Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Small colleges in Connecticut are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- Wesleyan University
- Trinity College
- University of Bridgeport
- Connecticut College
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Western Connecticut State University
- Charter Oak State College
- Mitchell College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Albertus Magnus College
- Wesleyan University
- Trinity College
- Connecticut College
- University of Bridgeport
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Western Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Albertus Magnus College
- Mitchell College
- University of Saint Joseph
- Western Connecticut State University 85%
- Albertus Magnus College 82%
- Mitchell College 78%
- University of Saint Joseph 78%
- University of Bridgeport 73%
- Eastern Connecticut State University 73%
- Connecticut College 41%
- Trinity College 38%
- Wesleyan University 19%
- United States Coast Guard Academy 19%
- University of Bridgeport 16 to 1
- Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
- Mitchell College 14 to 1
- Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University 12 to 1
- Trinity College 9 to 1
- Connecticut College 9 to 1
- Wesleyan University 8 to 1
- United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
- Wesleyan University $62,049
- Trinity College $61,370
- Connecticut College $60,795
- University of Saint Joseph $43,084
- Albertus Magnus College $36,442
- Mitchell College $35,775
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- Western Connecticut State University $6,162
- Eastern Connecticut State University $6,162
- Wesleyan University $61,449
- Albertus Magnus College $21,744
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- Trinity College $18,780
- University of Saint Joseph $14,328
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- Western Connecticut State University $7,674
- Eastern Connecticut State University $7,674
- University of Saint Joseph
- Albertus Magnus College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Mitchell College
- Charter Oak State College
- Western Connecticut State University
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Connecticut College
- University of Bridgeport
- Trinity College
- Charter Oak State College
- University of Saint Joseph
- Mitchell College
- Albertus Magnus College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- University of Bridgeport
- Connecticut College
- Trinity College
- United States Coast Guard Academy 19%
- Wesleyan University 19%
- Trinity College 38%
- Connecticut College 41%
- Eastern Connecticut State University 73%
- University of Bridgeport 73%
- University of Saint Joseph 78%
- Mitchell College 78%
- Albertus Magnus College 82%
- Western Connecticut State University 85%
- United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
- University of Saint Joseph 7 to 1
- Wesleyan University 8 to 1
- Trinity College 9 to 1
- Connecticut College 9 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University 12 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Albertus Magnus College 14 to 1
- Mitchell College 14 to 1
- Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University $6,162
- Eastern Connecticut State University $6,162
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- Mitchell College $35,775
- Albertus Magnus College $36,442
- University of Saint Joseph $43,084
- Connecticut College $60,795
- Trinity College $61,370
- Wesleyan University $62,049
- Western Connecticut State University $7,674
- Eastern Connecticut State University $7,674
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- University of Saint Joseph $14,328
- Trinity College $18,780
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- Albertus Magnus College $21,744
- Wesleyan University $61,449
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
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Connecticut is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 11 small colleges in Connecticut. The list below of the best small colleges in Connecticut. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023
- #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 Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy 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
$62K
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
91%
Student body
3K
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
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$61K
Acceptance
38%
Graduation
85%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity College
Cost of Degree: $63,930Expenses: $19,160Starting Salary: $74,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity College known for?
Trinity College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools 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
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: $35,760Expenses: $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
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
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
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: $62,620Expenses: $19,280Starting Salary: $62,900Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Connecticut College known for?
Connecticut College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Biology
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
Other Rankings
Acceptance
19%
Graduation
92%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1310/29
What is United States Coast Guard Academy known for?
United States Coast Guard Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
85%
Graduation
53%
Student body
6K
Career Outlook for degree at Western Connecticut State University
Cost of Degree: $12,345Expenses: $18,118Starting Salary: $50,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Connecticut State University known for?
Western Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Psychology
- Business
- Education
- Literature
- Medical
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #6 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #7 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #7 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Charter Oak State College
Cost of Degree: $8,254Starting Salary: $43,700What 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
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
78%
Graduation
41%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Mitchell College
Cost of Degree: $37,250Expenses: $18,700Starting Salary: $34,000Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mitchell College known for?
Mitchell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
73%
Graduation
57%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Connecticut State University
Cost of Degree: $12,910Expenses: $19,296Starting Salary: $49,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern Connecticut State University known for?
Eastern Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Communications
- Education
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- History
- Business
- Biology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #22 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Associate in General Studies
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
59%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Albertus Magnus College
Cost of Degree: $37,682Expenses: $23,000Starting Salary: $56,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024 #14 Best Online Master's in Biology
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: $44,006Expenses: $15,990Starting Salary: $52,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Saint Joseph known for?
University of Saint Joseph ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Connecticut’s Best Small College 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.