Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024

Badge for BEST IN CONNECTICUT PRIVATE COLLEGES

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Connecticut.

10 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut

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  1. Yale University
  2. Wesleyan University
  3. Trinity College
  4. Quinnipiac University
  5. Fairfield University
  6. University of Bridgeport
  7. Connecticut College
  8. University of Hartford
  9. University of New Haven
  10. Sacred Heart University
  1. Yale University
  2. Wesleyan University
  3. Trinity College
  4. Connecticut College
  5. University of Hartford
  6. Fairfield University
  7. University of Bridgeport
  8. Quinnipiac University
  9. University of New Haven
  10. Sacred Heart University
  1. University of New Haven 94%
  2. Quinnipiac University 88%
  3. Albertus Magnus College 82%
  4. University of Hartford 79%
  5. Mitchell College 78%
  6. University of Saint Joseph 78%
  7. University of Bridgeport 73%
  8. Sacred Heart University 66%
  9. Fairfield University 56%
  10. Connecticut College 41%
  1. Post University 23 to 1
  2. University of New Haven 18 to 1
  3. University of Bridgeport 16 to 1
  4. Quinnipiac University 15 to 1
  5. Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
  6. Mitchell College 14 to 1
  7. Sacred Heart University 14 to 1
  8. Fairfield University 12 to 1
  9. Trinity College 9 to 1
  10. Connecticut College 9 to 1
  1. Wesleyan University $62,049
  2. Trinity College $61,370
  3. Connecticut College $60,795
  4. Yale University $59,950
  5. Fairfield University $52,870
  6. Quinnipiac University $51,270
  7. Sacred Heart University $45,230
  8. University of Hartford $44,885
  9. University of Saint Joseph $43,084
  10. University of New Haven $42,898
  1. Wesleyan University $61,449
  2. Yale University $45,700
  3. Sacred Heart University $34,509
  4. Albertus Magnus College $21,744
  5. Quinnipiac University $19,530
  6. Fairfield University $19,383
  7. University of Bridgeport $19,096
  8. Trinity College $18,780
  9. University of New Haven $17,820
  10. University of Hartford $14,652
  1. University of Saint Joseph
  2. Albertus Magnus College
  3. Mitchell College
  4. Post University
  5. Sacred Heart University
  6. University of New Haven
  7. University of Hartford
  8. Connecticut College
  9. University of Bridgeport
  10. Fairfield University
  1. University of Saint Joseph
  2. Mitchell College
  3. Albertus Magnus College
  4. Post University
  5. Sacred Heart University
  6. University of New Haven
  7. Quinnipiac University
  8. University of Bridgeport
  9. Fairfield University
  10. University of Hartford
  1. Yale University 5%
  2. Wesleyan University 19%
  3. Trinity College 38%
  4. Connecticut College 41%
  5. Fairfield University 56%
  6. Sacred Heart University 66%
  7. University of Bridgeport 73%
  8. University of Saint Joseph 78%
  9. Mitchell College 78%
  10. University of Hartford 79%
  1. Yale University 4 to 1
  2. University of Saint Joseph 7 to 1
  3. University of Hartford 8 to 1
  4. Wesleyan University 8 to 1
  5. Trinity College 9 to 1
  6. Connecticut College 9 to 1
  7. Fairfield University 12 to 1
  8. Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
  9. Mitchell College 14 to 1
  10. Sacred Heart University 14 to 1
  1. Post University $16,610
  2. University of Bridgeport $35,760
  3. Mitchell College $35,775
  4. Albertus Magnus College $36,442
  5. University of New Haven $42,898
  6. University of Saint Joseph $43,084
  7. University of Hartford $44,885
  8. Sacred Heart University $45,230
  9. Quinnipiac University $51,270
  10. Fairfield University $52,870
  1. Post University $7,500
  2. University of Saint Joseph $14,328
  3. University of Hartford $14,652
  4. University of New Haven $17,820
  5. Trinity College $18,780
  6. University of Bridgeport $19,096
  7. Fairfield University $19,383
  8. Quinnipiac University $19,530
  9. Albertus Magnus College $21,744
  10. Sacred Heart University $34,509

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

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Connecticut's Best Private Colleges and Universities Badge
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This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 14 private universities in Connecticut. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Connecticut, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.

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Best Private Colleges in Connecticut

  1. #1

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    97%

    Student body

    14K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $62,250
    Expenses: $22,870
    Starting Salary: $124,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #2

    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
  3. #3

    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
  4. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $51K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    80%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Quinnipiac University

    Cost of Degree: $51,790
    Expenses: $18,750
    Starting Salary: $67,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  5. #6

    University of Bridgeport

    Bridgeport , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $36K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1025/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport

    Cost of Degree: $35,760
    Expenses: $25,222
    Starting Salary: $47,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    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
  6. #7

    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
  7. #8

    University of Hartford

    West Hartford , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1115/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Hartford

    Cost of Degree: $46,148
    Expenses: $17,952
    Starting Salary: $51,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    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
  9. #10

    Sacred Heart University

    Fairfield , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    11K

    Career Outlook for degree at Sacred Heart University

    Cost of Degree: $46,580
    Expenses: $21,370
    Starting Salary: $61,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    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
  10. #11

    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
  11. #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

  12. #13

    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
  13. #14

    University of Saint Joseph

    West Hartford , CT

    Tuition + fees

    $43K

    Acceptance

    78%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1070/23

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Joseph

    Cost of Degree: $44,006
    Expenses: $15,990
    Starting Salary: $52,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Saint Joseph known for?

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

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Connecticut’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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. Yale University
  2. Wesleyan University
  3. Connecticut College
  4. Trinity College
  5. Fairfield University
  6. Albertus Magnus College
  7. University of Hartford
  8. Quinnipiac University
  9. University of New Haven
  10. Sacred Heart University
  11. University of Saint Joseph

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

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