Community colleges are known for their open enrollment policies, entry-level courses, and affordable tuition. Now, they're tackling online learning. Virtual learners can choose from thousands of online classes offered by community colleges all over the nation. Some community colleges try to target local students; others generate extra revenue by publicizing their courses across state lines. NWAnews.com reports:

"Millions of college students around the country attend class from living-room sofas, kitchen tables, home offices and even park benches - - part of an ever-escalating trend of attending school online.

The trend is being set largely by community colleges, with their propensity for nontraditional students who need an easier, more flexible way to earn degrees. The number of students taking online classes in Washington has jumped 75 percent in just four years."

Some community colleges offer complete online Associates Degree programs. Others offer a more limited scope of online courses. Many students in online universities and traditional brick-and-mortar colleges have found that taking online community college courses is an easy way to complete missing credits.