Bristol Community College (Fall River)
Bristol Community College is one of the top community colleges in Massachusetts. The school enrolls more than 10,500 credit students each year in its 150 academic programs. Between its five campus locations and online courses, the school is a convenient choice for students south of Boston.
Chartered in 1965, Bristol Community College offers career-driven programs that lead graduates either directly into the workforce or to a four-year school where they can continue their education. For adult learners, the school offers a free, one-credit College Success Seminar that teaches about the resources available at BCC to help returning students be successful in the classroom.
Students can choose to learn at one of four BCC locations: Fall River, Attleboro, New Bedford and Taunton. Online courses and degrees are also available. Fully online programs include an associate degree in computer information systems and a certificate in cybersecurity.
Massachusetts Bay Community College (Wellesley Hills)
Known simply as MassBay to many, Massachusetts Bay Community College enrolls approximately 6,000 students in its academic and career technical education programs. The school was chartered in 1961 and now offers classes at three campus locations.
MassBay offers more than 70 degrees and certificates in seven academies. Each academy represents a different topic of study such as automotive technology, business and legal studies. Through MassBay Online, more than 100 courses, six associate degrees and two certificates are offered to distance learners. These include an online degree in business administration and a certificate in paralegal studies.
To help students successfully transition to college, Massachusetts Bay Community College offers support services through the Coaching Commons. Students on the Wellesley and Framingham campuses can also receive free tutoring and other services through Academic Achievement Centers.
Massasoit Community College (Brockton)
Taking its name from the Great Chief of the Wampanoag Tribe, Massasoit Community College offers transfer degrees, certificate programs, continuing education and corporate training. It opened its doors in 1966 and, two years later, its first class of 137 students graduated.
Like other top Massachusetts community colleges, Massasoit features affordable tuition and numerous education opportunities. Its campuses boast of vibrant atmospheres where students will find interest organizations, athletics and numerous events and activities. Distance learners can choose from a handful of fully online programs include an associate degree in business administration and a certificate in law enforcement.
To help students succeed, Massasoit Community College offers several support services. In addition to academic advising and counseling for all students, the school has an Ubuntu Scholars program for underrepresented male students. Through the program, participants are grouped into academies, assigned mentors and meet with peer leaders.
Quinsigamond Community College (Worcester)
If you're looking for the best Massachusetts community colleges in the central part of the state, consider Quinsigamond Community College. Founded in 1963, the school has grown from several hundred students to more than 13,000 today.
Students enroll in QCC for a variety of reasons. Among them are the more than 120 associate degree programs and short-term certificate programs offered at the school. Academic choices cover diverse fields such as manufacturing, health care and business. Quinsigamond Community College says it offers the lowest per-credit tuition in the region, and student support services are available to help both traditional and adult learners succeed.
QCC has campus locations in Worcester, Marlborough and Southbridge. The school has a number of degree programs than can be earned either fully or mostly via online courses.
Springfield Technical Community College (Springfield)
Springfield Technical Community College is the only technical community college in Massachusetts. Welcoming a diverse student population, it is designated a Hispanic Serving Institution and has been named an Achieving the Dream Leader College.
There are more than 90 degrees and certificates offered at STCC. These include options in fields such as architectural design, criminal justice and nursing. The school strives to make these programs accessible by offering flexible learning options. Day, night, weekend and online courses are available. What's more, accelerated 7-week Flex Term classes are offered in many fields.
STCC offers its students a wide range of support services. These include on-campus child care, mental health counseling, career support and academic advising. There is also an Honors Program for academically gifted students.
Middlesex Community College (Bedford)
With two campuses in Lowell and Bedford, Middlesex Community College says it's where student success starts. As one of the top community colleges in Massachusetts, the schools offers a diverse degree catalog, flexible scheduling options and a number of student support services.
MCC first opened the doors of its Bedford campus in 1970. The Lowell location followed in 1987. Today, more than 12,000 students attend classes at the community college, and nearly half of those are the first in their family to pursue a higher education. Small class sizes and affordable tuition are part of what make Middlesex Community College an attractive educational choice.
The school has dozens of certificate and degree programs in diverse fields like biotechnology and early education. There is also an honors program, international study options and hundreds of online courses.
Bunker Hill Community College (Boston)
Bunker Hill Community College is not only one of the best Massachusetts community colleges, but it is also the largest. Enrolling more than 12,000 students on multiple campuses, the school is an affordable choice for those seeking vocational training or an associate degree.
Beyond that, BHCC is notable for its diversity. In fact, it is one of the most diverse colleges in the state, with more than 60 percent of its student population being people of color. Women make up half its enrollment. The school's diversity extends globally as students representing more than 100 countries attend class at Bunker Hill Community College each year.
BHCConline offers several online degrees and certificate programs including an Associate in Arts business transfer option and a computer support specialist certificate. For those who prefer a traditional environment, the Boston area college has two campuses and several satellite locations.
Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill)
Being affordable and accessible are two reasons Northern Essex Community College is one of the best community colleges in Massachusetts. More than 15,000 students take classes at the school which offers early credit for high school students, online classes for distance learners and career skills for adults.
NECC offers more than 60 programs on two campus locations as well as online. It has an American Sign Language Studies program and an EMT basic course among its many options. Plus, there are transfer degrees, technical degrees and certificates in popular fields such as business, health and computer and information sciences. Eleven programs are offered fully or mostly online.
Founded in 1961, NECC has its campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. Both are home to a number of academic and special interest clubs.
Cape Cod Community College (West Barnstable)
Residents of Cape Cod have one of the top community colleges in Massachusetts right in the neighborhood. Cape Cod Community College was founded in 1961 and serves the area of Cape Cod, Plymouth, Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.
Part of what makes Cape Cod Community College unique is the opportunity it affords to earn a bachelor's degree or a master's degree on its campus. Thanks to partnerships with several universities, students can enroll in an advanced studies program that results in a four-year or graduate degree. Meanwhile, the Hyannis Center offers free educational services to adults who want to improve basic academic skills.
CCCC enrolls nearly 3,000 credit students each year in its on-campus and online courses. There are also weekend, evening and quick term options to make classes convenient for nontraditional learners. Popular programs include a degree in nursing and a medical assisting certificate.
Holyoke Community College (Holyoke)
Holyoke Community College may be the right choice for anyone seeking online colleges in Massachusetts. The school has dozens of online courses as well as a number of fully online programs. There are also evening and Saturday classes that can make it convenient for nontraditional students to complete their education.
Founded in 1946, HCC was the first two-year school in the Commonwealth. Today, it is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution and is committed to meeting the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. It promises student they can start at the college and get the skills to go anywhere.
An affordable tuition rate and vibrant campus community are other notable aspects of Holyoke Community College. Its campus is in Holyoke, and its programs cover five areas of studies and include departments such as deaf studies, accounting and biology.
