6 Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Connecticut

Updated on:

February 9, 2026

Connecticut students who want to use FAFSA to help pay for their online degrees can pursue programs at schools in Connecticut and throughout the country.

Online programs are a great way for busy learners to complete their degrees, but sometimes the cost can be expensive. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid aims to help connect students to federal and state financial aid programs.

Students in the state of Connecticut can find several online schools that accept FAFSA. Keep reading to discover the best affordable online colleges in Connecticut which can help students reduce costs through the FAFSA.

6 Best Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in Connecticut

A handful of colleges and universities in Connecticut offer online bachelor's degree programs and accept FAFSA. Read on to discover them below. Each of these schools listed is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), and many offer various financial aid options.

1. Albertus Magnus College

Albertus Magnus College is a private, nonprofit Catholic school in New Haven, CT. It offers online associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees in areas of study like:

  • business management
  • criminal justice
  • healthcare
  • social sciences

It offers multiple scholarships and grants to help students pay for their learning, whether in-person or online. Students should input the school code 001374 when filling out FAFSA.

2. Charter Oak State College

At Charter Oak State College, students can complete undergraduate and graduate degrees online, as well as certificate programs. It is a public online college based in New Britain, CT, and offers exclusively online learning and distance education programs.

The college offers online degrees in numerous fields such as business administration, early childhood education, healthcare administration, and nursing. With the FAFSA code 032343, students can apply for the institution's many scholarships.

3. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University's online offerings include bachelor's degree completion programs, master's and doctoral degrees, and certificate programs. They include areas of study like business administration, health sciences, and social work.

Quinnipiac University is a private, nonprofit university in Hamden, CT. Students applying for financial aid programs should use the university code 001402.

4. Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University is a private, nonprofit Catholic school in Fairfield, CT. It offers online and distance learning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in fields such as:

  • criminal justice
  • education
  • healthcare and nursing
  • psychology

Students at Sacred Heart University can use financial aid like scholarships and grants to help pay for their degrees. The school's FAFSA code is 001403.

5. University of Bridgeport

Students at the University of Bridgeport will find many online undergraduate and graduate degrees. The University of Bridgeport is a private, nonprofit university in Bridgeport, CT.

Online students can pursue majors in areas of study like business administration, computer science, human services, and nursing. The school offers numerous scholarships, and students should use the code 001416 to access student aid.

6. University of New Haven

The online programs at the University of New Haven include bachelor's degree completion programs, as well as master's and doctoral degrees and certificate programs. These are available in fields such as business, criminal justice, and healthcare.

The University of New Haven is a private, nonprofit institution in West Haven, CT. Students looking for financial aid to help them pay for their online courses can use the FAFSA code 001397.

Other Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA in the U.S.

The great thing about online programs is that you can complete your coursework from anywhere. While there are only a handful of colleges with online bachelor's degrees that accept FAFSA within Connecticut, there are many more across the country. We've highlighted some additional top picks below.

Franklin University

Franklin University is a private, nonprofit school in Columbus, OH. It offers online undergraduate and graduate programs in areas of study like:

  • business administration
  • criminal justice
  • computer science
  • healthcare

Online learners can use several financial aid programs to pay for their degree programs. The FAFSA code for Franklin is 003046.

National University

At National University, students can earn online degrees at various levels, from associate to doctoral degrees. National University is a private, nonprofit university based in San Diego.

The school offers online degrees in fields, such as business, education, healthcare, and technology. It offers multiple scholarship programs, and its FAFSA code is 011460.

Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is best known for its online programs. Undergraduate and graduate programs are available in areas of study like business administration, computer science, criminal justice, and human services.

SNHU is a private, nonprofit university in Manchester, NH. Students wanting to use FAFSA financial aid to pay for their degrees should use the code 002580.

UMass Global

UMass Global is a private, nonprofit affiliate of the public University of Massachusetts. It offers associate through doctoral degrees online in fields such as:

  • business administration
  • criminal justice
  • education and teaching
  • information systems

The online college offers multiple scholarship opportunities to students. The institution's FAFSA code is 041618.

Applying for FAFSA in Connecticut

The FAFSA determines whether you're eligible for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, and all college students should fill it out if they can. Below, we've broken down the basic steps for applying for FAFSA in Connecticut.

Eligibility

As FAFSA is meant to determine your eligibility for financial aid, there aren't many eligibility requirements to simply fill out the application. The basic requirements include:

  • be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • have or are in the process of graduating with a high school diploma or equivalent, like a GED
  • be planning to attend an accredited institution of higher education in the following school year

Everyone who needs assistance paying for tuition should fill out FAFSA, even if you don't think you'll qualify for much. This is because many non-government financial aid programs require FAFSA.

Steps To Apply

To apply for FAFSA, you'll start by creating an account on StudentAid.gov. Then, you'll need to gather your family's financial information, such as tax returns and bank statements.

If you're classified as a dependent of your parents, you'll need to get this information from your parents, as well as their Social Security numbers. If you're married, you'll need your spouse's information, in addition to your own.

You'll also need the FAFSA code for any institution you're applying to, even if you haven't started enrollment or even been accepted yet. Once you have all your information, you can start filling out the FAFSA form, which takes about an hour.

After you've signed and submitted your FAFSA, you can view your application status through your StudentAid.gov account.

Other Financial Aid Options for Online College in Connecticut

Connecticut students can benefit from several state-based programs that supplement FAFSA and make online education more affordable. These opportunities help reduce tuition and support both traditional and distance learners.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program

The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program offers need-based and merit-based aid to Connecticut residents pursuing undergraduate degrees. To qualify, you must complete the FAFSA and meet the program’s GPA and income requirements.

Online learners attending participating public or private institutions can use these funds to help cover tuition and mandatory fees. The scholarship encourages academic excellence while keeping higher education within reach for Connecticut families.

Governor’s Scholarship Program

The Governor’s Scholarship Program provides financial assistance to Connecticut residents attending eligible colleges, including those offering online programs. This aid is based on both financial need and academic performance.

To apply, complete the FAFSA and ensure your chosen institution participates in the program. The scholarship can be renewed annually for students who maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Connecticut Independent College Student Grant

The Connecticut Independent College Student Grant (CICSG) supports residents attending independent, nonprofit colleges and universities within the state. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA based on financial need.

Online students enrolled in qualifying private institutions can apply these funds toward tuition and other education expenses. The program ensures that students choosing private colleges still have access to meaningful financial aid.

FAQs About Using FAFSA for College in Connecticut

FAFSA connects Connecticut students with both federal and state financial aid options for on-campus and online programs. Below are answers to common questions about costs and affordability for students in the state.

Is Online School Free in Connecticut?

No, online school isn’t free in Connecticut, but financial aid can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. Completing the FAFSA gives you access to federal grants, state scholarships, and low-interest student loans.

You can also apply for institutional scholarships or tuition waivers offered by your school. Combined, these funding sources can make online college far more affordable than you might expect.

How Can I Make My Online Degree More Affordable?

Filling out the FAFSA is the best first step toward lowering your education costs. Afterward, explore state-based aid such as the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship or Connecticut Independent College Student Grant.

You can also save money by attending an in-state public college, which typically offers lower tuition rates. Starting at a community college and transferring to a four-year institution later is another smart, cost-saving strategy.

What Types of Financial Aid Are Available to Connecticut Students?

Connecticut students may qualify for federal Pell Grants, work-study programs, and subsidized loans through FAFSA. State-based options include programs like the Governor’s Scholarship and the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship.

These programs work together to help cover tuition, fees, and course materials. Applying early each year ensures you receive the maximum amount of aid available.

Find an Affordable Online College in Connecticut

Connecticut residents can take advantage of a variety of state and federal financial aid programs to reduce tuition costs. Explore accredited online colleges on Learn.org to compare degrees, discover scholarships, and find options that fit your goals and budget.