2025 Top Online Community Colleges in New Jersey
Discover the top online community colleges in New Jersey offering associate degrees and certifications. Explore their various programs and areas of study.
Enrolling in a community college is a smart choice for students interested in earning an associate degree, receiving career training, or transferring to a four-year university.
The following list features online community colleges in New Jersey, which can be convenient for those who prefer flexible schedules and remote learning.
Featured Community Colleges Online in New Jersey
Here are the top online community colleges in New Jersey, accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Read on to learn about their programs and tuition costs.
1. Brookdale Community College
Brookdale Community College is a public institution in Lincroft. It offers many ways for students to obtain two-year associate degrees and certifications through flexible distance education.
Their online degree programs include:
- business administration
- social sciences
- political science
- psychology
- history
Individuals can also earn an academic credit certificate of achievement in cybersecurity. It has over 20,000 students across five locations within Monmouth County. Tuition is $153 per credit plus fees.
2. Union County College
Union County College has multiple campuses, including Cranford, Plainfield, Elizabeth, and Scotch Plains. Its distance learning programs have several associate degrees and certifications to select from.
Online degrees are available in these areas of study:
- public administration
- communication
- sociology
- business management
- criminal justice
Founded in 1933, it is New Jersey's first public community college. The cost per credit is $214 for Union County residents and $385 for those out of county.
3. Bergen Community College
Bergen Community College ranks among the top online community colleges in New Jersey for associate degree graduates. Its main location is Paramus, with additional campuses in Hackensack and Lyndhurst.
Its online areas of study include:
- business administration
- information technology
- criminal justice
- psychology
- professional studies
It has over 32,000 students and 120 degree and certificate programs. County residents pay $212.75 per credit, and out-of-county residents pay $373.40 plus fees.
4. Rowan College of South Jersey
Rowan College of South Jersey has more than 100 total degrees and certificates, with about 20 programs in high-demand career fields available through distance education.
Its online offerings include the following:
- human resource management
- computer information systems
- business administration
- digital marketing
- engineering
Those who graduate with a GPA of 2.0 or higher are granted automatic acceptance into Rowan University. It costs $200 per credit plus applicable fees.
5. Raritan Valley Community College
Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg is recognized as a top institution in the nation for its academic excellence. It has a variety of associate-level distance learning degrees that can be obtained.
Their online programs include:
- communication
- criminal justice
- business administration
- accounting
- liberal arts
It also has an online certificate in paralegal studies or supply chain management. Tuition costs $180 per credit for Hunterdon/Somerset County residents and $260 for non-residents.
6. Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College in Mays Landing services both Atlantic and Cape May counties. It also has locations in Atlantic City and Cape May.
Online associate degrees are offered in these areas:
- child development and childcare
- business administration
- computer information systems
- psychology
- criminal justice
It is among the most affordable online community colleges in New Jersey. Tuition costs just $162.50 per credit plus applicable student fees.
7. Salem Community College
Salem Community College is a public two-year institution in Carneys Point, delivering associate-level degrees and certification programs.
Its online Associate of Science degree in business administration focuses on areas like management, marketing, and accounting.
Their Associate of Arts in liberal arts offers humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences studies.
The tuition is $205 per credit for Salem County residents and $238 for out-of-county residents. Additional program and registration fees apply.
8. Ocean County College
Ocean County College in Toms River prepares students for rewarding careers and successfully advancing to four-year institutions. Many areas of study are available through their distance education programs.
Online associate degrees are offered in the following majors:
- criminal justice
- environmental studies
- general studies
- business administration
- social work
County residents pay $180 per semester hour, while out-of-county residents pay $198. Additional course and material fees may apply.
9. Sussex County Community College
Sussex County Community College in Newton is a public institution with many online certificates and associate degrees available at affordable costs.
Programs offered through distance learning include:
- information systems
- computer science
- business administration
- information technology
- liberal arts
It ranks among the top online community colleges in New Jersey for having the highest graduation rates. Tuition is $146 per credit for in-county residents and $218 for out-of-county, plus applicable fees.
10. Hudson County Community College
Hudson County Community College in Jersey City offers convenient and flexible coursework for working professionals. It is ideal for those looking to advance their careers or transfer to a four-year university.
Online degrees can be obtained in the following:
- criminal justice
- health science
- accounting
- psychology
- computer science
The tuition for residents of the county is $155 per credit. Non-residents pay $310 per credit. Additional student and technology fees are applicable.
Is Community College Free in New Jersey?
Although online community colleges in New Jersey do not offer tuition-free education, students can still benefit from various programs such as scholarships, loans, and grants to cover academic expenses.
For instance, the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) is a New Jersey program that pays for tuition costs and educational fees not usually covered by other grants.
To qualify, students must:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Assistance (FAFSA).
- Have an adjusted gross income of less than $100,000.
- Reside in the required county.
- Not have previously earned a college degree.
- Enroll in at least six courses.
Each school may have different requirements, so it's best to verify with them directly.
How Much Does Community College Cost in New Jersey?
The cost for online community colleges in New Jersey varies according to the program and institution. The schools on our list charge an average rate of $180 per credit hour.
Most associate programs require 60 credit hours to graduate, taking around two years. Overall, it is generally affordable.
New Jersey Community College Degree Types
Online community colleges in New Jersey offer a variety of degrees for students seeking post-secondary education.
These types include associate degrees in arts, science, and applied science and certificates and career training programs in fields like healthcare, technology, and business.
Students should research and compare programs and specific requirements of each degree type to determine the best fit for their academic goals.
Career Opportunities for New Jersey Community College Graduates
With many industries looking for skilled and motivated individuals, numerous career opportunities are available for graduates of online community colleges in New Jersey.
Examples of jobs for students of New Jersey community colleges include:
- registered nurse
- cybersecurity analyst
- police officer
- web developer
- early childhood educator
Getting a degree from an online community college is worth it for embarking on a rewarding career in various fields.
Find an Online Community College Today
Our list provides individuals with several options for enrolling in accredited online community colleges in New Jersey, helping them take the first essential step to meet their academic and career goals.