In order to provide prospective students with the best chance at having a great education, we have compiled this list of the top universities and colleges in Connecticut. Some schools may excel at online programs while others may focus exclusively on the traditional, on-campus aspect of higher education. Regardless of the delivery format, these schools excel at providing a quality education for their students.
Connecticut’s distance learning programs take advantage of the latest, cutting-edge technology to expand their learning opportunities. Each of these programs provides incredible resources to make earning a degree online easier than ever. The state delivers quality higher education to its roughly 95,000 student body both traditional and online. Online colleges in Connecticut attract students due to affordability, flexibility, and great support services.
Pursuing an online degree can help busy students reach their educational goals. With hybrid, accelerated, and single course options, students can tailor their education to meet their needs. The growing demand for online enrollment has led to higher education institutions expanding and adding more online programs and resources. If you’re asking yourself, “What are the best colleges in Connecticut?” then you’ve come to the right place.
| Rank | School | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Charter Oak State College | New Britain, Connecticut |
| 2 | St. Vincent’s College | Fairfield, Connecticut |
| 3 | University of Connecticut | Mansfield, Connecticut |
| 4 | Albertus Magnus College | New Haven, Connecticut |
| 5 | Goodwin University | East Hartford, Connecticut |
Here are the Best Colleges in Connecticut
Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s level degrees fully online. Programs range from public safety to information systems and much more. Students can get ahead through applying military credit, testing and exams, a portfolio, and transfer credits. Charter Oak has a dynamic community of online learners that are becoming leaders in our society. The college is known for working with its students to get them on the right track to graduate as soon as possible.
School Overview
St. Vincent’s College
St. Vincent’s College has three types of distance learning; online, hybrid, and e-enhanced. The school is one of the best colleges in Connecticut for nursing and focuses on health careers and offers a nursing degree and a radiologic sciences degree. A certificate in healthcare management is also available online to complete. St. Vincent allows students to utilize technology without time and location restrictions. A small assessment is required prior to enrolling online to ensure that online learning will be beneficial. The college provides professional development and academic support to its students through many online and campus resources.
School Overview
University of Connecticut
UCONN online degrees can be obtained through fully online formats. UCONN is known for helping its students receive financial aid, scholarships, grants and more to help with the cost. Faculty interacts with its online students regularly to answer any questions regarding coursework or the program. In addition to the online learning system, there are many online resources to use as well that provide tutorials and other helpful tools. With over 100 online courses students have a range of topics to choose from that interest them. All online students have opportunities to engage with their peers and faculty through online communication systems that can benefit online learning.
School Overview
Albertus Magnus College
Albertus Magnus College has always been designing programs to help working adults, which has led to its online and flex programs. Classes are small, which allows students to receive personal attention throughout the program. Students are able to earn credits from relatable life experience and have access to internships and additional programs. AMC provides an accelerated option which allows students to earn 30 credits in one year just by taking 2 classes per term. Many programs and people are put in place to help guide students through their programs such as academic advisors and program directors.
School Overview
Goodwin University
Goodwin University offers programs at master’s, bachelor’s, associate, and certificate degree levels. They believe that a college degree should lead to a great career, and only offer programs that are in-demand, relevant, and result in job opportunities upon graduation. Convenience is everything, especially when it comes to pursuing an education. Goodwin University allows students to complete certain degrees fully online, affording the ability to complete coursework where and whenever.
School Overview
University of New Haven
The University of New Haven offers online programs at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. UNH is the best fit for individuals who have full-time jobs. The coursework focuses on teaching valued skills for private and public practices. By participating in UNH’s online program students can pick their own pace and time to work on their coursework. Programs include emergency management, criminal justice, and environmental engineering. UNH provides more than just an electronic way of learning and continues to grow its interactive and engaging programs.
School Overview
University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport is one of Connecticut’s most established university for online learning. University of Bridgeport online degrees lets students choose to specialize in an area of their interest. The online learning management system Canvas, allows students to access their classes and complete assignments at a time that is convenient for them. Courses are in 16-week formats with an 8-week accelerated option. The University prides itself on its flexibility, support, engagement, and experience that contribute greatly to its online success. Its online faculty focuses on helping each individual student succeed, and help students reach their goals.
School Overview
University of Hartford
The University of Hartford has a growing list of online programs. UHart has made it their mission to make online learning personal. Professors are responsive and supportive, making individuals feel a part of the community. Programs include a master of science in management, special education, nursing, and more. Through UHart’s online courses students will be able to be effective communicators, work efficiently, and analyze problems.
School Overview
Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart University is a top-ranked accredited university that has successfully been delivering online education to students. SHU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a flexible and convenient format. Degrees range in topics from psychology to nursing led by well-trained faculty. Many of the course requirements include working with peers to create an interactive online learning environment. Sacred Heart provides online assistance 24/7 to ensure that students have the resources to succeed.
School Overview
Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac University has been a leader in providing high quality online learning opportunities for students since 2001. Quinnipiac is a nonprofit, regionally-accredited university that offers a variety of online undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, and Nursing.
Quinnipiac takes pride in its strong sense of community and encourages all students to be active members of its #BobcatNation. As an online student, you have access to all university facilities and all courses are led by the same outstanding faculty who teach on campus. You will also have a dedicated admissions counselor, academic advisor, and support team, all of whom are all committed to your success.
Start terms are available in the spring, summer and fall for most programs. To get started, visit their website at online.qu.edu.
School Overview
Fairfield University
Founded in 1942 by the Society of Jesus, Fairfield University is a private, co-educational Jesuit, Catholic university that offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to over 5,000 students. The university’s main goal is to provide students with an education that will develop their creative intellectual potential as well as to foster in them a sense of social responsibility and ethical and religious values. Fairfield offers a number of online courses during their summer, fall, winter, and spring intersessions. The school also aims to accommodate students who wish to accelerate their degree program.
School Overview
Ranking Method
If you’re looking for a great college in Connecticut, any of the colleges on our list would be a phenomenal option. Please contact us today if you feel there’s a school not included on this list that deserves consideration.
We know that finding the best school to fit your unique needs is a huge challenge. For that reason, we work hard to develop lists of the best schools based on the characteristics most important for you. Whether that be cost of attendance, student success, resources available, flexibility of schedule, or any other number of important factors, we’ve got you covered. For more information about our ranking process and to find lists of schools based on specific characteristics, check out our methodology page.
For more programs check out our community colleges in CT.
