The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2021

by TBS Staff

TheBestSchools.org

The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2021

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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, the Connecticut Department of Labor projects nearly 30% growth for operations research analysts and software applications developers from 2016 to 2026 — both roles that require at least a bachelor's degree.

The Public Policy Institute at George Washington reported that, by the end of 2020, 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.

Top 10 Online Colleges in Connecticut 2021
#1 Albertus Magnus College New Haven, CT
#2 University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT

The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut

Albertus Magnus College View School Profile New Haven, CT 72% 84% 46% Albertus Magnus College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

The first classes at Albertus were held in 1925 in Rosary Hall. A liberal arts Catholic college, Albertus offers several online degree programs.

AMC allows you to take all of your courses fully online. However, students can choose to take some classes online and some face-to-face.

Just some of the programs offered fully online include accounting, business management, communications, and cybersecurity. Other courses available are finance, criminal justice, computer information systems, and human services.

To apply for admission, students must submit a common application or AMC's admissions application and submit high school transcripts, a personal essay, and a non-refundable application fee of $35.

University of Bridgeport View School Profile Bridgeport, CT 42% 65% 35% University of Bridgeport is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Founded in 1927, UB teaches more than 4,615 students each year.

The school offers online courses students can complete fully online. Students can take undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs online.

Some of the doctoral programs include educational leadership EdD and doctor of health sciences DHSc.

Online master's degree programs include master of science degrees in analytics, education, business administration, and nursing.

Online bachelor's degree programs include bachelor's degrees in business administration, professional studies, psychology, and criminal justice. Other programs include RN to BSN and dental hygiene.

Best Online Colleges

Online Colleges in Connecticut Ranking Guidelines

We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Employment 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 November 2020, Connecticut's unemployment rate was 8.2% — higher than it had been during the previous three months. Between October and November 2020, however, construction jobs, information service positions, and trade and transportation roles 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.

Highest Paying, Fastest Growing Careers in Connecticut
Career Annual Mean Salary
(2019)
Projected Job Growth
(2019-2029)
Education Required
Marketing Managers $158,940 6% Bachelor's degree
General and Operations Managers $157,170 4% Bachelor's degree
Human Resources Managers $151,030 6% Bachelor's degree
Sales Managers $149,950 4% Bachelor's degree
Architectural and Engineering Managers $147,970 3% Bachelor's degree
Personal Financial Advisors $137,440 4% Bachelor's degree
Physician Assistants $137,060 31% Master's degree
Source: BLS

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.

Highest Paying, Most Common Careers in Connecticut
Career Annual Mean Salary
(2019)
Projected Job Growth
(2019-2029)
Education Required
Financial Managers $167,000 15% Bachelor's degree
Computer and Information Systems Managers $148,380 10% Bachelor's degree
Medical and Health Services Managers $128,970 32% Bachelor's degree
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $121,020 4% Bachelor's degree
Software Developers $107,540 22% Bachelor's degree
Management Analysts $105,480 11% Bachelor's degree
Financial and Investment Analysts $103,250 5% Bachelor's degree
Source: BLS

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Major University Is in Connecticut?

Major public universities in Connecticut include UCONN and the four schools within the Connecticut State University System. Yale is the leading major private university in Connecticut.

Is College Free in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers free community college tuition for eligible first-time, full-time students — a program that began in fall of 2020. Veterans may also be eligible for tuition waivers at UCONN, the Connecticut State Universities, and at the state's 12 community and technical colleges.

Does UCONN Offer Online Degrees?

UCONN offers online graduate certificate programs and online master's degrees. Areas of study include accounting, engineering, management, and nursing.

What Are the Benefits of Completing College Online in Connecticut?

Online college in Connecticut offers an affordable, convenient, and flexible way to earn a degree. Completing an online degree in Connecticut also opens opportunities for lucrative, fulfilling careers in one of the state's thriving industries.

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