The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut
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The Constitution State takes its education seriously, with nearly 40% of the population holding at least a bachelor’s degree — well above the national average.
Online education in Connecticut offers opportunities for learners of all ages. Leading institutions like Yale University and the University of Connecticut (UCONN) meet the needs of students through both free and for-credit online options.
The best colleges in Connecticut offer online coursework and programs that align with the state’s expanding industries, such as manufacturing, information technology, and green energy production. For example, BLS reports that operations research analysts and software applications developers earn a median annual salary of $98,070 and $120,180, higher than the average annual salary in Connecticut. Both roles only require at least a bachelor’s degree.
The Public Policy Institute at George Washington reported that, 70% of jobs in Connecticut would require postsecondary education, with 26% requiring a bachelor’s degree. This indicates that the state will have a strong need for individuals who have bachelor’s degrees.
Featured Online Schools
With a bachelor’s degree in Connecticut, students are prepared to enter the labor force or advance within their current professions.
The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut
Albertus Magnus College
New Haven, CT- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$32,770
- Out-of-state$32,770
- In-State$20,520
- Out-of-state$20,520
- Retention Rate67%
- Acceptance Rate83%
- Students Enrolled1,419
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment49%
- AccreditationYes
University of Bridgeport
- Bridgeport, CT
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$31,920
- Out-of-state$31,920
- In-State$18,612
- Out-of-state$18,612
- Retention Rate69%
- Acceptance Rate55%
- Students Enrolled5,089
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Best Online Colleges
Connecticut
2023
Online Colleges in Connecticut Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Rankings MethodologyEmployment in Connecticut
Connecticut is a national leader in green energy, bioscience, and technological innovation. The financial services industry in Connecticut ranks among the top in the world, and the state is also home to large numbers of insurance professionals.
The cost of living in Connecticut exceeds the national average, but health and housing expenses are comparable to other states. The median home cost in Connecticut is also close to the national average.
In September 2023, Connecticut’s unemployment rate was 3.5% — 0.5% lower than this same period last year. Construction jobs, information service positions, and trade and transportation roles have experienced employment growth.
The Connecticut Department of Labor projects a 5.9% growth in employment between 2016 and 2026. It lists top industries aa construction, healthcare and social assistance, and transportation and warehousing.
The data below covers the highest paying careers that employ more than 1,000 individuals in Connecticut and do not require a first-professional degree, like an MD or JD. Salary information is specific to Connecticut, while job growth data is for the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Managers | $160,330 | 10% | Bachelor’s degree |
| General and Operations Managers | $150,930 | 3% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Human Resources Managers | $146,560 | 5% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Sales Managers | $144,030 | 4% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $159,160 | 4% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Personal Financial Advisors | $146,210 | 13% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Physician Assistants | $143,280 | 27% | Master’s degree |
The following data reflects the highest paying roles employing more than 5,000 professionals in Connecticut that do not require a first-professional degree, like an MD or JD. Salary figures apply specifically to Connecticut, while job growth data is for the United States as a whole.
| Career | Annual Mean Salary | Projected Job Growth (2022-2032) | Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Managers | $169,230 | 16% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $155,830 | 15% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $138,280 | 28% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents | $112,000 | 7% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Software Developers | $120,180 | 25% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Management Analysts | $105,650 | 10% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Financial and Investment Analysts | $114,400 | 8% | Bachelor’s degree |
Online Associate and Graduate Degrees
Colleges and universities in Connecticut offer online associate and graduate degrees for students alongside online bachelor’s programs. Many schools have shifted to online-only education due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has expanded online offerings at all levels.
Online programs often mirror their on-campus counterparts, although delivery format can vary. Programs with asynchronous coursework may provide more flexible options for students, while sequential and cohort-based curricula offer a more structured educational setting and more opportunities to connect with others.
Online graduate degrees at colleges and universities can span many disciplines. For example, at UCONN, business administration students can pursue an online master’s of science in accounting or in human resource management.
Similarly, Central Connecticut State University offers an online strategic communication degree, which is ideal for students who study interpersonal and organizational communication. Education professionals can earn a graduate degree in educational technology from UCONN online or an online master of education degree from Goodwin University.
