Best Colleges in Connecticut 2023

Best Colleges in Connecticut 2023
By James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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

Sort by:
  1. Yale University
    2. 87%
  2. Wesleyan University
    3. 62%
  3. University of Connecticut
    4. 58%
  4. Trinity College
    5. 43%
  5. Connecticut College
    6. 41%
  6. University of Hartford
    7. 38%
  7. Fairfield University
    8. 38%
  8. Quinnipiac University
    9. 38%
  9. University of Bridgeport
    10. 37%
  10. United States Coast Guard Academy
    11. 35%
  1. University of New Haven
    2. 94%
  2. Quinnipiac University
    3. 88%
  3. Western Connecticut State University
    4. 85%
  4. Southern Connecticut State University
    5. 83%
  5. Albertus Magnus College
    6. 82%
  6. University of Hartford
    7. 79%
  7. Mitchell College
    8. 78%
  8. University of Saint Joseph
    9. 78%
  9. Central Connecticut State University
    10. 75%
  10. University of Bridgeport
    11. 73%
  1. Post University
    2. 23 to 1
  2. University of New Haven
    3. 18 to 1
  3. University of Connecticut
    4. 16 to 1
  4. University of Bridgeport
    5. 16 to 1
  5. Quinnipiac University
    6. 15 to 1
  6. Albertus Magnus College
    7. 14 to 1
  7. Mitchell College
    8. 14 to 1
  8. Eastern Connecticut State University
    9. 14 to 1
  9. Central Connecticut State University
    10. 14 to 1
  10. Sacred Heart University
    11. 14 to 1
  1. Wesleyan University
    2. $62,049
  2. Trinity College
    3. $61,370
  3. Connecticut College
    4. $60,795
  4. Yale University
    5. $59,950
  5. Fairfield University
    6. $52,870
  6. Quinnipiac University
    7. $51,270
  7. Sacred Heart University
    8. $45,230
  8. University of Hartford
    9. $44,885
  9. University of Saint Joseph
    10. $43,084
  10. University of New Haven
    11. $42,898
  1. Wesleyan University
    2. $61,449
  2. Yale University
    3. $45,700
  3. Sacred Heart University
    4. $34,509
  4. Albertus Magnus College
    5. $21,744
  5. Quinnipiac University
    6. $19,530
  6. Fairfield University
    7. $19,383
  7. University of Bridgeport
    8. $19,096
  8. Trinity College
    9. $18,780
  9. University of New Haven
    10. $17,820
  10. University of Connecticut
    11. $17,532
  1. Mitchell College
    2. 18%
  2. University of Saint Joseph
    3. 19%
  3. Charter Oak State College
    4. 20%
  4. Albertus Magnus College
    5. 22%
  5. Eastern Connecticut State University
    6. 23%
  6. Western Connecticut State University
    7. 24%
  7. Post University
    8. 25%
  8. Southern Connecticut State University
    9. 29%
  9. University of New Haven
    10. 32%
  10. Sacred Heart University
    11. 33%
  1. Yale University
    2. 5%
  2. United States Coast Guard Academy
    3. 19%
  3. Wesleyan University
    4. 19%
  4. Trinity College
    5. 38%
  5. Connecticut College
    6. 41%
  6. Fairfield University
    7. 56%
  7. University of Connecticut
    8. 56%
  8. Sacred Heart University
    9. 66%
  9. Eastern Connecticut State University
    10. 73%
  10. University of Bridgeport
    11. 73%
  1. Yale University
    2. 4 to 1
  2. United States Coast Guard Academy
    3. 7 to 1
  3. University of Saint Joseph
    4. 7 to 1
  4. University of Hartford
    5. 8 to 1
  5. Wesleyan University
    6. 8 to 1
  6. Trinity College
    7. 9 to 1
  7. Connecticut College
    8. 9 to 1
  8. Fairfield University
    9. 12 to 1
  9. Western Connecticut State University
    10. 12 to 1
  10. Southern Connecticut State University
    11. 12 to 1
  1. Western Connecticut State University
    2. $6,162
  2. Southern Connecticut State University
    3. $6,162
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University
    4. $6,162
  4. Central Connecticut State University
    5. $6,162
  5. Charter Oak State College
    6. $7,656
  6. University of Connecticut
    7. $15,030
  7. Post University
    8. $16,610
  8. University of Bridgeport
    9. $35,760
  9. Mitchell College
    10. $35,775
  10. Albertus Magnus College
    11. $36,442
  1. Post University
    2. $7,500
  2. Western Connecticut State University
    3. $7,674
  3. Eastern Connecticut State University
    4. $7,674
  4. Central Connecticut State University
    5. $7,674
  5. Southern Connecticut State University
    6. $7,797
  6. Charter Oak State College
    7. $9,288
  7. University of Saint Joseph
    8. $14,328
  8. University of Hartford
    9. $14,652
  9. University of Connecticut
    10. $17,532
  10. University of New Haven
    11. $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
Download Badge

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.

Back to Top

Best Colleges in Connecticut 2022

  1. #1

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #5 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    What is Yale University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  3. #3

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #2 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    What is Wesleyan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. #5

    Quinnipiac University

    Hamden , CT
    #3 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2023 #4 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    9K

    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
  8. #7

    University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport , CT
    #3 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #4 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2023 #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2023 #6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    What is University of Bridgeport known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    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
  13. #11

    University of New Haven

    West Haven , CT
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #7 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2023 #9 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    94%

    Graduation

    66%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1135/25

    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
  14. #12

    Sacred Heart University

    Fairfield , CT
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #6 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2023 #10 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    9K

    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
  16. #14

    Post University

    Waterbury , CT
    #18 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Graduation

    20%

    Student body

    12K

    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
  20. #17

    Charter Oak State College

    New Britain , CT
    #6 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2023 #6 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #7 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Student body

    <1K

    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
  21. #18

    Mitchell College

    New London , CT
    #8 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    <1K

    What is Mitchell College known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

  23. #20

    Albertus Magnus College

    New Haven , CT
    #22 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2023 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #10 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    1K

    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
  25. #21

    University of Saint Joseph

    West Hartford , CT
    #4 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2023 #7 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2023

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/23

    What is University of Saint Joseph known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

Back to Top

Connecticut’s Best 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

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
This website uses cookies to enhance the user experience. Read the Privacy Policy for more.