Top 10 Community Colleges With Teaching Degrees

If you’re searching for a community college for your teaching degree, you’ll find more options than ever before, especially online. Many community colleges now offer specialized education and teacher preparation programs designed to help you begin your journey toward becoming a teacher while saving time and money.

In this article, we highlight 10 community colleges that offer online teaching degree programs focused on transfer readiness, classroom foundations, and education careers. These schools are a great option for students planning to continue into a bachelor’s program in education or begin working in support roles within schools.

What Is a Community College Teaching Degree?

A community college teaching degree is typically an associate-level program designed to prepare students for transfer into a four-year bachelor’s degree in education. Common degree titles include Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT), Associate of Arts (AA) in Education, or similar education-focused pathways.

While an associate degree alone does not usually qualify you for full teacher licensure, it can cover general education requirements and foundational coursework in teaching and learning. Many programs are intentionally aligned with state transfer agreements, allowing you to enter a bachelor’s program as a junior and continue toward certification.

Best Online Community College Teaching Degree Programs

The following schools offer some of the strongest online teaching degree programs at the community college level. Each program focuses on transfer preparation, academic quality, and accessibility for students pursuing education careers.

1. Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College offers an online AA in Teacher Preparation designed for seamless transfer to four-year public universities in North Carolina. The program introduces students to the foundations of education, instructional technology, and academic skills needed for future teaching coursework.

Wake Tech is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Its teacher preparation pathway is built with transfer success in mind, making it a strong option for students planning to complete a bachelor’s degree in education.

2. Dallas College

Dallas College offers a fully online AAT with Early Childhood–Grade 6 and Grades 4–8 tracks. The program is designed to align with Texas university requirements and prepares students for smooth transfer into teacher education bachelor’s programs.

Dallas College is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and is nationally recognized for expanding bachelor’s degree access through community colleges. In some cases, students may even continue directly into affordable bachelor’s programs within the Dallas College system.

3. Houston Community College

Houston Community College’s (HCC) online AAT is one of the most portable education degrees in Texas. The program is carefully mapped to meet prerequisite requirements for major universities, making it an excellent choice for students planning to transfer.

HCC is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and operates one of the largest online community college platforms in the country. Its AAT program emphasizes academic flexibility while maintaining alignment with university transfer standards.

4. Northern Virginia Community College

Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) offers an online Associate of Science (AS) in Social Science with a Teacher Education specialization. This program focuses heavily on psychology, learning theory, and general education coursework required for transfer.

NOVA is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and is known for its strong articulation agreements with Virginia’s public universities. The online format is especially appealing for students balancing work or family responsibilities.

5. Coastline College

Coastline College offers an online AA in Educational Studies designed for students interested in education support roles or transfer into bachelor’s programs. The program is particularly popular with military-affiliated students and working adults.

Coastline College is regionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). Its education studies degree provides flexibility while building a solid foundation in teaching-related coursework.

6. Eastern Gateway Community College

Eastern Gateway Community College offers an online AA in Teacher Education that emphasizes the historical and philosophical foundations of education. The program is widely known for affordability and accessibility.

Eastern Gateway is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). While the college is especially well known for union-affiliated education benefits, its online teacher education program remains an option for the general public as well.

7. Ivy Tech Community College

Ivy Tech Community College offers online associate degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education. These programs are designed with transfer guarantees in mind, allowing students to move into partner universities as juniors.

Ivy Tech is regionally accredited by HLC and is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution. Its online programs often include virtual field experiences to help students connect theory to classroom practice.

8. Pima Community College

Pima Community College offers an online AA with a concentration in Elementary Education. The program is flexible and accommodates both traditional students and those who may already hold a bachelor’s degree but need education-specific coursework.

Pima is regionally accredited by HLC. Its education pathway is designed to support transfer while also serving students seeking foundational teaching knowledge.

9. Sinclair Community College

Sinclair Community College offers an online AS in Education with a paraprofessional focus. The program is ideal for students who want to work as teaching assistants or instructional aides while continuing their education.

Sinclair is regionally accredited by HLC and is nationally recognized for strong student support services. The paraprofessional track prepares graduates for immediate employment in school settings.

10. San Antonio College

San Antonio College, part of the Alamo Colleges District, offers an online AAT aligned with Texas certification standards. The program is known for rigor and strong academic expectations.

San Antonio College is regionally accredited by SACSCOC and has received national recognition for excellence in online learning. Its AAT program is well suited for students planning to continue into teacher certification programs.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level information published by each college.

For community college teaching degrees, we focus on factors that support transfer success and career readiness:

• Accreditation: Each school holds regional accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Online availability: Programs are offered fully online or in flexible formats designed for working students.
• Career alignment: Coursework supports transfer into bachelor’s-level teacher education programs or entry-level education roles.
• Student outcomes: Programs emphasize articulation agreements, transfer guarantees, or employment preparation in education settings.

What Will You Learn in a Teaching Degree Program?

Community college teaching degree programs focus on foundational coursework rather than advanced pedagogy. Students typically complete general education requirements alongside introductory education courses.

Common topics include educational psychology, classroom communication, child development, instructional technology, and diversity in education. These courses are designed to prepare students for upper-division education coursework at four-year institutions.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Teaching Degree Online?

Most associate-level teaching degree programs take about two years to complete with full-time enrollment. Part-time students may take longer, depending on course load and scheduling.

Because many programs are offered fully online, students can often progress more efficiently while balancing work or family commitments. Transfer-ready pathways may also reduce overall time to earning a bachelor’s degree.

How Much Does an Online Teaching Degree Cost?

One of the biggest advantages of choosing a community college for a teaching degree is affordability. In many states, total tuition for an associate degree can range from approximately $3,000 to $10,000 for in-district or in-state students, though costs may be higher for out-of-state learners.

Because community colleges typically charge lower per-credit rates than four-year institutions, students can complete foundational coursework at a fraction of the cost of a university program. Online formats may also reduce additional expenses such as commuting, parking, or campus fees, although students should still budget for textbooks, technology, and eventual transfer costs when planning their overall education pathway.

Financial Aid for Online Teaching Degrees

Students pursuing a community college for teaching degree programs often qualify for a range of financial aid options. Because most community colleges are regionally accredited public institutions, they participate in federal and state financial aid programs that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.

• Federal Financial Aid: Students enrolled at accredited community colleges may qualify for federal Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and work-study programs by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Pell Grants, in particular, can cover a substantial portion of tuition for eligible students, especially at community colleges where costs are generally lower than at four-year universities.
• State Grants and Scholarships: Many states offer grant programs specifically for residents attending public community colleges. Some states also provide teacher-focused funding incentives, especially for students who plan to transfer into high-need subject areas such as math, science, or special education.
• Institutional Scholarships: Community colleges often offer their own scholarships based on academic performance, financial need, or program of study. Even smaller institutional awards can help offset textbook costs, technology fees, or certification-related expenses.
• Workforce and Employer Tuition Assistance: Students already working in schools as paraprofessionals or instructional aides may qualify for tuition reimbursement or workforce development funding. School districts sometimes support employees who are progressing toward teacher certification, making community college programs an affordable starting point.

Because financial aid rules can vary by enrollment status and residency, it is important to speak with a financial aid advisor before enrolling. Understanding your funding options early can help you build a realistic plan for completing your associate degree and transferring to a bachelor’s program.

How To Choose the Right Teaching Degree

Choosing the right community college teaching degree requires careful consideration of your long-term academic and career goals. Because most associate-level programs are designed for transfer, selecting the right pathway can significantly affect how smoothly you move into a bachelor’s degree and ultimately into teacher licensure.

Transfer Agreements and Articulation Pathways

Look for programs with clearly defined articulation agreements or “transfer as a junior” guarantees with four-year universities. Strong transfer pathways can reduce the risk of losing credits and help ensure that your associate degree applies directly toward a bachelor’s in education.

Online Learning Support and Flexibility

Since many students choose a community college for a teaching degree because of its flexibility, it is important to evaluate the quality of the online learning platform. Look for access to academic advising, tutoring services, technology support, and faculty availability. Strong student support services can make a significant difference in your ability to stay on track and succeed in an online environment.

Career Alignment and Long-Term Goals

Consider whether your goal is to transfer into a four-year teacher preparation program or to enter the workforce in a support role such as paraprofessional or instructional aide. Some programs are specifically structured for university transfer, while others emphasize immediate employability in school settings. 

Career Outlook With an Online Teaching Degree

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth for teachers is projected to decline slightly over the next decade due to enrollment trends. However, schools are still expected to fill many positions each year as educators retire or change careers.

An associate degree in teaching can support roles such as teaching assistant, paraprofessional, or instructional aide. For students who transfer and complete a bachelor’s degree, career opportunities expand to full classroom teaching and leadership roles.

FAQs About the Best Online Teaching Degree Programs

If you’re considering a community college for a teaching degree, you may have questions about outcomes and credibility. The FAQs below address common concerns.

Is an Online Teaching Degree Worth It?

An online associate degree in teaching can be worth it if your goal is transfer or entry-level education work. These programs offer affordability and flexibility while laying the groundwork for a bachelor’s degree.

Is an Online Teaching Degree Respected by Employers?

Employers generally focus on accreditation and credentials rather than delivery format. Degrees from regionally accredited community colleges are widely recognized.

Who Should Consider a Teaching Degree Program?

Teaching degree programs are ideal for students planning to become teachers, instructional aides, or education professionals. They are also a strong fit for students seeking a cost-effective path into a four-year education program.

Can You Become a Certified Teacher With an Associate Degree?

In most states, an associate degree alone does not qualify you for full teacher certification. However, it can serve as the first step toward earning a bachelor’s degree in education, which is typically required for licensure. Many community college teaching degree programs are specifically designed to transfer into four-year teacher preparation programs.

Do Community Colleges Offer Fully Online Teaching Degrees?

Yes, many community colleges now offer fully online associate degrees in teaching or education. These programs typically include general education coursework and introductory education classes designed for transfer or entry-level school roles. Online formats can make it easier to balance coursework with work or family responsibilities.

Discover Online Teaching Degrees

Community college teaching degrees can be an affordable first step toward a career in education. To explore accredited programs and connect with schools, browse teaching degree options on Learn.org and take the next step in your education journey.