Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024

Badge for BEST ONLINE COLLEGES IN CONNECTICUT

Find the best online colleges in Connecticut ranked by the academic success of faculty and alumni associated with the colleges and universities and their online degree programs.

Best Online Colleges in Connecticut

Sort by:
  1. Quinnipiac University
  2. University of Bridgeport
  3. University of New Haven
  4. Albertus Magnus College
  5. Sacred Heart University
  6. Charter Oak State College
  7. Post University
  8. Goodwin University
  9. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
  1. University of Bridgeport
  2. Quinnipiac University
  3. University of New Haven
  4. Sacred Heart University
  5. Post University
  6. Albertus Magnus College
  7. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
  8. Charter Oak State College
  9. Goodwin University
  1. University of New Haven 91%
  2. Quinnipiac University 84%
  3. University of Bridgeport 82%
  4. Albertus Magnus College 80%
  5. Sacred Heart University 66%
  1. University of New Haven 19 to 1
  2. Post University 16 to 1
  3. Sacred Heart University 16 to 1
  4. Albertus Magnus College 15 to 1
  5. Goodwin University 14 to 1
  6. University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
  7. Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
  8. Quinnipiac University 11 to 1
  9. Holy Apostles College and Seminary 8 to 1
  1. Quinnipiac University $51,790
  2. Sacred Heart University $46,580
  3. University of New Haven $44,184
  4. Albertus Magnus College $37,682
  5. University of Bridgeport $35,760
  6. Goodwin University $21,198
  7. Post University $16,610
  8. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $9,440
  9. Charter Oak State College $7,656
  1. Sacred Heart University $34,852
  2. Albertus Magnus College $22,176
  3. Quinnipiac University $19,710
  4. University of Bridgeport $19,096
  5. University of New Haven $18,360
  6. Goodwin University $12,906
  7. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  8. Post University $7,118
  9. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $7,020
  1. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
  2. Goodwin University
  3. Post University
  4. Charter Oak State College
  5. Sacred Heart University
  6. Albertus Magnus College
  7. University of New Haven
  8. University of Bridgeport
  9. Quinnipiac University
  1. Goodwin University
  2. Charter Oak State College
  3. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
  4. Albertus Magnus College
  5. Post University
  6. Sacred Heart University
  7. University of New Haven
  8. Quinnipiac University
  9. University of Bridgeport
  1. Sacred Heart University 66%
  2. Albertus Magnus College 80%
  3. University of Bridgeport 82%
  4. Quinnipiac University 84%
  5. University of New Haven 91%
  1. Holy Apostles College and Seminary 8 to 1
  2. Quinnipiac University 11 to 1
  3. Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
  4. Goodwin University 14 to 1
  5. University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
  6. Albertus Magnus College 15 to 1
  7. Post University 16 to 1
  8. Sacred Heart University 16 to 1
  9. University of New Haven 19 to 1
  1. Charter Oak State College $7,656
  2. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $9,440
  3. Post University $16,610
  4. Goodwin University $21,198
  5. University of Bridgeport $35,760
  6. Albertus Magnus College $37,682
  7. University of New Haven $44,184
  8. Sacred Heart University $46,580
  9. Quinnipiac University $51,790
  1. Holy Apostles College and Seminary $7,020
  2. Post University $7,118
  3. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  4. Goodwin University $12,906
  5. University of New Haven $18,360
  6. University of Bridgeport $19,096
  7. Quinnipiac University $19,710
  8. Albertus Magnus College $22,176
  9. Sacred Heart University $34,852

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut hosts some of the most prestigious universities in the country, including Ivy League Yale University.
  • Online options for attending college in Connecticut are plentiful.
  • According to the latest report from Lumina Foundation, 51.9% of residents of Connecticut have at least some education beyond a high school diploma. This far exceeds the national average of 43.8%.

Featured Programs

State Authorization for Distance Learning in Connecticut

A number of colleges in Connecticut are members of The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, or NC-SARA. 49 states total in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the DC area, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have member schools in the NC-SARA network.

According to the NC-SARA website, the organization:

  • Improves distance education program quality nationwide. Makes it easier for students to access distance education programs across state lines.
  • Reduces costs and bureaucracy for states and institutions.
  • Improves coordination between states on higher education opportunities.
  • Provides valuable oversight of distance education programs.
  • Shares out-of-state learning experience data like clinical hours and practice teaching.

Key Point:Attending a college that is part of the NC-SARA network will help students ensure that they are receiving a quality education.

Participating in-person and online program schools in Connecticut can enroll distance learners from other NC-SARA member states without approval from every state.

Aspiring students wanting to pursue Connecticut-based universities and colleges can find out which schools are part of the NC-SARA network in the NC-SARA Directory.

Cost of Attending Online Colleges in Connecticut

Like other states, out-of-state distance learners typically pay higher tuition fees than in-state students. However, Connecticut schools offer flat-rate tuition fees, whether the student resides in Connecticut or in another state.

Connecticut’s reciprocity agreement also provides students with financial aid and tuition discounts, especially for those living in some nearby states.

To qualify for in-state tuition and other benefits in traditional and online programs, students must live in Connecticut for a minimum of one year or have a parent working full-time in the state for at least six months.

Here is an overview of the latest tuition rates for public 2-year, public 4-year, and private 4-year schools in Connecticut:

  • Public 4-Year Tuition
    • $14,487 (In-State)
    • $36,881 (Out-of-State)
  • Private 4-Year Tuition
    • $43,013 (In-State)
  • Public 2-Year Tuition
    • $4,522 (In-State)
    • $13,483 (Out-of-State)

Employment Environment in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to many state-of-the-art industries, including technological breakthroughs, bioscience, and green energy. Connecticut’s financial industry is also dominating many others in the world, thriving with several insurance professionals and financial services.

Connecticut also has the highest insurance jobs per capita in the U.S. In fact, the state is home to more than 150 major financial companies. With Connecticut’s thriving finance scene, the state is home to some of the best MBA programs in the world. Check out our ranking of the best online MBA programs in Connecticut.

Although Connecticut’s cost of living is higher than the national average, housing and healthcare are more favorable than in many other states. Its median home expense is also almost identical to the national average.

The financial and insurance sectors are the state’s biggest and highest-paying industry, paying more than $15B per year in payroll.

Colleges and Universities in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to a variety of top brick-and-mortar schools as well as a wide variety of fully accredited online colleges. Higher education in Connecticut includes both public and private institutions that offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, both in person and through online degree programs.

With 19 public schools and 20 private schools, Connecticut gives both traditional and online students plenty of options to choose from.

Students seeking an affordable option can attend one of the state’s numerous community colleges, which average $4,000 a year for tuition. The in-state cost for tuition in Connecticut’s four year public schools ranges from $8,000 to $16,000. Many of the community and public colleges in Connecticut also offer online degree programs.

Students interested in psychology, economics, and communications can check out the University of Connecticut (UConn), which is home to the premier research institute for ecological psychology. Sacred Heart University, a Roman Catholic university, is known for its religious studies and business programs.

Those looking for a smaller student population and more online courses may want to check out Manchester Community College, which enrolls about 4000 students and offers affordable in-person and online degrees in literature, biology, and social work.

And of course, Connecticut is also home to Yale University, the fourth oldest learning institute in the United States. The venerable Ivy League school enrolls just over 15,000 students at its New Haven campus.

Both traditional and online students in Connecticut can choose from a variety of higher education experiences fitting a full spectrum of budgets and career goals. Learn more and begin earning your degree from one of the top brick-and-mortar or online colleges in Connecticut.


What are Connecticut’s Colleges & Universities?

Connecticut’s Best Overall

Best Online Colleges in Connecticut
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Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $52K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    77%

    Student body

    10K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1210/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Quinnipiac University

    Cost of Degree: $51,790
    Expenses: $18,750
    Starting Salary: $67,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport

    Cost of Degree: $35,760
    Expenses: $25,222
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    University of New Haven

    West Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Haven

    Cost of Degree: $44,184
    Expenses: $22,198
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Paramedicine
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Albertus Magnus College

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    50%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albertus Magnus College

    Cost of Degree: $37,682
    Expenses: $23,000
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion time: Self-paced
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 51
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy And Religion
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 33
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    • Program type: Accelerated format
    • Required Credits: 48
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Criminal Justice
    • Social Work and Social Welfare
    • Urban Studies
    • Required Credits: 48-51
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
  5. #5

    Sacred Heart University

    Fairfield , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Sacred Heart University

    Cost of Degree: $46,580
    Expenses: $21,370
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Program type: Degree completion
    • Required Credits: 120 overall
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in General Studies
    • Program type: Degree completion
    • Required Credits: 120 overall
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Program type: Degree completion
    • Required Credits: 120 overall
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 1.5 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Program type: Degree completion
    • Required Credits: 120 overall
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Strategic Communication
    • Program type: Degree completion
    • Required Credits: 120 overall
    • Completion time: 2 years
    • Format: Online
  6. #6

    Charter Oak State College

    New Britain , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    100%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Charter Oak State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,254
    Starting Salary: $43,700

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • Small Business
    • Project Management
    • Human Resources
    • Organizational Management
    • General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • General Criminal Justice
    • Victim Advocacy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies

    Concentrations

    • American Studies
    • History
    • Information Systems Studies
    • Paralegal Studies
    • Political Science
    • Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (RN to BSN)
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  7. #7

    Post University

    Waterbury , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Post University

    Cost of Degree: $15,529
    Expenses: $17,050
    Starting Salary: $46,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Mathematics And Data Science
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Finance
    • Marketing
    • Sport Management
    • Accounting
    • Entrepreneurship
    • International Business Administration
    • MBA Track
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication and Media Studies

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Strategic Communication
    • Media Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems

    Concentrations

    • Computer Networking
    • General Computer Information Systems
    • Cybersecurity
    • Software Development
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice

    Concentrations

    • Correctional Counseling
    • Law Enforcement
    • Emergency Management & Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science

    Concentrations

    • Life and Physical Science
    • Big Data
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management and Homeland Security

    Concentrations

    • Criminal Justice Leadership
    • Policing
    • Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Equine Studies

    Concentrations

    • Equine Business Managment
    • Interdisciplinary
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Financial Planning and Analysis
    • Personal Financial Planning
    • Corporate Finance
    • Financial Services and Banking
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Gaming and Esports Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services

    Concentrations

    • Counseling
    • Equine Industry
    • Sociology – Health and Community Services
    • Criminal Justice
    • Psychology – Health, Education, and Community Services
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management

    Concentrations

    • General
    • Accounting
    • Computer Information Systems
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Finance
    • Human Resource Management
    • International Business
    • Marketing
    • MBA Track
    • Project Management
    • Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing

    Concentrations

    • Digital Marketing
    • Integrated Marketing Communications
    • Market Research & Analytics
    • Sport Management
    • General Marketing
    • International Marketing
    • Sales Management
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing (RN-to-BSN)
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology

    Concentrations

    • Applied Behavior Analysis
    • Human Development, Education, and Health
    • Industrial/Organizational Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport Management

    Concentrations

    • Sport Communication
    • Sport Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120-128
    • Completion time: 4-6 years
    • Format: Online
  8. #8

    Goodwin University

    East Hartford , CT

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Graduation

    48%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Goodwin University

    Cost of Degree: $21,188
    Expenses: $13,172
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 121-123
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Student body

    1K

    Online Degrees

    BA in English in the Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in History in the Social Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sacred Art
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online
    BA in Theology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion time: 4 years
    • Format: Online

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