Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN CONNECTICUT
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Connecticut. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024

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  1. University of Connecticut
  2. Central Connecticut State University
  3. Southern Connecticut State University
  4. Post University
  5. United States Coast Guard Academy
  6. Western Connecticut State University
  7. Charter Oak State College
  8. Eastern Connecticut State University
  1. University of Connecticut
  2. United States Coast Guard Academy
  3. Central Connecticut State University
  4. Southern Connecticut State University
  5. Western Connecticut State University
  6. Post University
  7. Eastern Connecticut State University
  8. Charter Oak State College
  1. Western Connecticut State University 84%
  2. Southern Connecticut State University 83%
  3. Central Connecticut State University 77%
  4. Eastern Connecticut State University 74%
  5. University of Connecticut 55%
  6. United States Coast Guard Academy 24%
  1. Post University 16 to 1
  2. University of Connecticut 16 to 1
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  4. Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  5. Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
  6. Western Connecticut State University 11 to 1
  7. Southern Connecticut State University 11 to 1
  8. United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
  1. Post University $16,610
  2. University of Connecticut $15,672
  3. Charter Oak State College $7,656
  4. Southern Connecticut State University $6,470
  5. Eastern Connecticut State University $6,470
  6. Central Connecticut State University $6,470
  7. Western Connecticut State University $6,464
  1. University of Connecticut $18,174
  2. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  3. Southern Connecticut State University $8,299
  4. Western Connecticut State University $8,058
  5. Eastern Connecticut State University $8,058
  6. Central Connecticut State University $8,058
  7. Post University $7,118
  1. Eastern Connecticut State University
  2. Charter Oak State College
  3. Western Connecticut State University
  4. United States Coast Guard Academy
  5. Post University
  6. Southern Connecticut State University
  7. Central Connecticut State University
  8. University of Connecticut
  1. Charter Oak State College
  2. Eastern Connecticut State University
  3. Post University
  4. Western Connecticut State University
  5. Southern Connecticut State University
  6. Central Connecticut State University
  7. United States Coast Guard Academy
  8. University of Connecticut
  1. United States Coast Guard Academy 24%
  2. University of Connecticut 55%
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University 74%
  4. Central Connecticut State University 77%
  5. Southern Connecticut State University 83%
  6. Western Connecticut State University 84%
  1. United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
  2. Western Connecticut State University 11 to 1
  3. Southern Connecticut State University 11 to 1
  4. Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
  5. Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  6. Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  7. Post University 16 to 1
  8. University of Connecticut 16 to 1
  1. Western Connecticut State University $6,464
  2. Southern Connecticut State University $6,470
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University $6,470
  4. Central Connecticut State University $6,470
  5. Charter Oak State College $7,656
  6. University of Connecticut $15,672
  7. Post University $16,610
  1. Post University $7,118
  2. Western Connecticut State University $8,058
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University $8,058
  4. Central Connecticut State University $8,058
  5. Southern Connecticut State University $8,299
  6. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  7. University of Connecticut $18,174

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut is one of the most expensive places to obtain a college degree, with an average tuition of $13,886.
  • Connecticut is also one of the most expensive states to live in, with an index of 121.6.
  • Luckily, Connecticut offers state and federal aid that help students have a more affordable college education.

Connecticut Connects You to the Cheapest Colleges with Quality Education!

Although living in Connecticut is expensive, attending college there can still be affordable. All state universities under the Connecticut State University system provide students with loans and scholarships, many of which are need-based. The state also manages financial aid programs for Connecticut community colleges in an effort to entice residents to continue their education and to attract more out-of-state students.

Cost of Living and Education in Connecticut

Residing in the Nutmeg State has a high price tag, from educational costs to housing. The state’s cost of living is shaped by various elements, including housing, healthcare, food, and taxes.

Connecticut, with a living index of 121.6, is the eighth highest in the US, according to the World Population Review.

According to recent data in NCES, the average cost of tuition at public universities in Connecticut was $13,886, while the national average is $9,400, which makes Connecticut one of the most expensive places to go to college.

Financial Aid in Connecticut Colleges

College, in general, is not cheap, especially not in one of the most expensive states in America. Luckily, there are a number of financial aid opportunities for prospective students.

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education is a great source of financial aid opportunities in the state.

Another great source of information is the Federal Student Aid website. Filling out the FAFSA is the first step in qualifying for financial aid.

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities website is a network of 17 community colleges, 4-year public colleges, and a charter college that boast the lowest tuition rates in Connecticut. There are also numerous grants, scholarships, and loan programs available for these schools. The CSCU schools enroll over 85,000 students each year.

Connecticut offers supplemental loans through the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority.

The state also has several specialized scholarships, such as the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection for law enforcement officers and their dependents and the Connecticut Community Foundation, which offers grants and scholarships for students in need.

Some other specialized financial aid opportunities for Connecticut students include:

Schools That Offer Generous Financial Aid Packages

There are also a number of schools that typically offer generous financial aid packages to students in need. Those schools are:

  • Central Connecticut State University
  • Charter Oak State College
  • Western Connecticut State University
  • Southern Connecticut State University
  • Eastern Connecticut State University

Other Options for Financing Your Education

If you’re still in high school or just taking a gap year, you can start saving with the 529 plan.

On the other hand, if you’re already working and saving up for a college degree, the best option may be the Connecticut Individual Development Account.

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Colleges and Universities in Connecticut

Connecticut is home to a variety of top brick-and-mortar schools as well as a wide variety of fully accredited online colleges. Higher education in Connecticut includes both public and private institutions that offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, both in person and through online degree programs.

With 19 public schools and 20 private schools, Connecticut gives both traditional and online students plenty of options to choose from.

Students seeking an affordable option can attend one of the state’s numerous community colleges, which average $4,000 a year for tuition. The in-state cost for tuition in Connecticut’s four year public schools ranges from $8,000 to $16,000. Many of the community and public colleges in Connecticut also offer online degree programs.

Students interested in psychology, economics, and communications can check out the University of Connecticut (UConn), which is home to the premier research institute for ecological psychology. Sacred Heart University, a Roman Catholic university, is known for its religious studies and business programs.

Those looking for a smaller student population and more online courses may want to check out Manchester Community College, which enrolls about 4000 students and offers affordable in-person and online degrees in literature, biology, and social work.

And of course, Connecticut is also home to Yale University, the fourth oldest learning institute in the United States. The venerable Ivy League school enrolls just over 15,000 students at its New Haven campus.

Both traditional and online students in Connecticut can choose from a variety of higher education experiences fitting a full spectrum of budgets and career goals. Learn more and begin earning your degree from one of the top brick-and-mortar or online colleges in Connecticut.


What are Connecticut’s Colleges & Universities?

Connecticut’s Best Overall

Connecticut's Most Affordable Colleges and Universities Badge
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There are 8 colleges and universities in Connecticut with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Connecticut is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

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Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2023

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

  2. #2

    Central Connecticut State University

    New Britain , CT
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    77%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    11K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1050/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Connecticut State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,106
    Expenses: $16,320
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Central Connecticut State University known for?

    Central Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Southern Connecticut State University

    New Haven , CT
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southern Connecticut State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,414
    Expenses: $18,272
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southern Connecticut State University known for?

    Southern Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Post University

    Waterbury , CT
    #18 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut #7 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    32%

    Student body

    32K

    Career Outlook for degree at Post University

    Cost of Degree: $15,529
    Expenses: $17,050
    Starting Salary: $46,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Post University known for?

    Post University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Post University’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Gaming And Esports Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management And Homeland Security
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication And Media Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Mathematics And Data Science
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Western Connecticut State University

    Danbury , CT
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1120/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Connecticut State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,345
    Expenses: $18,118
    Starting Salary: $50,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western Connecticut State University known for?

    Western Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Charter Oak State College

    New Britain , CT
    #6 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    100%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Charter Oak State College

    Cost of Degree: $8,254
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    What is Charter Oak State College known for?

    Charter Oak State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Charter Oak State College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Small Business
    • Project Management
    • Human Resources
    • Organizational Management
    • General Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • General Criminal Justice
    • Victim Advocacy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    Degree Concentrations
    • Paralegal
    • American Studies
    • History
    • Information Management
    • Political Science
    • Public Affairs
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Safety Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Administration'
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Information
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  9. #8

    Eastern Connecticut State University

    Willimantic , CT
    #7 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    74%

    Graduation

    60%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1085/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Connecticut State University

    Cost of Degree: $12,910
    Expenses: $19,296
    Starting Salary: $49,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Eastern Connecticut State University known for?

    Eastern Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
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Connecticut’s Most Affordable Colleges in Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology
2021 Ranking Archive
  1. Charter Oak State College
  2. Central Connecticut State University
  3. Western Connecticut State University
  4. Southern Connecticut State University
  5. Eastern Connecticut State University
  6. Post University
  7. University of Connecticut
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