Best Online Colleges in Connecticut for 2024

Get detailed info on Best Online Colleges in Connecticut and their online degrees, financial aid and scholarships, acceptance rate, tuition and fees.

Connecticut is a great hub for education in the United States, serving around 95,000 students on an average annually. Since 1998, the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium, started the services for the educators to use the technology for distant learning and improving learning opportunities in four higher learning institutes, which was pretty earlier than the others. 

There are two commissions which regulate the online learning which is Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium and Connecticut Virtual Learning Center. It is meant to provide support for the state’s online learning courses and the system, helping the educators and technical support along with it.

Opportunities for college education in Connecticut

It has several online colleges offering various degrees and accredited programs in which you can enroll in. It is home to around 46 colleges, out of which 19 are private-non-profit institutes, 6 are private-for-profit institutes and 21 are public institutes. The four institutions in Connecticut offer around 7 certificate programs, 11 graduate degrees, and 10 undergraduate degrees. There are approximately 200 online programs offered by the best online colleges in Connecticut. 

The number of enrollment in the year 2016 was 198,001 and the total number of degrees awarded between 2015-2016 was 7,320 Associate's Degrees, 22,721 Bachelor's Degrees, 10,829 Master's Degrees, and 2,052 Doctorate Degrees, according to NCES or National Center for Education Statistics.

According to the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs, Connecticut gave around $39.8 million awards for the need-based grants and around $0.268 million non-need grants in 2014 according to the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs. There are various financial aids and institutional scholarships available for the students.  

Connecticut has taken a major leap and has stepped up the online education standards. Presently, almost all the universities offer online degrees which have less tuition fee as compared to on-campus courses. It has shown great dedication for improving the education quality and is still working towards achieving it.

The following is a list of top online colleges in Connecticut in 2019

Post University
#

1 Post University

Waterbury, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 92%

Average Financial Aid: $10,971

Acceptance Rate: 41.00

Total Programs Offered (47)


15

Business Management Programs

7

Accounting Programs

6

Education Programs

19

Other Programs


Post University offers various in-class, online or hybrid courses. It is accredited by the NEASC which is the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It gives various options for certificate and degree programs.

It gives educational benefits are given to the veterans active military personnel to complete their education. Some special military programs such US Army Recruiting and Retention College (RRC), US Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear School (CRBN), etc are also given.

Scholarships worth $18,000 are given to merit students whose high school GPA is above 3.5, also the university gives other scholarships are given to the students.

It has various social and educational clubs for its students to enhance their lifestyle and to develop skills. There are various options for sports in which its students can take part and join the team.

Albertus Magnus College
#

2 Albertus Magnus College

New Haven, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 92%

Average Financial Aid: $19,702

Acceptance Rate: Request Info

Total Programs Offered (28)


12

Business Management Programs

4

Accounting Programs

3

Criminal Justice Programs

9

Other Programs


Albertus Magnus College is a private, liberal arts college which is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NEASC). It offers undergraduate programs, evening undergraduate programs, graduate programs, online and flex programs along with summer courses for its students.

The college also offers exciting one-of-a-kind special topic courses during the
summertime to fulfill the requirements of students.

The minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement for admission in this college is GPA 2.6. It provides flexible online courses which can be taken according to your schedule enabling you to study anywhere, anytime.

It also helps veterans and active duty service members with educational support and participates in yellow ribbon programs.

This college has been recently awarded $2 million as a five-year grant from the US Department of Education.

University of Connecticut (UConn)
#

3 University of Connecticut (UConn)

Storrs, Connecticut


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 57%

Average Financial Aid: $12,877

Acceptance Rate: 49.00

Total Programs Offered (28)


8

Education Programs

6

Business Management Programs

3

Health Science Programs

11

Other Programs


University of Connecticut, a public university, is accredited by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA). It offers various degrees such as bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate program.

It offers various types of learning options such as online, traditional classroom, interactive video, and hybrid i.e. both in class and online. Its in-state average tuition fees are $14500 and out-state is $35812. A cumulative GPA of 3.64 is necessary for admission in this university. 

The office of veteran affairs of the university is always committed to serving the combat veterans for fall, spring, summer, and winter intersession courses.

The students are rewarded with scholarships for their high academic achievements and demonstrated leadership qualities.

University of Bridgeport (UB)
#

4 University of Bridgeport (UB)

Bridgeport, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 95%

Average Financial Aid: $25,474

Acceptance Rate: 58.00

Total Programs Offered (18)


5

Health Science Programs

4

Business Management Programs

3

Interdisciplinary Studies Programs

6

Other Programs


University of Bridgeport is a private university which offers around 125 programs and majors in which 18 are offered online. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Since 1997 the university has been giving online programs. The benefits which are given to the student at the university are also given to the online students such as the selection of courses, career development, etc.
It is a military-friendly university and gives many benefits and educational assistance programs for veterans of the U.S.

The basic requirements to become a student of this university is to have a GPA of 3.0 or above and ACT score of 22 or SAT score of 530 in verbal, 520 in math and 480 in writing.

It has more than 50 student clubs and organizations which is active, to enhance student life on campus.

University of Saint Joseph (USJ)
#

5 University of Saint Joseph (USJ)

West Hartford, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 97%

Average Financial Aid: $17,851

Acceptance Rate: 88.00

Total Programs Offered (10)


5

Health Science Programs

2

Biology Programs

1

Nursing Program

2

Other Programs


University of Saint Joseph (USJ) is a private university which provides programs in undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. It also gives more than 25 majors and pre-professional areas of study. Its accreditation is provided by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Through its online learning students can get a high-quality degree with great job opportunities. The candidates themselves can choose the courses they prefer.

It has been approved for the training of veterans, military personnel, and their family. It also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program.

The University of Saint Joseph Athletic Department has been fully established as an NCAA Division III athletic program since 1993. It is ranked in the list of Top Tier Regional Colleges in the North by the U.S. News & World Report in 2017.

Quinnipiac University
#

6 Quinnipiac University

New Haven, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 93%

Average Financial Aid: $21,210

Acceptance Rate: 76.00

Total Programs Offered (20)


5

Business Management Programs

5

Education Programs

4

Nursing Programs

6

Other Programs


Quinnipiac University is a private institution at Southern New England. The university is accredited by NEASC and CIHE. It offers Undergraduate and Graduate courses in Business, Engineering, Education, Arts & Sciences, Health Sciences and more.

It offers a 10% discount for all online programs and provides personal counseling to every student. A minimum GPA of 3.4 is required to get in this university.

Quinnipiac financially supports the students by providing scholarships to incoming and current students. It also gives international students with strong academic achievements a chance to win its International Scholarships.

The total faculty present is around 1150 in which 405 are for full time and rest are part-time.

University of New Haven
#

7 University of New Haven

West Haven, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 96%

Average Financial Aid: $20,569

Acceptance Rate: 81.00

Total Programs Offered (4)


2

Criminal Justice Programs

1

Safety Program

1

Environmental Science Program


The University of New Haven is a private top-tier institution that is regionally accredited by the Commission of Higher Education (CIHE). It offers Master’s and Certificate programs in Criminal Justice, Environmental Science, Safety and more.

A cumulative GPA of 3.20 is required to get admission in this institution.

In 2018, 96% of students got placed in prestigious companies in their respective domains.

According to the US News and World Report, it is ranked as a top college for veterans as it provides a host of facilities for them. Some of these facilities are the Career Development Centre, Accessibility Resources Centre, Army ROTC, Clubs and Organisations, educational benefits and many more.

New Haven offers scholarships to the meritorious and multi-talented students. The different kinds of scholarships awarded are Presidential Scholarship, Charger Award, Distinguished Scholar Award, etc.

Sacred Heart University (SHU)
#

8 Sacred Heart University (SHU)

Fairfield, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 99%

Average Financial Aid: $15,033

Acceptance Rate: 57.00

Total Programs Offered (10)


5

Nursing Programs

2

Psychology Programs

2

Literature Programs

1

Other Program


Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). It offers more than 80 on-campus as well as online academic programs.

A prerequisite GPA of 3.2 or above is required and the grade for prerequisite courses should not be less than a ‘C’. SHU online will give the students a unique combination of excellence in higher education paired with the convenience.

It honor’s the military’s service and dedication by helping them prepare for career success through education. It was one of the first institutions in Connecticut to become a Yellow Ribbon School.

SHU has over 60 clubs and organizations run by the students to all undergraduates present on the campus. It has been ranked as the 4th in the nation for innovation by the U.S. News.

University of Hartford
#

9 University of Hartford

Hartford, Connecticut


Institution Type: Private Not-For-Profit

Financial Aid Percentage: 98%

Average Financial Aid: $21,219

Acceptance Rate: 72.00

Total Programs Offered (34)


23

Business Management Programs

4

Accounting Programs

3

Education Programs

4

Other Programs


University of Hartford is a private institution which has its accreditation from the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (CIHE) of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) since 2012.

It offers more than 150 undergraduate programs and majors. Its online programs are different from others as it doesn’t isolate beginners. It gives them the personal attention and encourages interaction. Students are only taught by full-time professors.

Eligible veterans of the United States military, their spouses and dependents can get educational funding. Credits are granted to those students who have earned scores of 3 or above in the Advanced Placement (AP) examination.

It has various clubs and organizations for the students to be a part of and to enrich and diversify their college experience. The clubs range from academic to athletics.

#

10 Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, Connecticut


Institution Type: Public

Financial Aid Percentage: 68%

Average Financial Aid: $5,944

Acceptance Rate: 67.00

Total Programs Offered (17)


3

Education Programs

3

Literature Programs

1

Arts Program

10

Other Programs


Western Connecticut State University is a public university that is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NEASC) offering Undergraduate Certificates in Business Management, Education, Arts, Literature, History, Anthropology, Sociology, Law, Human Services and more.

There are different kinds of learning options available in this institution such as Online, Traditional classroom and Hybrid courses (both classroom and online).

A minimum GPA of 2.97 is required to get admission to Western Connecticut State University.

Each academic year various events are held on campus by its student organizations such as Program Activities Council, Student Government Association, Student Veteran Organisation and more to encourage them to take part in the activities.

The students are awarded scholarships for their tremendous academic performance and achievements. It provides a number of scholarships, some of which are Kenneth Keller Memorial Scholarship, Gino Arconti JLA Scholarship, etc.