2023 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut

Overview of Higher Education in Connecticut

Connecticut has 44 accredited colleges and universities — including public universities, community colleges, and private for-profit schools — that collectively offer 485 exclusive online academic programs.

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) are a system of 17 accredited public colleges and universities: four state universities, 12 community colleges, and Charter Oak State College, which is an online college. In addition to CSCU schools, there are 18 regionally or nationally accredited, in-state, nonprofit institutions, three accredited state-supported institutions, and six out-of-state regionally-accredited nonprofit institutions.

In 2020, nearly 45% of college students in Connecticut enrolled in online-only education courses. In-state residents may qualify for one of two scholarship and grant programs available through the State of Connecticut aimed at increasing access and affordability.

In this guide, you’ll learn more about the best online colleges in Connecticut, including information on tuition, financial aid, accreditation, graduate salaries, and more.

Online Colleges in Connecticut

The CSCU System

Of the 44 regionally or nationally accredited colleges and universities in Connecticut, 17 public colleges and universities are part of the CSCU system. CSCU is divided into three units: four state universities, 12 community colleges, and one online-only school (Charter Oak College). 

With such a diverse group of institutions offering such a wide array of online degree programs, there’s truly an institution & academic program for everyone in Connecticut. The colleges and universities above rank as having the top online programs in the state.

Students interested in attending any of the 12 CSCU community colleges will benefit from CSCU’s community college “Open Door” admissions policy. The policy grants admission to every high school graduate or student holding a high school equivalency diploma (GED) without having to take the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT). However, special programs may have additional requirements, so be sure and visit the community college’s admissions website to learn more.

Types

Some programs are 100% online, whereas others are hybrid — meaning 50% of the coursework is delivered online — and 50% are completed on campus. Online courses tend to be asynchronous which lets students watch lectures, complete readings and homework, etc. on their own time.

Length

It typically takes four years as a full-time student to complete an online bachelor’s degree in Connecticut. Online graduate and professional degree programs vary in length based both on the individual program and the number of hours a student takes each term.

Admission

Admission requirements for four-year programs in Connecticut vary from one institution to another, including individual CSCU member schools and private colleges and universities.

Accreditation

In simple terms, accreditation serves as an official stamp of approval for a college or university. The accreditation process entails an extensive review of an institution’s academic quality. When considering online college in Connecticut, you’ll definitely want to research the accreditation status of potential schools.

The U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation are not part of the institutional accreditation process. Instead, the two entities simply provide oversight of national and regional accrediting bodies.

Popular Bachelor's Programs at Online Connecticut Colleges

Below, we ranked the most popular online bachelor’s degree programs in Connecticut by the number of institutions offering each respective online degree program:

Cost of Online Universities in Connecticut

College is a major expense for most students, so it's important to have a good idea of average costs and any ways to potentially reduce college expenses.

2020-2021 Average Tuition at Connecticut Colleges and Universities (U.S. Department of Education)

• Connecticut residents at four-year public schools pay an average of $13,780 annually.
• Nonresidents at four-year public institutions pay an average of $30,716 annually.
• All students at four-year private schools pay an average of $27,294 annually.
• Connecticut residents at public two-year schools pay an average of $4,931 annually.
• Nonresidents at public two-year schools pay an average of $12,574 annually.

Each figure includes tuition and mandatory fees but excludes room and board. However, these numbers provide a helpful starting point for estimating your total annual cost of attendance by school type. 

Additional information on 2022-2023 tuition fees at CSCU community colleges, state universities and Charter Oak institutions is available online.

Financial Aid for Online Students in Connecticut

In addition to federal student aid opportunities available by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), there are several grant and scholarship programs offered to qualifying applicants through the State of Connecticut Office of Financial Aid. 

The Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program provides free tuition to students attending any of the 12 community colleges in the State. PACT helps by covering any remaining tuition charges after a student’s scholarships and need-based financial aid. 

The State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education states there are two grants and scholarships for in-state residents attending public or nonprofit institutions: the Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Scholarship and the Roberta B. Willi Grant Program. Based primarily on high school class rankings in the top 20% of minimum threshold scores on ACT or SAT scores, recipients can receive up to $5,250 per year for full-time enrollment at a four-year institution ($4,650 for full-time students at two-year colleges). 

To apply for the Grant Program, you’ll need to contact your institution’s financial aid office.

Veterans at Connecticut public colleges and university may qualify for the State’s Veteran Tuition Benefit based on the following criteria:

• Eligible veterans
• Active members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard
• Any Connecticut resident who is also a dependent child or a surviving spouse of a member of the Armed Forces killed in action on or after September 11, 2001 
• State residents who are dependent children of a person whom the Armed Forces has declared to be either missing in action or a prisoner of war while serving in the Armed Forces after January 1, 1960

Additionally, the Veterans Tuition Waiver covers any amount that exceeds the tuition benefit received under the federal 2008 Post-9/11 Veteran Educational Assistance Act.

Undocumented students can complete the 2022-2023 Aid Application to be considered for financial aid and scholarships from the State.

Employment Outlook for College Graduates in Connecticut

Across the State of Connecticut, the occupational fields expecting the greatest growth by 2028 are (1) architecture and engineering, (2) personal care and service, (3) computer and mathematical, and (4) community and social service. Each of these industries is projected to grow by more than 14%.

In terms of average annual salary, almost 10 different positions average greater than $150,000 per year for graduates with a bachelor’s degree. Among those positions are compensation and benefit managers, marketing managers, computer and information systems managers, and more.

Students who have earned an associate degree can expect to receive stronger salaries than those without the degree, but they can also expect less, on average, than bachelor’s degree recipients. Positions reporting the greatest average annual salary for associate degree holders are nuclear medicine technologists, radiation therapists, funeral home managers, and air traffic controllers — each with average annual salaries of more than $85,000 or greater.