Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024

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 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

   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.

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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

   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.

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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

   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.

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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

   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.

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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

   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.

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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

   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.

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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

   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.

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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.

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Connecticut is also home to some of the best MBA programs in the world, as the state is heavily involved in the financial sector. Check out our ranking of the best online MBA programs in Connecticut.

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