Obtaining a degree fully online is a viable and respected avenue for attending and completing college today. Oftentimes students are bogged down with family commitments or the need to work full or part-time, making their education secondary.

With online distance learning programs, students are able to employ time management skills to complete their degrees in a flexible and timely manner, often faster than they would if they attended college traditionally. Additionally, online learners are able to fast-track into the career of their school and can often still benefit from internships and other extra-curricular college opportunities.

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Methodology for Ranking the Best Online Colleges in Connecticut

The colleges listed in this Value Colleges Best Top 10 list are located in the state of Connecticut. Each college or university is accredited either regionally, nationally or both, and all offer fully online graduate and/or undergraduate degree programs. All universities have a solid ROI and a proven track record of success, the standard for Value Colleges rankings.

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1. Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College ranks as one of the best online colleges in Connecticut because it offers over 30-degree programs in fields of interest, such as business, nursing, child studies, cybersecurity, and more. Prospective students may earn their bachelor’s or master’s or even complete a certificate program. The classes are 100-percent online, so students never have to visit the school. Connecticut students receive a lower tuition cost at Charter Oaks State College than students from other states, but this school still offers low tuition for all students. 

The school opened its doors in Connecticut in 1973. Since then, it has morphed into an accredited, online school with liberal arts degree programs for students all over the country. The school offers credits toward earning a degree for individuals with military training, certifications, and for various other reasons, making a convenient option for those with prior experience and credentials. The school’s motto is “Degrees without boundaries,” which the school encompasses with its fully online degree programs and numerous options for advancement. 

Number of Online Programs: 33

school website

2. Albertus Magnus College

As another one of the best online colleges in Connecticut, Albertus Magnus College is a Catholic school with 18 online degree program options available. They also offer Flex-path courses and classes that meet on-campus sometimes but still have online work or programs where the student attends some classes online and some in person. Some of the options individuals have for an online degree or flex courses include accounting, health care management, business, writing, and criminal justice, among others. Pupils may choose between bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Students of Albertus Magnus College benefit from a high ROI when earning a degree in many of these fields, considering a person with a bachelor’s degree in business may earn over $100,000 per year depending on where he or she works. 

This particular school is a liberal arts college in Connecticut. It ranks as one of the best schools in the region due to its flexibility. Plus, they have a high acceptance rate. Albertus Magnus’ nickname is the “falcons.” The college stresses the importance of four pillars: study, prayer, service, and community.

Number of Online Programs: 18

school website

3. University of Bridgeport

The University of Bridgeport offers more than 10 distance-learning programs in subjects like nursing, business, psychology, criminal justice, and dental hygiene. This educational institution provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree programs. Students benefit from this school’s financial aid since they offer scholarships. In fact, more than 90 percent of their students receive assistance paying for college in some form. Students of the University of Bridgeport benefit from high ROIs in many of the majors the school supplies as well as low tuition costs. 

The University of Bridgeport has a campus where students may attend school, but they provide the option of online courses to make education from the University of Bridgeport possible for more people. U.S. News & World Report deemed their engineering undergraduate program as one of the best in the nation. Moreover, the school is known for its cultural diversity. Students who join this school become one of the more than 5,000 Purple Knights.

Number of Online Programs: 6

school website

4. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University offers pupils the option to earn their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate online. Students may choose a certificate program or opt to take summer courses. Pupils may choose from majors ranging from business to interactive media and communications to cybersecurity, among other options. Many of the degree options have job security since they’re highly in demand. For example, Forbes noted cybersecurity as a fast-growing career. Some of the jobs a person may achieve with an online degree from Quinnipiac University have a high ROI. 

The school opened in 1929. This university ranked as number 13 on U.S. News and World Report’s list for the best colleges in the north in 2020. The college gained recognition for their friendliness toward military members as well as veterans. Fortunately for students, Quinnipiac University offers numerous scholarship opportunities.

Number of Online Programs: 4

school website

5. University of New Haven

The University of New Haven supplies students with the option of online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in subjects like environmental engineering, emergency management, and criminal justice. All programs are completely online. Students from the University of New Haven benefit from high ROIs on some of the degrees while also benefiting from scholarships and other financial aid options. 

The University of New Haven is a private, nonsecular school. Students who attend this educational facility benefit from a 96-percent success rate in terms of finding a job within their field. The annual ranking for the U.S. News & World Report ranked this facility as number one. Sworn police officers and firefighters receive a 50-percent discount on their tuition. Moreover, the school’s motto is “A Leader in Experiential Education,” meaning students learn from experience.

Number of Online Programs: 3

school website

6. University of Saint Joseph

The University of Saint Joseph in Connecticut offers one program, which is a nursing program for registered nurses to earn their bachelor of science degrees. Nurses take courses related to morality, cultural studies, and healthcare systems throughout the world, just to name a few. This prepares an RN to advance and be able to take on leadership roles within his or her field. Students benefit from a high ROI for this program. 

This Connecticut university began as an establishment for women back in 1932. Today, this Catholic institution allows both men and women to join. Despite the change, this school has still remained a firm believer in the power of leadership. 

Number of Online Programs: 1

school website

7. Southern Connecticut State University

Southern Connecticut State University offers only one online program. This program is a bachelor of science in nursing degree for students who already have their registered nursing license. Students gain in-depth knowledge about health assessment and how to improve life during every life stage. The program gives nurses the ability to further their knowledge and possibly open up opportunities for job advancements. Students benefit from a high ROI in this program, and veterans may receive special financial aid. 

This university has a long history dating back to 1893 and is nicknamed the “owls.” It’s a public school that offers a majority of its programs on campus, but the students who enroll in the online program benefit from its flexibility. This university is known for its veteran programs. 

Number of Online Programs: 1

school website

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What Makes Online Learning a Value in Connecticut?

If you’re thinking about advancing your career or making a career change, it’s a great idea to enroll in one of the many online colleges in Connecticut. In the past, people who wanted to earn a degree as nontraditional students had to find ways to make it into the classroom. This often resulted in having the make the decision between bringing in a paycheck while working, or pinching pennies and returning to school. Luckily, this is no longer the case. It’s now possible to have the best of both worlds – working a full-time job and taking full-time online classes is a reality for many busy professionals.

Connecticut online colleges give students the opportunity to learn wherever and whenever it’s convenient for them. Asynchronous academic programs allow you to take your coursework on your own time.

People who are looking to advance their education with one of the online colleges in Connecticut are in luck, due to the state’s proximity to New York City and Boston. Earning a degree online gives working professionals who are looking to make changes in their career field the opportunity to travel for internships, networking, and job interviews without worrying about missing classes. The National Center for Education Statistics proves that a college degree is worth more than high school on the job market.

When you choose to take classes from online colleges in Connecticut, you’re not limiting yourself to a classroom. The world is open to you, and you can do your work from anywhere with a WiFi connection.

What Kinds of Degrees Can I Get Online in Connecticut?

In the past, not all levels of degrees were available online. Some schools only offered certain classes online, while others only offered degrees in certain fields. Today, the world of online education has expanded widely, and all levels of degrees can be completed online. This isn’t just in one or two fields. Degrees in a wide range of career fields can be earned completely online.

Connecticut online degree programs are as unique as the students who pursue them. Many students choose to start out with an associate’s degree. Connecticut online degrees at the associate’s level take two years to complete. Many students take general studies courses through a community college, which is often less expensive than college degree classes at a four-year university.

Some students who take Connecticut online degree programs at the associate’s level go on to transfer those credits to a four-year university, where they work towards a bachelor’s degree. Business administration, nursing (BSN), human resource management, and computer science are some of the most popular for distance learners.

After completing a bachelor’s degree, students have the opportunity to pursue Connecticut online degrees at the graduate school level. A graduate school degree refers to any degree that’s earned after a student completes their bachelor’s. Master’s, Ph.D., and other doctorate degrees all fall into this category. Some of these degrees are available fully online, a stark contrast to the years of face-to-face work that used to be required to earn a graduate degree.

No matter what level of education you’d like to attain, it’s possible to do it online. Connecticut online degrees make higher education a possibility for anyone to further their education, whether they have experience in a college classroom or not.

How Can I Save Money on a Connecticut Online Degree?

Many students decide to try Connecticut online courses instead of college in a traditional classroom in an attempt to save money. Online classes are often cheaper than traditional classes for a number of reasons. Since the professor is able to communicate with a large number of students online, the university doesn’t have to spend money using physical classroom space. Grading of quizzes and tests can be done automatically, allowing instructors to spend more time working directly with students.

Taking Connecticut community colleges online courses can be a great way to save money while working toward your associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Connecticut community colleges’ online courses are typically only used for the first two years of study. At the end of those two years, an associate’s degree is awarded. If you choose to stop there, you’re adding valuable experience to your resume, and opening up the door for more opportunities.

If you choose to move forward with your education, you’re saving yourself time and money. You can transfer your Connecticut community college online courses to a four-year university in order to begin working towards your bachelor’s degree. While you’re in the process of earning your credits at the community college, it’s important to talk with academic advisors from both your community college and the four-year institution to which you’d like to transfer. You’ll want to make sure you’re taking classes that will help you meet the requirements for your bachelor’s degree.

Whether it’s a flafship like the University of Connecticut (UConn)or a regional college like Central Connecticut State University, education programs for college students who are Connecticut residents are usually cheaper, with in-state tuition rates set lower than out-of-state. Enrollment in nonprofit Connecticut schools is also cheaper than for-profit schools.

Many private colleges in Connecticut offer online degrees, including:

• New England College
• Post University
• University of Hartford
• Sacred Heart University
• Connecticut College

If you’re not ready to work toward your degree, you can still save money through Connecticut online courses while furthering your education. There are many Connecticut online courses that can count for professional development and continuing education credits to help you satisfy licensing requirements or simply keep up with the latest developments in your field.

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Related Rankings:

• Top 25 Best Value Online Colleges
• Top 25 Lowest Out-of-State Tuition Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Community Colleges
• Top 50 Best Value Online Graduate Schools