The state of Connecticut proactively integrates eLearning at the K-12 and collegiate levels. The Board for State Academic Awards founded the Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium (CTDLC) in 1996, an association that oversees online learning management solutions, tech support, and instructional design for the entire state of Connecticut. A total of 31 academic institutions have representation at the CTDLC. This organization established the CT Virtual Learning Center in 2008, however academic budget cuts forced this online system to pool resources with partner institution, the Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative, in order to accommodate distance learners. Several college campuses host their own online degree programs, including the University of Connecticut and Southern Connecticut State University.
In spite of these efforts, the state's overall education budget has tightened in recent years. A CTDLC report released in 2013 indicates that state appropriations suffered a 9% dip between 2011-2012. Fortunately for students, tuition rates haven't spiked nearly as drastically in Connecticut as they have in other states. In five years, in-state tuition at four-year public institutions rose by 28.9% compared to a national increase of 42%.
Learn more about online distance learning programs by exploring our comprehensive database, which catalogs Connecticut's top online academic institutions. Don't forget to check the state facts tab to see how the state compares to national higher education averages.
Featured Online Programs
42 Colleges in Connecticut
Branford Hall Career Institute-Branford Campus
Branford, CT
Additional Resources
Official State Links
- Connecticut Dept of Higher Education (CTDHE)
- Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education
- Connecticut AHEAD – The Connecticut Association on Higher Education and Disability
College Savings
- Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET): A 529 Plan managed by TIAA-CREF, and open to any US citizen or resident alien over 18 with a minimal $25 deposit. Connecticut tax deductions may be taken for contributions, up to $10,000 (MFJ) or $5,000 for other returns. There are 11 different investment options, and funds may be used at any college, trade school or graduate school in the country for tuition, fees, supplies and equipment.
- Connecticut Savings for College Trust 529 Plan: This organization is managed by Hartford Life and is available only to Connecticut residents. Minimum deposit is $25 and there are 5 investment options.Tax deduction on a return is $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a joint return.
Education Nonprofits
- Connecticut Student Loan Foundation (CSLF): A Connecticut not-for-profit whose mission is to improve educational opportunity for the state's citizens. CSLF supports programs established to expand higher education opportunities.
- Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA): A quasi-public agency in Connecticut designed to help all students who wish to attend college. CHESLA does so by finding alternate or supplemental sources of student income. CHESLA also works to make attendance at Connecticut schools more cost effective, in turn attracting applicants who might otherwise attend schools out of state or not attend school at all.
Higher Education News
- Connecticut Higher Education News: Published by the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Regents.
- The Chronicle of Higher Education: A blog covering news relevant to the University of Connecticut.