Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024

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Here are the best colleges and universities in Connecticut. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

10 Best Colleges in Connecticut

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  1. Yale University
  2. University of Connecticut
  3. Wesleyan University
  4. Trinity College
  5. Quinnipiac University
  6. Fairfield University
  7. University of Bridgeport
  8. Connecticut College
  9. Central Connecticut State University
  10. University of Hartford
  1. Yale University
  2. Wesleyan University
  3. University of Connecticut
  4. Trinity College
  5. Connecticut College
  6. University of Hartford
  7. Fairfield University
  8. University of Bridgeport
  9. Quinnipiac University
  10. United States Coast Guard Academy
  1. University of New Haven 94%
  2. Quinnipiac University 88%
  3. Western Connecticut State University 85%
  4. Southern Connecticut State University 83%
  5. Albertus Magnus College 82%
  6. University of Hartford 79%
  7. Mitchell College 78%
  8. University of Saint Joseph 78%
  9. Central Connecticut State University 75%
  10. University of Bridgeport 73%
  1. Post University 23 to 1
  2. University of New Haven 18 to 1
  3. University of Connecticut 16 to 1
  4. University of Bridgeport 16 to 1
  5. Quinnipiac University 15 to 1
  6. Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
  7. Mitchell College 14 to 1
  8. Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  9. Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  10. Sacred Heart University 14 to 1
  1. Wesleyan University $62,049
  2. Trinity College $61,370
  3. Connecticut College $60,795
  4. Yale University $59,950
  5. Fairfield University $52,870
  6. Quinnipiac University $51,270
  7. Sacred Heart University $45,230
  8. University of Hartford $44,885
  9. University of Saint Joseph $43,084
  10. University of New Haven $42,898
  1. Wesleyan University $61,449
  2. Yale University $45,700
  3. Sacred Heart University $34,509
  4. Albertus Magnus College $21,744
  5. Quinnipiac University $19,530
  6. Fairfield University $19,383
  7. University of Bridgeport $19,096
  8. Trinity College $18,780
  9. University of New Haven $17,820
  10. University of Connecticut $17,532
  1. University of Saint Joseph
  2. Albertus Magnus College
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University
  4. Mitchell College
  5. Charter Oak State College
  6. Western Connecticut State University
  7. United States Coast Guard Academy
  8. Post University
  9. Southern Connecticut State University
  10. Sacred Heart University
  1. Charter Oak State College
  2. University of Saint Joseph
  3. Mitchell College
  4. Albertus Magnus College
  5. Eastern Connecticut State University
  6. Post University
  7. Western Connecticut State University
  8. Southern Connecticut State University
  9. Sacred Heart University
  10. Central Connecticut State University
  1. Yale University 5%
  2. United States Coast Guard Academy 19%
  3. Wesleyan University 19%
  4. Trinity College 38%
  5. Connecticut College 41%
  6. Fairfield University 56%
  7. University of Connecticut 56%
  8. Sacred Heart University 66%
  9. Eastern Connecticut State University 73%
  10. University of Bridgeport 73%
  1. Yale University 4 to 1
  2. United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
  3. University of Saint Joseph 7 to 1
  4. University of Hartford 8 to 1
  5. Wesleyan University 8 to 1
  6. Trinity College 9 to 1
  7. Connecticut College 9 to 1
  8. Western Connecticut State University 12 to 1
  9. Southern Connecticut State University 12 to 1
  10. Fairfield University 12 to 1
  1. Western Connecticut State University $6,162
  2. Southern Connecticut State University $6,162
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University $6,162
  4. Central Connecticut State University $6,162
  5. Charter Oak State College $7,656
  6. University of Connecticut $15,030
  7. Post University $16,610
  8. University of Bridgeport $35,760
  9. Mitchell College $35,775
  10. Albertus Magnus College $36,442
  1. Post University $7,500
  2. Western Connecticut State University $7,674
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University $7,674
  4. Central Connecticut State University $7,674
  5. Southern Connecticut State University $7,797
  6. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  7. University of Saint Joseph $14,328
  8. University of Hartford $14,652
  9. University of Connecticut $17,532
  10. University of New Haven $17,820

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

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Connecticut's Best Colleges and Universities Badge
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We’ve identified 21 colleges and universities in Connecticut that meet our criteria. This list of the top 30 colleges in Connecticut below focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Connecticut.

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Best Colleges in Connecticut 2023

  1. #1

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $62,250
    Expenses: $22,870
    Starting Salary: $124,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #3

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $64,022
    Expenses: $20,850
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Quinnipiac University

    Cost of Degree: $51,790
    Expenses: $18,750
    Starting Salary: $67,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Quinnipiac University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Quinnipiac University’s Online Degrees

    BBA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #7

    University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport

    Cost of Degree: $35,760
    Expenses: $25,222
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Bridgeport’s Online Degrees

    BS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Dental Hygiene
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  5. #8

    Connecticut College

    New London , CT

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    41%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1380/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Connecticut College

    Cost of Degree: $62,620
    Expenses: $19,280
    Starting Salary: $62,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1060/22

    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

  7. #10

    University of Hartford

    West Hartford , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Hartford

    Cost of Degree: $46,148
    Expenses: $17,952
    Starting Salary: $51,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #11

    University of New Haven

    West Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Haven

    Cost of Degree: $44,184
    Expenses: $22,198
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of New Haven known for?

    University of New Haven’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of New Haven’s Online Degrees

    BS in Homeland Security And Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Paramedicine
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. #12

    Sacred Heart University

    Fairfield , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Sacred Heart University

    Cost of Degree: $46,580
    Expenses: $21,370
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Sacred Heart University known for?

    Sacred Heart University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Sacred Heart University’s Online Degrees

    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    52%

    Student body

    11K

    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
  11. #14

    Post University

    Waterbury , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    29K

    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
  12. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    6K

    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

  13. #17

    Charter Oak State College

    New Britain , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    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
  14. #18

    Mitchell College

    New London , CT

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Mitchell College

    Cost of Degree: $37,250
    Expenses: $18,700
    Starting Salary: $34,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Mitchell College known for?

    Mitchell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  15. Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    5K

    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

  16. #20

    Albertus Magnus College

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Albertus Magnus College

    Cost of Degree: $37,682
    Expenses: $23,000
    Starting Salary: $56,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Albertus Magnus College known for?

    Albertus Magnus College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Albertus Magnus College’s Online Degrees

    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 36
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 45
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Philosophy And Religion
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    Degree Concentrations
    • General
    • Criminal Justice
    • Social Work And Social Welfare
    • Urban Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  17. #21

    University of Saint Joseph

    West Hartford , CT

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $44,006
    Expenses: $15,990
    Starting Salary: $52,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Saint Joseph known for?

    University of Saint Joseph ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Connecticut’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Yale University
  2. Wesleyan University
  3. Connecticut College
  4. Trinity College
  5. University of Connecticut
  6. Fairfield University
  7. United States Coast Guard Academy
  8. Eastern Connecticut State University
  9. Albertus Magnus College
  10. University of Hartford
  11. Quinnipiac University
  12. University of New Haven
  13. Sacred Heart University
  14. University of Saint Joseph
  15. Central Connecticut State University
  16. Southern Connecticut State University
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