Best Colleges in Connecticut
Writer & Editor
Editor & Writer
Writer & Editor
Editor & Writer
Portions of the following article were drafted using an in-house natural language generation platform. The article was then reviewed, fact-checked, and edited by multiple members of our editorial team prior to publishing.
Connecticut is a small but mighty state, home to some of the most prestigious universities in the country. With its prime location between two major cities, access to job and internship opportunities is a significant draw for prospective students.
We'll explore the cost of college in Connecticut, discuss the state's popular colleges, and highlight the benefits of studying in the state.
5 Popular Colleges in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to many schools, each with its own strengths and offerings. We've highlighted five of the most popular colleges in the state.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Admission and enrollment data is updated for 2022, and tuition data is updated for 2024.
1. Yale University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $64,700
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Total Student Enrollment: 14,776
Yale University, a prestigious Ivy League institution, is located in New Haven and is known for its excellent drama and music programs. Yale's graduate programs in law, management, medicine, art, and nursing, among others, are also highly regarded.The university is home to notable student organizations like the Yale Whiffenpoofs and the Yale Dramatic Association.
Yale's unique features include its historic campus, distinctive residential college system, and its commitment to cultural and scholarly contributions on both a local and international scale.
2. Wesleyan University
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $67,316
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Total Student Enrollment: 3,253
Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts college located in Middletown. The university is known for its distinctive scholar-teacher culture; it also supports interdisciplinary learning and offers unique research opportunities.
Wesleyan has a history of curricular innovations, including early emphasis on modern languages, literature, and natural sciences, in addition to the classics. It has been a pioneer in interdisciplinary studies and ethnomusicology.
3. University of Connecticut
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $20,366 (in-state), $43,034 (out-of-state)
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Total Student Enrollment: 27,003
The University of Connecticut (UConn), one of the top public research universities in the nation, is located in Storrs. Along with academic excellence, the university is also known for its campus culture, sports teams, and variety of student organizations.
UConn is committed to developing educational opportunities, research, and innovation through the Next Generation Connecticut initiative, particularly in the STEM fields. Some of the most popular majors at the school include business, computer science, digital media and design, human development and family studies, and political science.
UConn is also recognized for its Division I sports. In fact, the UConn basketball team recently won the 2024 NCAA championship.
4. Trinity College
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $67,420
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Total Student Enrollment: 2,205
Located in Hartford, Trinity College offers an intellectually challenging liberal arts education within a close-knit community that values environmental awareness and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Trinity also has a reputation for generous financial aid, flexibility in academic programs allowing students to double major in various disciplines, and a longstanding test-optional policy.
The college is known for its picturesque 100-acre campus, which provides a small college ambiance. With a 9-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio and two-thirds of classes having fewer than 20 students, learners at Trinity get a personalized education.
5. Connecticut College
- Avg. Undergraduate Tuition & Fees: $64,812
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Total Student Enrollment: 1,948
Connecticut College, located in the coastal city of New London, offers a challenging liberal arts education with a curriculum designed to integrate various interests.
More than half of all students at Conn participate in study abroad experiences. During their junior or senior year, students have the opportunity to examine a community issue in another country and complete a college-funded internship as part of their experience.
The "Connections" approach at Connecticut College encourages students to ask meaningful questions, integrate courses from multiple disciplines, engage in off-campus learning, and share their insights with the broader community. The campus itself is noted for its beautiful coastal arboretum setting.
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
List of All Colleges in Connecticut
We've created a complete list of all four-year nonprofit universities in Connecticut. You can use the table below to compare data on student population, average net costs, acceptance rates, and the number of applicants.
The following school data comes from NCES. All data is from 2022. Schools with fewer than 500 undergraduates were not included in this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price | Acceptance Rate | Number of Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albertus Magnus College | 1,275 | $27,469 | 80% | 1,487 |
| Central Connecticut State University | 9,468 | $17,088 | 77% | 7,302 |
| Charter Oak State College | 1,602 | $10,191 | 100% | N/A |
| Connecticut College | 1,948 | $43,220 | 40% | 8,744 |
| Eastern Connecticut State University | 4,082 | $18,628 | 74% | 5,488 |
| Fairfield University | 6,019 | $46,065 | 52% | 13,359 |
| Goodwin University | 3,158 | $23,934 | 100% | N/A |
| Mitchell College | 539 | $30,365 | 77% | 1,179 |
| Quinnipiac University | 8,788 | $39,051 | 84% | 18,668 |
| Sacred Heart University | 10,721 | $45,280 | 66% | 13,316 |
| Southern Connecticut State University | 8,889 | $18,712 | 83% | 8,316 |
| Trinity College | 2,205 | $32,704 | 36% | 6,220 |
| University of Bridgeport | 3,988 | $28,470 | 82% | 3,781 |
| University of Connecticut | 27,003 | $23,985 | 55% | 40,894 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | 1,535 | $11,779 | 97% | 2,554 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | 2,297 | $13,933 | 92% | 4,526 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | 768 | $9,990 | 98% | 1,678 |
| University of Hartford | 5,732 | $31,687 | 83% | 13,230 |
| University of New Haven | 8,819 | $33,135 | 91% | 11,199 |
| University of Saint Joseph | 1,992 | $25,860 | 75% | 1,654 |
| Wesleyan University | 3,253 | $21,270 | 14% | 14,521 |
| Western Connecticut State University | 4,417 | $15,862 | 84% | 5,093 |
| Yale University | 14,776 | $18,647 | 5% | 50,060 |
Cost of College in Connecticut
According to NCES, tuition in Connecticut is a bit higher than the national average.For the academic year 2021-2022, the average cost of college for in-state students at public four-year institutions in Connecticut was $14,963, nearly $5,000 more than the national average. Out-of-state students enrolled in public universities in Connecticut paid an average of $37,414 in tuition during 2021-2022. And private four-year institutions in the state cost an average of $44,376 per year.
The cost of attending college varies significantly, depending on factors such as the type of institution (public or private), your residency status (in-state or out-of-state), and financial aid.
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public Four-Year (In-State) | $14,963 |
| Public Four-Year (Out-of-State) | $37,414 |
| Private Four-Year | $44,376 |
| Public Two-Year (In-State) | $4,538 |
| Public Two-Year (Out-of-State) | $13,494 |
Why Study in Connecticut?
Connecticut offers numerous benefits to students. Its prime location in New England, situated halfway between Boston and New York City, provides easy access to a wide range of internship and job opportunities.
The state boasts an excellent education system, with top-notch colleges and universities like the University of Connecticut and Yale University.
Connecticut is also full of natural beauty and offers an abundance of outdoor activities for students. The rich U.S. history, cultural experiences, and fresh seafood further enhance the living experience in Connecticut.
Students choose to study in Connecticut for a variety of reasons, and the state's diverse educational offerings and beautiful environment make it an attractive destination for many learners.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Connecticut
What is the #1 college in Connecticut?
Yale University is considered the top college in Connecticut. The prestigious Ivy League institution is renowned for its rigorous academics, world-class faculty, illustrious alumni, and a wide range of programs.
Is Yale or UConn better?
Yale and UConn are both highly regarded institutions and offer excellent academic programs. However, they serve different student populations and have different areas of focus.
Yale, an Ivy League university, is known for its elite admissions standards, exceptional outcomes, and a higher ranking.
UConn, a public university, is recognized for its strong campus culture and sports programs.
The choice between Yale and UConn largely depends on a student's academic interests, career goals, financial situation, and preference for a private or public institution.
What is the largest college in Connecticut?
The largest college in Connecticut is UConn, located in Storrs. It is the largest campus in the state, with an enrollment of 27,003 students.
Are there any Ivy Leagues in Connecticut?
Yes, Connecticut is home to one Ivy League institution, Yale, located in New Haven. The University of Connecticut is considered a Public Ivy, and Connecticut College is a Little Ivy.
What is the cheapest college in CT?
Technically, the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, is the least expensive college in the state as it does not charge students tuition.
Goodwin University and the University of Connecticut are on the lower end of tuition costs in the state, both with an average annual net price of around $23,000.
