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Pursuing a college education is very expensive in the United States. Many students resort to loans, grants, and scholarships to help fund their education costs.
To help assist with this, many states have followed suit to create programs and grant opportunities to students to help pay for their education. In addition, many colleges have allowed many of their programs to be studied online.
Connecticut is one of the many states that has offered this opportunity. To assist prospective students with the search, Best Accredited Colleges has created a list of the top three low-cost colleges and universities in the state.
List of Free and Low-Cost Colleges with Online Degree Programs
1. Holy Apostles College and Seminary
Holy Apostles College and Seminary is a catholic college that offers flexible, online courses and affordable tuition. It is considered to be the most affordable college in the state.
In addition to the many courses offered online, the college also offers the Take Credit! Program where high school students can earn college credit before their high school graduation.
For online undergraduate courses, each credit hour costs $395, graduate courses are $410 for each credit hour.
2. Charter Oak State College
Charter Oak State College provides many online courses for students pursuing associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs. The college offers degree programs in business, healthcare, public safety, and more.
The college also allows students to pursue credit for prior learning through the use of learning exams, portfolios, or transcripts from training programs.
The institution is one of the most affordable in the state with an in-state tuition of around $7,600.
3. Albertus Magnus College
Albertus Magnus College has accelerated courses to offer degrees more quickly. Students at the institution have the option of taking their courses on campus or off campus.
All of the online courses are recorded and archived so students can access lecture material at their convenience. Because the institution is private, the tuition comes to around $38,000 per year. Even with that cost, it is still one of the most affordable colleges in the state.
How Can I Get an Online College Degree for Free in Connecticut?
Federal Student Aid
FAFSA
Students that are enrolled in online degree programs are eligible for federal aid. To apply, please visit the FAFSA Application link.
Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are available to undergraduate students who are enrolled in an online degree program. To be considered, all students must complete a FAFSA application form.
Please visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information.
Scholarships in Connecticut
Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship
To be eligible, a student must:
- Be a Connecticut resident who is a high school senior or graduate
- Have a class rank of 20% or better and/or SAT score of at least 1200 or ACT score of at least 25
- Attend a Connecticut public or non-profit private college
The total amount given can be around $5,250 a year for full-time attendance in a four-year program of study. For a two-year program of study, a student can receive up to $4,650 a year.
To apply, please visit your high school guidance office for more information.
How Can I Cover Additional Online Degree Costs in Connecticut?
Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program
This grant is eligible for any resident who attends a public or non-profit private college in Connecticut. The students must demonstrate financial need and plan to attend a two or four-year college as full-time students.
The total amount for this award can reach up to $4,500 for either a two or four-year program. For the complete list of details, please visit the college's financial aid office.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG is awarded to undergraduate students who are financially in need to help fund their education costs. The priority is given to students who also receive the federal pell grant.
The total amount granted can range from $100 to $4,000 a year, depending on your financial need and the amount of other aid received. This award is eligible for renewal.
TEACH Grant
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete coursework to pursue a career in teaching. To be eligible, a student must:
- Meet the basic eligibility criteria for the federal student aid programs
- Complete the FAFSA form
- Be enrolled at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program
- Meet certain academic achievement requirements
If awarded, a student must serve as a full-time teacher and teach in a high-need field. For the full list of requirements, please visit the TEACH Grant page.
FAQs Regarding Free Online College Degrees in Connecticut
How Do You Qualify for Free Community College in Connecticut?
The Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) is a program that was established in 2019 to provide free tuition for students attending all 12 community colleges. To apply, students must:
- Be a graduate of a Connecticut high school
- Be a first-time college student
- Attend community college full-time
- Maintain good academic standing
Does Connecticut Help Pay for Online College?
Yes. Connecticut provides many resources for students that are enrolled in online degree programs. For more information on federal student aid, please follow this link.
Does FAFSA Cover Online College in Connecticut?
Yes. The Student Aid website provides information on the FAFSA application process and how to fill it out correctly.
Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree Online in Connecticut Today
The state of Connecticut has provided numerous resources to help assist students with college funding.
If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling in an online degree program, please reach out to Best Accredited Colleges with any questions you may have.
