calendar also means you can earn credits in just a few weeks, keeping momentum without waiting for the spring semester.

Winter sessions can also make your overall schedule more manageable. By completing a course over the break, you may reduce your spring or fall workload, leaving more time to focus on demanding classes later. For some students, this accelerated progress even makes it possible to finish a degree sooner.

FAQs About Winter Sessions at Community Colleges

If you’re thinking about adding a class during winter break, these FAQs cover the details most students want to know before enrolling in a winter session.

How Long Do Winter Classes Usually Last?

Winter classes at community colleges are much shorter than regular semesters, usually lasting two to five weeks. Because the term is condensed, the pace is accelerated, and students cover the same material in a fraction of the time. This format makes it possible to earn credits quickly, but it also means you’ll need to dedicate more focused study time each week to stay on track.

Are Winter Classes More Intensive Than Regular Courses?

Yes, winter classes are typically more intensive because the schedule compresses a full semester’s content into just a few weeks. Assignments, readings, and exams are often due more frequently, and class time can feel fast-paced. To prepare, it helps to limit your course load, stay organized with deadlines, and be ready to commit extra hours each week to keep up with the accelerated format.

Can Winter Session Credits Transfer to a Four-Year University?

Many winter session credits transfer successfully, especially when they are general education or prerequisite courses. Still, it’s important to check articulation agreements or speak with an advisor before registering. Transfer acceptance often depends on the course, the institution, and whether the community college is regionally accredited. Confirming these details in advance helps ensure your winter credits count toward your bachelor’s degree.

Do Community Colleges Offer Online Winter Classes?

Yes, most community colleges now include online courses in their winter schedules, and many offer hybrid options as well. Online classes provide flexibility to complete coursework during the holiday break, while hybrid courses combine online learning with limited in-person sessions. These formats make it easier to keep up with an accelerated winter schedule, especially if you’re balancing school with work or travel plans.

How Many Classes Can You Take in the Winter?

Most students take only one class during the winter session because of the intensive schedule. While some colleges may allow two courses, it’s important to consider how much time you can realistically devote to such a condensed term. Focusing on a single course usually makes it easier to manage the workload, succeed academically, and avoid feeling overwhelmed during the short winter break.

Explore Winter Session Courses at Community Colleges

Winter classes can be a convenient way to stay on track, transfer credits, or even finish your degree sooner. Explore community college winter sessions on Learn.org to find affordable options that fit your schedule and goals.