Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Bristol, CT (2026)
Bristol, Connecticut has a population of about 61,129. The city’s median household income is $83,458 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 30.5% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Our directory has 190 accredited schools offering liberal arts programs near Bristol. In Connecticut, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Technical Writer at a median $109,400 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Bristol
The 10 accredited institutions below are the closest among the 190 schools in our directory that offer liberal arts programs near Bristol. Distances are calculated from Bristol city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charter Oak State College | New Britain, CT | 8.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | ✓ |
| Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | 9.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Post University | Waterbury, CT | 12.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | 12.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Hartford International University for Religion and Peace | Hartford, CT | 13.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 13.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | 14.2 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Connecticut State Community College | Hartford, CT | 15.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Holy Apostles College and Seminary | Cromwell, CT | 16.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Goodwin University | East Hartford, CT | 16.1 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Connecticut schools on the Connecticut liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Bristol
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Connecticut, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $83,620 |
| Management Analyst | $103,740 |
| Technical Writer | $109,400 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $61,540 |
| Editor | $81,910 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $79,660 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $77,750 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Bristol at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 61,129 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $83,458 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 30.5% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
Other Bristol-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- New Britain, CT – 8.0 mi away (72,558 pop)
- Waterbury, CT – 9.8 mi away (190,855 pop)
- Meriden, CT – 12.5 mi away (59,622 pop)
- Torrington, CT – 14.4 mi away (40,710 pop)
- Naugatuck, CT – 14.5 mi away (31,392 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts schools are near Bristol, CT?
Our directory has 190 accredited schools offering liberal arts programs near Bristol. The closest is Charter Oak State College in New Britain, CT (8.3 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Goodwin University (16.1 miles). 1 of the highlighted schools are flagged as offering distance education.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles in Connecticut?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles in Connecticut are: Technical Writer ($109,400), Management Analyst ($103,740), Public Relations Specialist ($83,620). Wages for Bristol workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in New Britain instead of Bristol?
New Britain, CT is 8.0 miles from Bristol and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Bristol an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Bristol’s median household income of $83,458 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Bristol while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Connecticut public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Connecticut
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
Data verified: May 5, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2024; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.
Back to Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Connecticut (2026)
Return to Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Connecticut (2026)