Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024

Badge for BEST IN CONNECTICUT GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Connecticut offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.

Top Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024

  1. Yale University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Law, Religious Studies, and Nursing
  2. Wesleyan University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Philosophy, Literature, and Psychology
  3. University of Connecticut
    • Most Popular Degrees: Social Work, Psychology, and Anthropology
  4. University of Hartford
    • Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Communications, and Engineering
  5. University of Bridgeport
    • Most Popular Degrees: Computer Science, Nursing, and Religious Studies
  6. University of New Haven
    • Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Computer Science, and Social Work
  7. Central Connecticut State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Economics, Political Science, and Education
  8. Southern Connecticut State University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Sociology, Physics, and Philosophy

There are 8 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Connecticut. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Connecticut is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.

Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024

  1. #1

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    #5 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #5 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $64,700
    Expenses: $23,600
    Starting Salary: $124,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Yale University was founded in 1701 and has been committed to sharing knowledge and preserving cultural information. Today, it is home to over 5,000 graduate and professional students across 124 countries.

    What we love about Yale University:

    Yale has a Graduate School of Arts & Sciences and 13 professional schools offering diverse programs of study.

    Yale University is ideal for students who:

    Thrive in a university that is committed to academic excellence.

    Yale University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a smaller campus.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    #1 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #2 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2025 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $67,016
    Expenses: $21,704
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Wesleyan University is a liberal arts community that started in 1831. It is currently home to 200 graduate students and is located on a 316-acre campus. The university focuses on collaborative learning and provides unique research opportunities.

    What we love about Wesleyan University:

    The university offers an accelerated program leading to a Master of Arts degree in astrology, physics, and more.

    Wesleyan University is ideal for students who:

    Have a strong interest in astronomy, music, and psychology.

    Wesleyan University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Desire a more conservative campus atmosphere since Wesleyan has a more liberal culture.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Connecticut

    Storrs , CT
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    55%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    29K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1330/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Connecticut

    Cost of Degree: $20,366
    Expenses: $19,316
    Starting Salary: $66,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Connecticut is one of the top-ranked public universities in the U.S. It has four regional campuses and 14 schools and colleges offering over 250 degrees, including law, business, and health.

    What we love about the University of Connecticut:

    This university provides numerous scientific research and learning opportunities.

    The University of Connecticut is ideal for students who:

    Favor a grad school offering specific niche programs such as Applied Microbial Systems Analysis and Clinical Genetics and Genomics.

    The University of Connecticut might not be the best fit for students who:

    Struggle with larger class sizes.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of Hartford

    West Hartford , CT
    #5 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1185/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Hartford

    Cost of Degree: $47,647
    Expenses: $18,817
    Starting Salary: $51,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Hartford has seven schools and colleges offering over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. It is committed to providing challenging academics, a rich student life, and supportive faculty and staff who will guide them throughout their journey.

    What we love about the University of Hartford:

    This academic institution not only helps students land a job but also empowers them to thrive in their chosen fields.

    The University of Hartford is ideal for students who:

    Crave a school with a campus surrounded by wooded areas and green spaces for a tranquil learning environment.

    The University of Hartford might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer cheaper tuition rates, especially with fewer financial aid options.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport , CT
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    47%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport

    Cost of Degree: $35,760
    Expenses: $23,722
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of Bridgeport is dedicated to ensuring career readiness and innovative thinking to provide students with a supportive, innovative, and challenging learning environment. It offers programs and majors in over 80 fields of study.

    What we love about the University of Bridgeport:

    This university has a vibrant campus that welcomes students from over 80 countries.

    The University of Bridgeport is ideal for students who:

    Seek a grad school with a culturally diverse learning environment.

    The University of Bridgeport might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would rather opt for a residential campus setting instead of a commuter school.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    University of New Haven

    West Haven , CT
    #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #14 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #3 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    9K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of New Haven

    Cost of Degree: $45,730
    Expenses: $23,874
    Starting Salary: $54,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    The University of New Haven is committed to providing a career-focused graduate education led by a faculty passionate about students’ growth and development. It offers numerous graduate programs in health, natural sciences, and criminal justice, to name a few.

    What we love about the University of New Haven:

    We love that this university has a diverse and vibrant community of over 8,000 students from various countries.

    The University of New Haven is ideal for students who:

    Prioritize a grad school that provides interdisciplinary project-based learning.

    The University of New Haven might not be the best fit for students who:

    Would opt for a grad school that has a more extensive selection of liberal arts programs.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Central Connecticut State University

    New Britain , CT
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #6 Best Online Master's Programs 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: $12,460
    Expenses: $16,566
    Starting Salary: $51,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Central Connecticut State University is the largest university in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. It is comprised of five academic schools offering top-quality bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs in the arts, business, and natural and physical sciences.

    What we love about Central Connecticut State University:

    This university has an attractive and welcoming campus atmosphere that’s only a few hours away from New York City.

    Central Connecticut State University is ideal for students who:

    Desire a grad school designated by the Carnegie Foundation as a Community Engagement University.

    Central Connecticut State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a school in an urban setting with more cultural and entertainment options.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Southern Connecticut State University

    New Haven , CT
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2025 #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: $12,828
    Expenses: $20,016
    Starting Salary: $48,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Southern Connecticut State University welcomes those who want to find career-focused opportunities, discover their strengths, and prepare for rewarding careers. Because of this, it has ranked among the best public institutions in the U.S.

    What we love about Southern Connecticut State University:

    This university ensures living on campus is fun and engaging by hosting social and cultural events each year.

    Southern Connecticut State University is ideal for students who:

    Want to study at a university that is only a few miles away from downtown New Haven.

    Southern Connecticut State University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are wanting to go to a party school.

    Compare school
Back to Top

Connecticut’s Best Grad School for 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

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 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. University of Connecticut
  4. University of Hartford
  5. Central Connecticut State University
  6. University of New Haven
  7. Southern Connecticut State University
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here