Best Online Colleges in Connecticut (CT) for 2024: Top Schools Ranked

From 2012 to 2019, more than a third of U.S. college students took at least one online class. In Connecticut, students taking online courses grew by more than 50% during that time. Despite its relatively small size, Connecticut colleges offer an increasing number of online certificate and degree programs, making it easier for students and working professionals to move their careers forward.

Before you jump into an online college program in Connecticut, you need to make sure you’re choosing the right school for you. This means finding an institution that’s accredited and has the courses and learning formats that meet your academic and scheduling needs. To help you with the research, this guide identifies the best online colleges in Connecticut, and provides other resources that can help you make the most of your online education.

Top Online Colleges in Connecticut (2023 Rankings)

Connecticut has a number of colleges with online degree options. You want to enroll in the best program, but it can be difficult to choose the school that’s right for you. OnlineColleges.me has ranked the best accredited online colleges in Connecticut based on affordability, class size, career support services, flexible scheduling options, and assistance for current students. Learn more about the online colleges in Connecticut that ranked highest for 2023, and see if one has the program and features you’re looking for.

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut

Public $$$
The University of Connecticut offers online graduate degrees and certificates to help busy professionals advance in their careers and continue working their full-time jobs, as well as juggle personal responsibilities at home. These programs include master’s degrees in business administration, engineering, and personalized nutrition, and certificate programs covering dementia care, arts administration, and healthcare innovation. Coursework is accessed on the Blackboard learning management system offered through the UConn Online gateway, and if you need any help with the technology, you can access the school’s 24/7 technical support services. In addition, UConn Online includes other resources to help you navigate the virtual learning environment, such as the academic achievement, writing, and quantitative learning centers, as well as library services.
Program Highlights:
Master’s in Human Resource Management
- Credits: 33
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $1,050/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

16/1
2
Post University

Waterbury, Connecticut

Private for-profit $$$$
Whether you enroll in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at Post University, you have access to the same services as those who earn their degrees in a traditional program on campus. For example, the Center for Academic Success provides tutoring services in numerous topics, so if you need help with one class assignment or an overall academic subject, you can get the extra assistance you need to overcome your challenges. In addition, the Center provides access to webinars designed to help you develop the skills you need to be successful in your degree program. Also, as an online student at Post University, you have access to academic advising so you can choose the best path to reach your goals, and career and professional development services that best position you for a job search after graduation.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in Legal Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $599/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Bachelor of Science in Child Studies
- Credits: 120
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $599/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: National Association for the Education of Young Children
Master of Public Administration
- Credits: 37
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $599/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Fully online
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

23/1
3
Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, Connecticut

Public $$
Southern Connecticut State University offers online programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that can be completed entirely online, as well as hybrid programs that require students to complete up to half of their coursework on campus. No matter what type of program you choose, you still receive a quality education that is as convenient as it is rigorous. In fact, through the school’s Office of Online Learning, instructors and staff are given the training they need to effectively provide education in a virtual setting, so students get the best of both worlds—the same quality education traditional students receive coupled with the convenience of online education in a synchronous or asynchronous learning environment.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in Biology
- Credits: 30
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $448/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator
- Credits: 45
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $448/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1
4
Goodwin University

East Hartford, Connecticut

Private not-for-profit $$$$
Goodwin University understands that students who want to pursue higher education also have other priorities in their lives, so the school is dedicated to allowing students to effortlessly incorporate their education into their busy lifestyles. Also, if you don’t want to do all of your coursework online, there are hybrid programs that allow you to enjoy the benefits of spending some time on campus, while doing some of your coursework in the virtual learning environment. In addition, Goodwin University offers a host of comprehensive support services for online students to make the process as seamless as possible, including services to help students academically, professionally, and personally.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Arts in General Studies
- Credits: 61
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $721/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies
- Credits: 121
- Length: Four years
- Cost: $721/credit
- Mode: Fully or partially online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

12/1

2 Year Schools 4 Year Schools

1
Three Rivers Community College

Norwich, Connecticut

Public $
Three Rivers Community College offers an online general studies associate’s degree that provides students with a broad education—from anthropology to mathematics to art history—that can lead to a bachelor’s degree in numerous disciplines. As you earn your degree, the school provides academic support to help you succeed, so you’re able to receive tutoring from the school’s Tutoring and Academic Success Centers, as well as assistance with writing assignments. In addition, Three Rivers Community College provides career services so you can get advice on the best career paths for you and how you can achieve your aspirations.
Program Highlights:
Associate of Science in General Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: Two years
- Cost: $174/credit in state; $523/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Certificate in Library Technology
- Credits: 27
- Length: One year
- Cost: $174/credit in state; $523/credit out of state
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Online Programs

Academic Counseling

Yes

Career Placement

Yes

Student/Faculty Ratio

14/1

How Online Learning Works in Connecticut

It seems like almost every college or university offers online classes. But not all online academic offerings are the same. Let’s discuss some of the defining characteristics in terms of how remote learning works and the flexibility you can expect when you enroll in an accredited online college in Connecticut.

Fully Online or Blended/Hybrid

Hybrid or blended online programs tend to be more common than fully online college programs in Connecticut because some degrees, such as education and nursing, require experiential learning. However, many of these programs offer as many classes as possible online to better meet the need for flexible learning. Also, if a school offers a 100% online program, it’s possible that you’ll have the option of taking one or more classes on campus if you’d like.

Below are some example programs in a fully online or hybrid/blended format. Keep in mind that although the terms “hybrid” and “blended” are often used interchangeably they can mean different things. Generally speaking, a blended program has online curriculum requirements that complement or supplement the on-campus or in-person requirements. With a hybrid program, some of the in-person curriculum requirements are replaced by online instruction.

AS in Accounting at Capital Community College (Blended/Hybrid)

The Associate of Arts in Accounting program from Capital Community College is a hybrid program in which some of the general education and foundation courses are available fully or partially online through the Blackboard Learn course management system. To help students make the most of this technology, tutorial videos and online resources are available, in addition to an online orientation workshop. The classes with in-person requirements can be taken on campus or at an approved site, such as a business internship. To earn the degree, students must complete 61 credits. This means most full-time students can graduate in two years. The accounting program’s curriculum can also be adjusted so students can transfer to another school to earn a bachelor’s degree.

MS in Management at the University of Hartford (Fully Online)

Students interested in learning management skills for the business world should consider the Master of Science in Management program from the University of Hartford. The program consists of 10 classes (30 credits); students can easily complete this program in just two years, even as part-time students. Other program characteristics add to the learning flexibility, such as three start dates each year (fall, spring, and summer) and rolling admissions. Most students can waive the GRE/GMAT entrance exam. The program is 100% online with no in-person learning requirements, and there are two concentrations to choose from: entrepreneurial studies and healthcare management. There’s also an exclusive tuition rate of $814/credit for students enrolled in this program.

Asynchronous or Synchronous

Online colleges in Connecticut offer remote learning courses in either the synchronous or asynchronous formats. The former refers to a course that is offered at a set time, such as a required live lecture. The latter allows students to complete the course requirements at any time that suits them. Classes can be offered exclusively in a synchronous or asynchronous format or using both approaches. For example, a professor’s lectures may be watchable at any time, although students must attend a live discussion session with their classmates once a week. Because of the professor’s teaching preferences and the particularities of a subject, most schools offering online courses have both asynchronous and synchronous options. Below are two program examples of each type and how they work.

BS in Homeland Security and Emergency Management at the University of New Haven (Asynchronous)

The University of New Haven’s Bachelor of Science in Homeland Security and Emergency Management is a degree completion program offered in either a traditional on-campus format or a fully online format. Even though a student may choose to earn their degree exclusively online, optional in-person experiential learning opportunities area available, such as a summer internship with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Online courses last six to eight weeks; students take one course at a time. Most importantly, classes are offered asynchronously; that means students can continue working while in school or meeting at other professional or personal obligations while earning their degree. Finally, to help customize learning, students get the chance to take 17 electives in this major.

MA in Interior Design at Fairfield University (Synchronous)

Fairfield University’s Master of Arts in Interior Design is a unique program in that it’s a fully online and trains students in the valuable skills needed to design living and working spaces that don’t just appeal to the human eye, but also meet functional and safety requirements. The curriculum is designed for part-time study, with most students earning their degree in four years. Students may begin the program in either the spring or fall semesters and enjoy extra attention from their professors due to small class sizes. To further facilitate learning, students complete their classes synchronously so they can get immediate constructive feedback from their peers and professors.

Part-Time or Full-Time

Even before the popularity of online colleges in Connecticut and across the country, schools attempted to accommodate the personal or professional needs of students by offering part-time learning options. This made it easier for students to fit in class attendance and schoolwork between their personal or professional obligations. As a result, the majority of schools offering full-time programs also offer them in part-time formats (and vice versa). Online learning makes the choice between part-time and full-time learning even easier given the ability to self-pace most online programs. Below are examples of each type of program that demonstrate why a student might choose one format over the other.

Master of Engineering at the University of Connecticut (Part-Time)

The University of Connecticut’s Master of Engineering (MENG) program is available in a part-time format. Even though many of the classes are online, some are offered at set times in the evenings or late afternoons. This allows students to work during normal business hours but still enjoy live learning with their classmates and professors. In addition to the flexibility in scheduling, MENG students enjoy plenty of flexibility in what they learn. More than a dozen concentrations are available, including biomedical engineering, advanced manufacturing for energy systems, and civil engineering. If students are interested in one or more of these specializations yet don’t want or need a master’s degree, graduate certificate programs are also available.

Accelerated BS in Nursing at Quinnipiac University (Full-Time)

The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing program offered by Quinnipiac University is designed for transfer students. Students must complete 127 credits to graduate but are expected to have at least 51 credits before taking their first nursing course. As a result, students can complete their BSN degree in as little as one year. To make this possible, students enroll full-time and take classes all year long. The curriculum consists of three types of courses: on-campus, online, and clinical. To best accommodate working students, many of these classes are available at night or during the weekend. Students enrolled in the traditional path start the program in August, while those enrolled in the hybrid path start in January.

Accreditation for Online College in Connecticut

Accreditation refers to an independent third party that reviews a school or program and confirms that the education offered meets basic quality standards. In other words, accreditation ensures that when you earn a degree, it’s recognized by graduate schools and employers. It’s also important because graduating from an accredited program is often required for certain state licensures or certifications. Finally, attending an accredited school is necessary to receive most forms of federal or state-based financial aid.

There are two main types of accreditation: programmatic and institutional. The former deals with accreditation of a particular program and is often necessary for entry into a particular career, such as nursing (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or American Association of Critical-Care Nurses), social work (Council on Social Work Education) or education (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). In contrast, institutional accreditation (sometimes called regional accreditation) deals with accreditation of an entire school. The primary regional accrediting body for online colleges in Connecticut is the New England Commission of Higher Education. National accreditation is also possible, such as from the Council on Occupational Education. The best accredited online colleges in Connecticut proudly advertise their accreditations.

How Much Do Online Degrees Cost in Connecticut?

Figuring out the cost of your online Connecticut college degree might be the most critical step in your school search. When you start researching, you’ll notice that schools differ in how they calculate online tuition. Some schools have a special online tuition rate while others simply apply the applicable in-state or out-of-state tuition rate.

Regardless of which approach a school takes, one of the biggest benefits of online learning is the cost savings with respect to fewer commutes to campus and no expenses for on-campus housing. To give you a rough idea of what you could pay for your online college education in Connecticut, we created the table below. It examines a wide range of program types and schools to give you a broad understanding of what you could potentially pay for your online college degree in Connecticut.

School Name	On-Campus In-State	On-Campus Out-of-State	Online In-State	Online Out-of-State
Capital Community College	$7,584/year	$20,400/year	$7,584/year	$20,400/year
University of New Haven	$42,610/year	$42,610/year	$11,400-$17,040/year	$11,400-$17,040/year
University of Connecticut	$19,434/year	$42,102/year	$18,574/year	$40,486/year
Quinnipiac University	$51,790/year	$51,790/year	$12,720/year	$12,720/year
University of Hartford	$42,850/year	$42,850/year	$42,850/year	$42,850/year

* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.

College Financial Aid Opportunities in Connecticut

If you’re looking for ways to help pay for your online college education in Connecticut, your financial aid options will be similar to most other students across the country. However, Connecticut has its own financial aid programs and opportunities for students seeking postsecondary education. For example, in addition to federal and private student loan options, there are state-based student loans from the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority.

For gift-based awards for Connecticut college students, there’s the CT Talent Assistance Cooperative/Educational Opportunity Center. Also known as CONNTAC, this organization focuses on providing scholarships to students from Connecticut, usually based on financial need and status as a first-generation college student. To learn more about other scholarship opportunities, please visit our scholarships resource page.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in an online college in Connecticut, you might still be trying to decide what you’ll study once classes begin. One way to help you choose a field or degree is to look at which jobs are in high demand in the state. The following chart lists some of the most in-demand jobs in Connecticut over the next decade or so, including what you can expect to earn in those positions.

Career	Job Growth (2020-2030)	Median Annual Earnings (2021)
Nurse practitioner	47.9%	$120,450
Epidemiologist	46.2%	$102,820
Medical scientist	44.0%	$142,340
Massage therapist	40.7%	$62,200
Logistician	39.1%	$80,270
Marine engineer/naval architect	38.3%	Data not available
Chef/head cook	37.7%	$54,750
Dental hygienist	35.0%	$88,610
Physician assistant	30.6%	$141,790
Preschool teacher	30.0%	$36,980

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics; Projections Central

Further Resources for Online College Students in Connecticut

Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC)

The CTDLC promotes and supports the use of technology to improve learning for all Connecticut students. The website offers a wide range of resources, including an online course search tool and student support tools.

Connecticut Office of Higher Education

The mission of the Office of Higher Education (OHE) is to make it easier for students to obtain a quality postsecondary education in Connecticut. The OHE website offers a variety of resources, including a program search tool and financial aid information.

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU)

CSCU is a group of 17 universities and community colleges that work together to support those seeking higher education in Connecticut. Prospective college students will appreciate the easy access to admissions information for member schools, program search tools, and financial aid guidance.

Education and Training ConneCTion

Offered by the Connecticut Department of Labor, the Education and Training ConneCTion is a great resource for anyone looking for information on the training needed for a given career in Connecticut. Try the search tool to find education and training providers near you based on your career goals.

University of Connecticut—Online Students

This website is the hub of online education at the University of Connecticut. While much of the information is tailored to UConn students, you’ll also find general resources that can help any student in Connecticut, such as information on what it takes to make the most of an online program.

Best Online Colleges in Connecticut

Top Online Colleges in Connecticut (2023 Rankings)

University of Connecticut

Post University

Southern Connecticut State University

Goodwin University

Three Rivers Community College