There are various reasons why many prefer to earn their degree online, especially with more students taking on full-time jobs during school. Ideally, online classes are more suitable for distance learners and working adults. Almost similar to a cohort set-up, online schools let you learn at your own pace for a given period usually occurring every week.
Studies show promising results for those taking online classes compared to their peers. It can also be challenging for college students to attend classes physically five days per week with an ongoing job commitment, hence the necessity to enroll in online courses to remedy the problem. Students taking online classes have also grown drastically to 5,257,379 participants with 3.7% growth for distance learners.
Connecticut has 1,501 public schools and programs available for local and out-of-state learners with roughly 535,612 enrollees, as shown in the 2018 to 2020 data. Students pursuing a new career or who seek higher education can find quality and affordable online degrees in local institutions in this state.
METHODOLOGY
Choosing a truly reputable online college or university in Connecticut (or anywhere in the US for that matter), can be quite daunting. We at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have created a list of the 5 Top Online Schools in Connecticut to give you a glimpse of the many highly-rated online schools available for you to earn your degree. Our list consists of top-notch online schools in the state that have met these criteria:
- Top-rated virtual online platform through which students can easily obtain fast access to their coursework, offering a 24/7 support program for technical issues,
- Rigorous coursework that demonstrates the online schools’ commitment to quality web-based education towards acquiring a degree,
- Competent instructors who continue to contribute to their industry and are capable of influencing students to strive for excellence in their field of study,
- A superior learning experience that produces highly skilled graduates and future professionals.
Learn about our ranking process. Visit our Methodology Page.
Quinnipiac University
With 9,035 currently enrolled students, Quinnipiac University Online is one of the most popular schools in Connecticut. This is a not-for-profit and private education institution that offers online undergraduate, graduate, doctorate, and certificate programs.
Undergraduate programs include health studies, RN-to-BSN, RN-to-MSN in Operational Leadership, and business administration. For graduate programs, you can choose from organizational leadership, business analytics, business administration, interactive media and communications, public relations, teacher leadership, instructional design, special education, cyber security (under engineering), and nursing in operational leadership. Web-based online learning under doctorate programs includes topics on post-professional occupational therapy doctorate and doctor of nursing practice (DNP). Students interested in taking short courses may choose from a variety of certifications under business, law, education, and health sciences.
The classes are given as “self-paced” to let enrollees learn at their convenience and time within a specific period. Although most programs are provided as “fully online,” some programs may require students to visit campus as part of the orientation process. Credit transfers may be applicable for some programs but should be evaluated first by your admission supervisor. Veterans, as well as active members of the armed forces, can apply for Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to get tuition discounts and other education benefits. Qualified students can grab financial aid and opportunities.
Location: Hamden, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- At least a grade of ‘B’ average or GPA score of 3.3 (cumulative)
- An SAT Score between 1080 to 1300 or ACT Score between 22 to 28
- High school transcript
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher or counselor demonstrating your work ethic and dedication
- At least two (2) years of learning a foreign language and social science
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges-Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
University of New Haven
A private university, University of New Haven is one of the best universities known for its law enforcement and criminal justice distance learning programs. There are currently 6,500 enrolled students on campus. You can choose from the following online degree programs: engineering, information technology, computer science, forensics, or business administration degree, criminal justice, emergency management, environmental engineering, investigations, and public administration. The undergraduate online program in homeland security and emergency management is available for those planning to jump into cybersecurity or network administration. Most of the programs provided are asynchronous and are given in four to six-week learning sessions.
You can take advantage of student financial assistance such as the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and scholarships. International students may also apply for assistantships where you get the opportunity to earn an hourly wage, a 75% financial coverage from the overall tuition cost, learn, and work throughout your graduate program.
Location: West Haven, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- A 250 to 650-word essay (included in your online form)
- High school transcript (International students need to send along an explanation of your institution’s grading system)
- At least one recommendation letter from a reliable academic source
- SAT or ACT Scores
- TOEFL or IELTS results (International students only)
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Fairfield University
This is a Catholic-based, private institution with about 5,000 students enrolled in both undergraduate and graduate programs. Distance learners at Fairfield University Online can enroll in selected short courses and four-year degrees ranging from STEM to social work niches.
Participants who would like to accomplish their degree entirely can go for undergraduate courses delivered via Blackboard. Online graduate certificates include the mini-MBA certificate in business essentials, creative writing, educational technology, and sexual and gender minority health. For participants pursuing graduate programs, there are three options to choose from: creative writing (cohort/hybrid), social work (cohort/hybrid), and educational technology (online or on-campus). Cohort or hybrid platforms are ideal for working students living in nearby states.
This is a military-friendly school where veterans and active members of the armed forces may take an undergraduate or graduate degree program at little to no cost. Graduate assistantships are also available for part-time or full-time students who’d like to get hands-on experience in faculty support and research activities while getting a tuition waiver or stipend in return.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- Official college or university transcripts
- Professional resume
- Personal essay describing work experience and career goals
- Two (2) recommendation documents from your employer or academic supervisor or teacher
- GMAT or GRE
- TOEFL or IELTS results (for international students)
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Charter Oak State College
With 2,637 enrolled students, Charter Oak State College’s online platform is also bridging the gap between distance learners and working adults. Higher education programs such as undergraduate and graduate degrees are accessible for interested and eligible students.
Online bachelor’s degree programs include business administration, sociology, criminal justice, public safety administration, cyber security, psychology, early childhood education, nursing, health care administration, and health information management. For the master’s degree program, the organizational effectiveness and leadership will help you step-up as a manager in your leadership skills and efficiently implement appropriate regulatory processes. General studies, associate degrees, certifications, and credential coursework are also available, ranging from IT, business, healthcare, and education.
Tuition ranges between approximately $310 to $408 per credit hour with a technology fee of $70. Students who need some financial assistance may apply for scholarship programs such as Delores Bell Memorial Scholarship and Alumni Association Master of Science Degree Scholarship. Endowed scholarship funds like Women in Transition (WIT) Fund, Michael A. Marusa Scholarship, and Mark Carr Scholarship Award are given to qualified individuals. VA benefits are also applicable for military personnel and veterans looking to transition into a new job, earn another degree, or complete a full degree.
Location: New Britain, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- At least nine (9) college credits from an accredited university or college or military training and services
- High school diploma, transcript of records or GED
- A minimum GPA score of at least 2.0
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
University of Bridgeport
This institution is a private-owned university with a diverse community. With more than 4,000 students on-campus, the distance learning program also garnered out-of-state students at University of Bridgeport (UB) Online to pursue their education at their own pace.
Online programs available under undergraduate coursework include dental hygiene, psychology, general studies, RN-to-BSN, and business administration. Under the graduate and doctorate program, you can choose from analytics and systems, business administration, dental hygiene, educational leadership, health sciences, human nutrition, and nursing.
Tuition cost ranges $555 to $680 per credit hour. Scholarships, government financial assistance, and grants may be available for selected students.
Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- Complete application
- Application fee
- High school transcript of records (or equivalent such as GED)
- SAT or ACT Scores
- TOEFL score of at least 75 or IELTS of 6.0 for international students
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)
Connecticut is home to 3,590,886 people in the U.S. It also boasts of 17 well-known educational institutions and 85,000 students enrolled in colleges and universities. As the jobs shift into a technology-based landscape, students are now going for online platforms to earn their degree without sacrificing their current day jobs.
More accredited institutions in the United States are offering online degrees for students interested in finishing their degree or pursuing a new one. Connecticut’s web-based online programs are available in selected universities and colleges for students looking for flexibility and affordability. Keep in mind that an undergraduate degree curriculum will cost $254 per credit hour (on average) in a community college. On the other hand, a state university may charge around $11,068 to $23,596 per semester.
With rising tuition costs, schools are offering grants, tuition waivers, and scholarships to ease this burden. By 2015 to 2016, tuition waived amounted to $104,000,000, and $29,534,587 was given as in-state grants according to the NASSGAP (National Association of State Students Grant and Aid Programs) survey.
Students can choose from 73 online degrees, certificates, and graduate studies. Noticeably, tuition costs are higher in Connecticut against the national average. Nevertheless, students are assured they will be getting a quality education that’s worth every dollar paid.
METHODOLOGY
As students in the state seek a superior online education that does not break the bank, we present the 5 Best Value Online Schools in Connecticut, featuring top-rated colleges and universities.
Our list includes the top academic institutions, which may offer on-campus and online degree programs, but stand out in the online learning opportunities they offer for distance learners who seek to earn a college degree.
Albertus Magnus College
Serving more than 1,000 students from the distance learning and flex program, Albertus Magnus College has 16 undergraduate and graduate degrees to choose from. Undergraduate programs include criminal justice, sociology, accounting, business management, general studies, computer information systems, finance, and healthcare management. If you’ve already earned college credits and would like to pursue a higher degree, you can choose from liberal studies, fine arts in writing, criminal justice, accounting, business administration, leadership, and management and organizational leadership.
Each class ratio holds 13 students and one teacher to provide more attention for every student. Transfer credits of up to 30 credits are allowed if earned from an accredited school in the U.S. The Albertus Magnus College Online and Flex Programs enable students to customize their learning platforms so they can opt to have it entirely online or get into a cohort platform.
S-STEM Scholarships and grants are available for qualified individuals. Active members of the military and veterans also have the opportunity to get discounts off their tuition or credit transfers from previous military training, courses, or experience (depending on the administrator’s admission evaluation). Financial aid and planning are also available for students who’d like to benefit from school or government funding.
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- High school transcript (undergraduate programs) or college credit (graduate programs)
- GED transcript (in lieu of high school transcripts)
- Entrance test scores of your SAT or ACT
- Personal essay for your application in the institution
- A minimum of one (1) academic recommendation letter
- Application fee of $35 (non-refundable)
- IELTS or TOEFL results for international students
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE) for Business degrees programs
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University is the second largest Catholic-based school in Connecticut with more than 9,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. Over 80 academic on-campus degrees are available from STEM-related subjects to art to health, social work, English proficiency language, as well as communications and media which are available in a web-based platform.
Sacred Heart University Online is also a popular choice among local working students and out-of-state adult learners. You can choose from the following online degrees: RN to BSN, RN to MSN, Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Master of Science in Strategic Human Resource Management, Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics, Master of Science in Social Work, English as Second Language (ESL), and Master’s in Strategic Communication and Public Relations.
Tuition cost per credit hour usually ranges from $530 to $995. Students who need financial assistance may receive government funding (FAFSA), scholarship programs and grants depending on the degree availed. Qualified students who will go into public service after graduation can also look into the Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Military personnel and veterans may take advantage of discounts and credit transfers through the VA benefits.
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- High school transcripts or GED
- GPA Score of 3.2 or higher
- Personal essay for application
- GRE test results
- Letter of recommendation (for graduate programs only)
- Resume (for graduate programs only)
- Admission interview
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for nursing programs.
Goodwin College
With 3,546 students enrolled on-campus, Goodwin College online is also available for the busy adults looking to earn a full degree part-time. Not only that, but the online platform also lets students customize their learning experience through cohort classes (a mix of on-campus and online learning) or entirely online.
Online programs for distance learners include general studies (associate degree), business administration, management and leadership, nursing (RN-BSN), professional studies, public health, nursing (MSN), and organizational leadership (MSOL). You can also customize your learning programs and obtain 7.5-week courses (accelerated learning program) or 15-week courses (standard) delivered as day, weekend, or evening classes, segregated in six (6) schedules per year.
Credit transfers are applicable for transfer students from a U.S accredited educational institution. Prior learning credits may be applicable and subject for evaluation. This is also a military-friendly institution, so veterans and active members of the armed forces looking to gain knowledge, expertise, or just a full-degree program may apply for discounts and credit transfers.
Tuition per semester usually cost from $5,038 to $9,994 per semester. Financial aid such as FAFSA and student loan programs are available for U.S citizens. Pell Grants and institutional grants are also given to qualified enrollees.
Location: East Hartford, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- High school transcript of records or equivalent (i.e., GED)
- SAT or ACT Scores
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal essay for applying to Goodwin College Online
- Common Application form
Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
University of Hartford
This institution offers 100 undergraduate programs and 64 master’s degree curriculums on campus. Currently, there are four online programs offered by the University of Hartford for students pursuing higher education from previously earned undergraduate credits.
Working adults and distance learners who want to learn at their own pace and schedule can look into these four graduate degrees:
- Master of Education – Special Education
- Master of Education – Education, Montessori Concentration
- Master of Science – Nursing to MSN
- Master of Science – Prosthetics and Orthotics (Transitional MS)
Continuing education certifications and courses are available for students pursuing a new skill or looking for a refresher course.
Transfer students with GPA scores of 2.0 and above are acceptable. Adult students without prior college credits may take certain courses, depending on the study enrolled in. Students can also get three credits from passing the Advanced Placement examination with a score of 3 or higher and with a score of 4 in English Composition.
FAFSA and scholarships are available for U.S citizens who pass the educational evaluation. A Federal Work-Study program is available for employees looking to earn a graduate degree.
Location: West Hartford, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- Common Application
- Official high school transcripts or college transcripts (for graduate programs)
- ACT or SAT results
- Letter of recommendation from academic professors and employer (if for continuing education and graduate programs)
- IELTS score of 8.5 / TOEFL score of 80 IBT / Pearson’s score of 58 for international students
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
University of Connecticut
Through the University of Connecticut (UCONN) E-Campus, out-of-state working individuals and distance learners can earn certifications and full degrees online. The self-paced study program offers flexibility for students varying in commitments, schedules, and location.
Currently, the University of Connecticut only offers selected graduate programs and certifications in an online format:
- Accounting
- Survey Research
- Clinical Genetics and Genomics
- Neonatal Nursing
- Educational Technology (two summers)
- Human Resource Management
- Energy and Environmental Management (MEEM)
- Gifted and Talented Education (three summers)
Graduate certification programs such as exercise prescription, digital media, and design, global risk management, holistic nursing, special education transition to adulthood are also available. An Advanced Business Certificate in Human Resource Management is available as a hybrid graduate certificate. The post-baccalaureate certificate program in Occupational Safety and Health might also interest those employed as safety officers or managers in any health-related career.
Credit transfers are applicable if earned from accredited U.S schools. Students are also allowed up to 60 credits transferred from an associate degree. Veteran and military personnel may also transfer training/work experience as credits or benefit from tuition discounts.
Tuition costs range from $13,789 (In-state) to $36,646 (out-of-state). Scholarships, grants, student loans, and government funded assistance such as the Student Employee and Work-Study Program are accepted for qualified students.
Location: Storrs, Connecticut
Admission Requirements:
- Official high school transcript or equivalent
- SAT or ACT Scores
- TOEFL or IELTS (for international students)
Accreditation: New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC); Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) for the MSA program