Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
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
- Quinnipiac University
- University of Bridgeport
- University of New Haven
- Albertus Magnus College
- Sacred Heart University
- Charter Oak State College
- Post University
- Goodwin University
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- University of Bridgeport
- Quinnipiac University
- University of New Haven
- Sacred Heart University
- Post University
- Albertus Magnus College
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- Charter Oak State College
- Goodwin University
- University of New Haven 91%
- Quinnipiac University 84%
- University of Bridgeport 82%
- Albertus Magnus College 80%
- Sacred Heart University 66%
- University of New Haven 19 to 1
- Sacred Heart University 16 to 1
- Post University 16 to 1
- Albertus Magnus College 15 to 1
- Goodwin University 14 to 1
- University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Quinnipiac University 11 to 1
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary 8 to 1
- Quinnipiac University $51,790
- Sacred Heart University $46,580
- University of New Haven $44,184
- Albertus Magnus College $37,682
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- Goodwin University $21,198
- Post University $16,610
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary $9,440
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- Sacred Heart University $34,852
- Albertus Magnus College $22,176
- Quinnipiac University $19,710
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- University of New Haven $18,360
- Goodwin University $12,906
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- Post University $7,118
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary $7,020
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- Goodwin University
- Post University
- Charter Oak State College
- Sacred Heart University
- Albertus Magnus College
- University of New Haven
- University of Bridgeport
- Quinnipiac University
- Goodwin University
- Charter Oak State College
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary
- Albertus Magnus College
- Post University
- Sacred Heart University
- University of New Haven
- Quinnipiac University
- University of Bridgeport
- Sacred Heart University 66%
- Albertus Magnus College 80%
- University of Bridgeport 82%
- Quinnipiac University 84%
- University of New Haven 91%
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary 8 to 1
- Quinnipiac University 11 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Goodwin University 14 to 1
- University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
- Albertus Magnus College 15 to 1
- Sacred Heart University 16 to 1
- Post University 16 to 1
- University of New Haven 19 to 1
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary $9,440
- Post University $16,610
- Goodwin University $21,198
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- Albertus Magnus College $37,682
- University of New Haven $44,184
- Sacred Heart University $46,580
- Quinnipiac University $51,790
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary $7,020
- Post University $7,118
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- Goodwin University $12,906
- University of New Haven $18,360
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- Quinnipiac University $19,710
- Albertus Magnus College $22,176
- 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?
- 7 Research Universities
- 14 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 7 Public Colleges & Universities
- 14 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 11 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 8 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- 9 Online Colleges
Connecticut’s Best Overall
Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2023
- #3 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #17 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs 2025
- #17 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #23 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN 2025
- #23 Best RN to BSN Online Programs
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: $53,090Expenses: $20,230Starting Salary: $67,700Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #8 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #4 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #18 Best RN to BSN Online Programs
- #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students 2025
- #20 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources 2025
- #21 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN 2025
- #9 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
47%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport
Cost of Degree: $35,760Expenses: $23,722Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #5 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2025
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management 2025
- #18 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity 2025
- #22 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice 2025
- #25 Best Online Master’s in Counseling 2025
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
91%
Graduation
62%
Student body
9K
Career Outlook for degree at University of New Haven
Cost of Degree: $45,730Expenses: $23,874Starting Salary: $54,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #8 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time 2025 #22 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs 2025
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Albertus Magnus College
Cost of Degree: $39,924Expenses: $23,534Starting Salary: $56,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$47K
Acceptance
66%
Graduation
73%
Student body
11K
Career Outlook for degree at Sacred Heart University
Cost of Degree: $48,460Expenses: $22,300Starting Salary: $61,800Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
- #7 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #9 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus) 2025
- #15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
100%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Charter Oak State College
Cost of Degree: $8,506Starting Salary: $43,700Online 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
- #18 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$17K
Graduation
32%
Student body
32K
Career Outlook for degree at Post University
Cost of Degree: $16,034Expenses: $16,460Starting Salary: $46,500Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025 #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024 #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students #17 Fastest Online Associate's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2025
Tuition + fees
$21K
Graduation
48%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Goodwin University
Cost of Degree: $21,188Expenses: $13,172Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryOnline 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
- #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2025 #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024 #16 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
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