6 Most Affordable Online Colleges in Connecticut 2025
Online college Connecticut is attainable with various programs to choose from. Our guide goes into detail about cheap online degree programs available for local residents.
Higher education is something that many strive to pursue, and a college degree can help set you apart when it comes to your professional career and life goals. Our list of the cheapest online colleges in Connecticut is essential to finding the best degree programs for your needs.
Below, you can review cheap accredited online colleges that offer a range of degree programs, so you can start your online learning as soon as possible.
List of the Cheapest & Most Affordable Online Colleges in Connecticut
The following inexpensive colleges offer quality education and the chance to complete your degree online. You can choose online undergraduate or graduate degrees in various disciplines with tuition rates that are generally lower than attending in person.
1. Albertus Magnus College
Albertus Magnus College offers numerous online degree programs designed for adult learners and working professionals. These courses are offered on an accelerated basis with eight-week courses.
Albertus Magnus College offers bachelor's or master's degrees. Popular programs include cybersecurity, finance, healthcare, and project management. Tuition per credit hour is $583.00, and financial aid is available.
2. Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College exclusively offers online bachelor's degrees and graduate degree programs in numerous disciplines. The programs at Charter Oak State are targeted at working professionals, and there are 16 bachelor's degree programs you can choose from.
Charter Oak State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Tuition rates for undergraduate students are $329 per credit hour, with scholarships and financial aid available to help further reduce your tuition cost.
3. Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University offers both online learning and hybrid learning, which is a mix of online instruction and on-campus elements. You can search the university's website directly to learn which courses and four-year degree programs are available online.
Western Connecticut State offers a reasonable full-time tuition rate of $292 per credit hour for undergraduate students. This college is accredited by the NECHE and offers numerous grants and scholarships to help students afford their education.
4. University of New Haven
The University of New Haven offers a handful of online bachelor's degrees and numerous online master's degrees, some of which cover unique topics � for example, you can enroll in distance education to learn about forensic genetic genealogy. Alternatively, you can choose more traditional subjects like criminal justice, health sciences, and business administration.
Tuition at the University of New Haven starts at $510 per credit hour, and qualifying students can receive scholarships and merit-based aid.
5. Quinnipiac University
Topping the rankings with some of the best online degree programs in Connecticut, Quinnipiac University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees online. These programs are tailored to adult learners who are working professionals. Students can choose from flexible certificate programs and online education programs such as the following:
- Bachelor of Business Administration
- Bachelor of Professional Studies
- Master of Science in cybersecurity
- Master of Science in special education
- Master of Science in Public Relations
Some of Quinnipiac's online degrees are hybrid, which means they include on-campus coursework elements. Tuition starts at $530 per credit hour.
6. University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport offers numerous online degree programs, all of which are accredited by the NECHE and taught by industry professionals and experienced scholars. The college offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral programs.
Admissions are accepted on a rolling basis for online programs, and financial aid is available for students. Tuition costs are $390 per credit hour.
Our Selection Criteria
- Degree Selections:We've selected programs that offer a wide range of bachelor's degrees, master's degrees, and various undergraduate and graduate certificates. This gives online learners various career paths to consider.
- Tuition Cost:The cost of your online degree is especially important to keep in mind, and our list features online schools with reasonable tuition rates per credit hour.
- Accreditation:All of the schools on our list are accredited, something that is essential if you want your degrees and education to be valid once you graduate.
- Financial Aid Opportunities:Affordable online colleges that offer plenty of financial aid opportunities can lower the overall cost of your degree and make your education even more attainable.
How Much Does a Cheap College in Connecticut Cost?
Tuition rates and affordability vary for cheap online colleges in Connecticut. On average, you can expect to pay $500 per credit hour for an online degree program, while an on-campus degree program will cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per semester before financial aid and scholarships.
How Can I Make an Online Degree Affordable in Connecticut?
Making an online degree more affordable can be a crucial consideration for many students. Fortunately, there are various strategies and resources that can help you manage the costs of your education. Learn more below on how to make an online degree more affordable:
- online colleges that accept financial aid
- online colleges with scholarships
- online colleges that accept Pell Grant
- online colleges that accept transfer credits
- online colleges with no application fee
- scholarships for online students
- online colleges with tuition payment plans
Continue reading for tips to make a college education fit your budget.
1. Tuition Discounts:
Explore regional interstate compacts like the New England Regional Student Program (RSP), which allows residents of participating states to attend out-of-state public institutions at a reduced rate. Look for programs and majors that qualify for tuition discounts, especially if they're not available at public institutions in your state.
2. State Authorizations for Online Learning:
Connecticut participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), simplifying the process for institutions to enroll out-of-state students. This makes it easier to find affordable online programs across state lines.
3. Consider Tuition-Free Colleges:
While some colleges offer tuition-free education, be sure to assess the full cost, which may include additional fees. Always verify the accreditation status of the institution. Accreditation ensures the quality and legitimacy of the education you receive.
4. Research State Aid:
If you're an online student living out of state, be aware that some state aid may not be available to you. In many cases, state aid is limited to students residing in their college's home state. Check your institution's financial aid resources and reach out to the financial aid office for guidance on available options.
FAQs About the Cheapest Colleges in Connecticut
When you're looking for cheap colleges in Connecticut, it's common to have some questions. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about affordable online colleges.
What Is the Cheapest Online College in Connecticut?
The cheap colleges in Connecticut offer low tuition rates with additional financial aid and grants. From our list, the cheapest online college in Connecticut is Western Connecticut State University, with a tuition rate of $292 per credit hour.
Are Cheap Online Colleges in Connecticut Accredited?
Yes, the cheap online colleges we have on our list are all accredited. Accreditation in Connecticut is typically given by NECHE and ensures that your degree is valid once you have completed your online learning program.
What Is the Easiest Online College To Get into in Connecticut?
One of the easiest online colleges to get into in Connecticut is Charter Oak State College. This college has an acceptance rate of 100%, meaning that if you meet the basic enrollment requirements, you will be accepted.
Are There Any Free Online College Degree Programs in Connecticut?
While online college degree programs in Connecticut are not completely free, many offer financial aid to help offset tuition costs. This aid may include state or federal funds &mdash: and many colleges also offer scholarships for certain college students, such as distance learners or active military members.
Find Accredited Online Programs and Pursue Higher Education Today
Finding the cheapest colleges in Connecticut doesn't need to be stressful � when it comes to high-quality, affordable online programs, our list has the top options in Connecticut. You can use resources on Learn.org to contact your chosen school and learn more about enrollment so you can start your journey to higher education today.