Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024

Badge for BEST IN CONNECTICUT LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Connecticut offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut

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  1. Wesleyan University
  2. Trinity College
  3. Fairfield University
  4. Connecticut College
  5. Central Connecticut State University
  6. University of New Haven
  7. Southern Connecticut State University
  8. Post University
  9. United States Coast Guard Academy
  10. Western Connecticut State University
  1. Wesleyan University
  2. Trinity College
  3. Connecticut College
  4. Fairfield University
  5. United States Coast Guard Academy
  6. University of New Haven
  7. Central Connecticut State University
  8. Southern Connecticut State University
  9. Western Connecticut State University
  10. Post University
  1. University of New Haven 94%
  2. Western Connecticut State University 85%
  3. Southern Connecticut State University 83%
  4. Albertus Magnus College 82%
  5. Mitchell College 78%
  6. Central Connecticut State University 75%
  7. Eastern Connecticut State University 73%
  8. Fairfield University 56%
  9. Connecticut College 41%
  10. Trinity College 38%
  1. Post University 23 to 1
  2. University of New Haven 18 to 1
  3. Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
  4. Mitchell College 14 to 1
  5. Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  6. Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
  7. Charter Oak State College 13 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. Wesleyan University $62,049
  2. Trinity College $61,370
  3. Connecticut College $60,795
  4. Fairfield University $52,870
  5. University of New Haven $42,898
  6. Albertus Magnus College $36,442
  7. Mitchell College $35,775
  8. Post University $16,610
  9. Charter Oak State College $7,656
  10. Western Connecticut State University $6,162
  1. Wesleyan University $61,449
  2. Albertus Magnus College $21,744
  3. Fairfield University $19,383
  4. Trinity College $18,780
  5. University of New Haven $17,820
  6. Charter Oak State College $9,288
  7. Southern Connecticut State University $7,797
  8. Western Connecticut State University $7,674
  9. Eastern Connecticut State University $7,674
  10. Central Connecticut State University $7,674
  1. Albertus Magnus College
  2. Eastern Connecticut State University
  3. Mitchell College
  4. Charter Oak State College
  5. Western Connecticut State University
  6. United States Coast Guard Academy
  7. Post University
  8. Southern Connecticut State University
  9. University of New Haven
  10. Central Connecticut State University
  1. Charter Oak State College
  2. Mitchell College
  3. Albertus Magnus College
  4. Eastern Connecticut State University
  5. Post University
  6. Western Connecticut State University
  7. Southern Connecticut State University
  8. Central Connecticut State University
  9. University of New Haven
  10. United States Coast Guard Academy
  1. United States Coast Guard Academy 19%
  2. Wesleyan University 19%
  3. Trinity College 38%
  4. Connecticut College 41%
  5. Fairfield University 56%
  6. Eastern Connecticut State University 73%
  7. Central Connecticut State University 75%
  8. Mitchell College 78%
  9. Albertus Magnus College 82%
  10. Southern Connecticut State University 83%
  1. United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
  2. Wesleyan University 8 to 1
  3. Trinity College 9 to 1
  4. Connecticut College 9 to 1
  5. Western Connecticut State University 12 to 1
  6. Southern Connecticut State University 12 to 1
  7. Fairfield University 12 to 1
  8. Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
  9. Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
  10. Mitchell College 14 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. Post University $16,610
  7. Mitchell College $35,775
  8. Albertus Magnus College $36,442
  9. University of New Haven $42,898
  10. Fairfield University $52,870
  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 New Haven $17,820
  8. Trinity College $18,780
  9. Fairfield University $19,383
  10. Albertus Magnus College $21,744

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 Liberal Arts Colleges Badge
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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 14 liberal arts colleges in Connecticut. To be ranked among the 30 best liberal arts colleges in Connecticut, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2023

  1. #1

    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
  2. #2

    Trinity College

    Hartford , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Trinity College

    Cost of Degree: $63,930
    Expenses: $19,160
    Starting Salary: $74,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #4

    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
  4. 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

  5. #6

    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
  6. 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
  7. #8

    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
  8. 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

  9. #11

    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
  10. #12

    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

  11. 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

  12. #14

    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
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Connecticut’s Best Liberal Arts 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. Wesleyan University
  2. Connecticut College
  3. Trinity College
  4. Fairfield University
  5. United States Coast Guard Academy
  6. Eastern Connecticut State University
  7. Albertus Magnus College
  8. University of New Haven
  9. Central Connecticut State University
  10. Southern Connecticut State University

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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