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.
The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut
#1 The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut
Albertus Magnus College
- New Haven, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
For many online degree-seekers, Albertus Magnus College is an attractive choice. A total of 21 online undergraduate and graduate programs are available through this private institution. Distance learners often choose this school because it has a proven track record in online education and a reputation for its academic strength.
Online learners can also receive assistance from career and academic service associates located at the school's physical campus in New Haven, Connecticut. Degree-seekers can get help planning their academic and professional futures with offerings such as academic advising and virtual career fairs. The internship program that the school offers helps many students prepare for their future careers. The program grants graduates an accredited degree upon completion.
Reach out to the school with any questions about what programs are available online and how to apply to them.
Albertus Magnus College at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 692
Online Bachelor's Programs: 10
Online Master's Programs: 8
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 45%
Admission Rate: 83%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Percent Online Enrollment
49%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
#2 The Best Online Colleges in Connecticut
University of Bridgeport
- Bridgeport, CT
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Bridgeport offers online programming that ranks highly among similar programs. The seven online programs offered by this private institution consist of both undergraduate and graduate offerings. The school boasts a reputation for strong academics and track record in online course offerings.
Career and academic service associates located at the Bridgeport, Connecticut, campus also assist online learners. Degree-seekers can participate in career-planning events like virtual job fairs by connecting with these academic advisors. Hands-on learning through internship programs help many students prepare for work in the field. Upon completion of all program requirements, graduates are awarded an accredited degree.
Additional information about how to apply and what programs are available can be obtained by contacting the school directly.
University of Bridgeport at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,842
Online Bachelor's Programs: 4
Online Master's Programs: 3
Percent of Programs Offered Online: 8%
Admission Rate: 55%
Accepts Transfer Credits: Data not available
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
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
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.
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.
UCONN offers online graduate certificate programs and online master's degrees. Areas of study include accounting, engineering, management, and nursing.
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.
