If you want to attend college in Connecticut, you can consider many affordable schools with fully online degrees.
This page includes a ranking of some of the best online colleges in Connecticut. We also provide information about the fastest-growing jobs in the state and majors that can help you prepare for jobs in Connecticut after graduation.
Top Connecticut Online Colleges
Connecticut offers funding for eligible students to cover tuition and fees that federal and state grants do not cover. This program allows many CT students to earn credits with minimal costs.
10 Fast-Growing Jobs in Connecticut
Before you decide on a major, research career pathways that are available after graduation. The chart below features some of the fastest-growing jobs in Connecticut that require a college degree, along with their projected growth and median annual wages. Healthcare is one of the top-growing fields in Connecticut.
| Job | Projected Growth, 2020-2030 | Annual Mean Wage in CT, May 2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioners | +48% | $136,980 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | +44% | $122,860 |
| Logisticians | +39% | $80,480 |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | +38% | N/A |
| Physician Assistants | +31% | $149,300 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | +29% | $148,370 |
| Microbiologists | +28% | $87,600 |
Majors to Consider to Prepare for Connecticut's Job Market
Before committing to an online college in Connecticut, consider majors that align with your personal and professional goals. The list of majors below can provide education for some of the state's emerging careers mentioned above.
Cost of Living in Connecticut
The chart below highlights the average cost of some necessities in Connecticut, including housing, transportation, food, and medical care. This data is based on one adult living on their own.
Online students can save money by living with roommates. Also, because they won't need to commute to campus, they may be able to pay less for transportation.
| Cost of Living Category | Average Cost Per Month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $1,248 |
| Groceries and Food | $392 |
| Transportation | $851 |
| Medical Care | $296 |
Scholarships and Cost Savings for Online Colleges in Connecticut
Students attending online colleges in Connecticut can qualify for various scholarships and other types of financial aid. It pays to apply for as many scholarships as possible since they don't require repayment. The following section covers potential scholarships for online students in the state.
Tuition Reciprocity Benefits for Out-of-State Students in Connecticut
The New England Board of Education's Tuition Break program lets New England residents attend out-of-state public schools in New England, including Connecticut, at a discounted tuition rate. If you live in one of the following states, you may be able to take advantage of Tuition Break to attend a college or university in Connecticut:
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Frequently Asked Questions About Online College in Connecticut
Is community college free in Connecticut?
No — community college is not free in Connecticut. However, the state's Pledge to Advance Connecticut can help qualifying students graduate without tuition-related debt. Through the program, the state covers the rest of a qualifying student's tuition and required fees after they accept other available financial aid.
How many colleges are in Connecticut?
A National Center for Education Statistics search shows 62 colleges in Connecticut, including public and private schools.
What colleges are in Connecticut?
The best-known public universities in the state are the University of Connecticut, Western Connecticut State University, and Central Connecticut State University. Southern Connecticut State University and Eastern Connecticut State University are also well-known public schools. Yale University, the University of Hartford, Sacred Heart University, and Quinnipiac University are among the state's highly regarded private schools.