Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
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.
Best Grad Schools in Connecticut
- Yale University
- University of Connecticut
- Wesleyan University
- University of Bridgeport
- Central Connecticut State University
- University of Hartford
- University of New Haven
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Yale University
- Wesleyan University
- University of Connecticut
- University of Hartford
- University of Bridgeport
- University of New Haven
- Central Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of New Haven 91%
- Southern Connecticut State University 83%
- University of Hartford 83%
- University of Bridgeport 82%
- Central Connecticut State University 77%
- University of Connecticut 55%
- Wesleyan University 14%
- Yale University 5%
- University of New Haven 19 to 1
- University of Connecticut 16 to 1
- Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
- Southern Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- University of Hartford 8 to 1
- Wesleyan University 7 to 1
- Yale University 6 to 1
- Wesleyan University $64,322
- Yale University $62,250
- University of Hartford $46,148
- University of New Haven $44,184
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- University of Connecticut $15,672
- Southern Connecticut State University $6,470
- Central Connecticut State University $6,470
- Wesleyan University $63,722
- Yale University $46,900
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- University of New Haven $18,360
- University of Connecticut $18,174
- University of Hartford $14,652
- Southern Connecticut State University $8,299
- Central Connecticut State University $8,058
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of New Haven
- University of Hartford
- Central Connecticut State University
- University of Bridgeport
- Wesleyan University
- University of Connecticut
- Yale University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Central Connecticut State University
- University of New Haven
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Hartford
- University of Connecticut
- Wesleyan University
- Yale University
- Yale University 5%
- Wesleyan University 14%
- University of Connecticut 55%
- Central Connecticut State University 77%
- University of Bridgeport 82%
- University of Hartford 83%
- Southern Connecticut State University 83%
- University of New Haven 91%
- Yale University 6 to 1
- Wesleyan University 7 to 1
- University of Hartford 8 to 1
- Southern Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
- University of Connecticut 16 to 1
- University of New Haven 19 to 1
- Southern Connecticut State University $6,470
- Central Connecticut State University $6,470
- University of Connecticut $15,672
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- University of New Haven $44,184
- University of Hartford $46,148
- Yale University $62,250
- Wesleyan University $64,322
- Central Connecticut State University $8,058
- Southern Connecticut State University $8,299
- University of Hartford $14,652
- University of Connecticut $18,174
- University of New Haven $18,360
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- Yale University $46,900
- Wesleyan University $63,722
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?
- 7 Research Universities
- 14 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 7 Public Colleges & Universities
- 14 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 11 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 8 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- 9 Online Colleges
Connecticut’s Best Overall
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.
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.
Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2023
- #4 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2024 #6 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024 #6 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
Other Rankings
- #7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
- #7 Best Universities in the World 2024
- #7 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
- #11 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen
- #1 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
- #2 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #3 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
- #4 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
- #5 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
- #6 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
- #7 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
- #8 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
- #9 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
- #10 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
- #2 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
- #8 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
- #12 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
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: $62,250Expenses: $22,870Starting Salary: $124,400Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Yale University known for?
Yale University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #10 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #24 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
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: $19,434Expenses: $17,604Starting Salary: $66,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Connecticut known for?
University of Connecticut’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
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: $64,022Expenses: $20,850Starting Salary: $63,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wesleyan University known for?
Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
- #9 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
47%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport
Cost of Degree: $35,760Expenses: $25,222Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Bridgeport known for?
University of Bridgeport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Business
- Education
- Political Science
- Medical
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges 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: $12,106Expenses: $16,320Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Connecticut State University known for?
Central Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
- History
- Anthropology
- Business
- Physics
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
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: $46,148Expenses: $17,952Starting Salary: $51,700Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Hartford known for?
University of Hartford’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Sociology
- Communications
- Engineering
- Education
- Religious Studies
- Literature
- Philosophy
- History
- Business
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Criminal Justice Degrees #1 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
- #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #3 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #5 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
- #5 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
- #7 Best Online Master's Programs 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: $44,184Expenses: $22,198Starting Salary: $54,600Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of New Haven known for?
University of New Haven’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Computer Science
- Social Work
- Business
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Law
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- History
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges 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: $12,414Expenses: $18,272Starting Salary: $48,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Connecticut State University known for?
Southern Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Connecticut’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
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 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.