Community Colleges in Connecticut: All 14 Schools
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Community colleges in Connecticut provide some of the most affordable, high-quality two-year programs available. Operating as a single accredited institution, the 12 schools that make up the Connecticut State Community College (CSCC) system have an average enrollment of over 2,600 students.
Connecticut has taken steps to make community college more affordable and accessible to all students. One way the state has done this is through the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) program. Under the PACT, eligible Connecticut residents can get help with tuition and fees that scholarships and other financial aid didn't cover.
Additionally, all colleges in the CSCC system participate in the CT Guarantee program, which allows you to seamlessly transfer your credits (and associate degree) to any participating four-year Connecticut college or university.
3 Popular Community Colleges in Connecticut
You have a choice of many well-regarded community colleges in Connecticut. Here are three schools that belong to the CSCC system.
1. Connecticut State Community College Naugatuck Valley
Formerly Naugatuck Valley Community College, CT State Naugatuck Valley, is coeducational and nonresidential. About 36% of enrollees are over the age of 25. Some of the most popular majors include business management, computer information systems, nursing, and psychology.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, in-state students paid $4,740 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students paid $14,140. The school offers many transfer options for those wanting to pursue a bachelor's degree.
2. Connecticut State Community College Gateway
Previously known as Gateway Community College, CT State Gateway is the largest in the Connecticut State system. Located in downtown New Haven, the school is Connecticut State's flagship urban campus, giving you access to many local industries.
CT State Gateway offers more than 75 majors and programs, and it has transfer agreements with over 20 four-year institutions. In-state tuition and fees here were $4,740 in 2022-2023, and the out-of-state rate was $14,140.
3. Connecticut State Community College Housatonic
CT State Housatonic is located in Bridgeport, the state's largest city, where it serves 11 towns in the area with diverse populations. The school's demonstrated commitment to making access to college more equitable has earned it a distinction as an Achieving the Dream Institution.
Attending school at CT State Housatonic means that you have more than 75 programs or majors to choose from. You can also transfer your credits to a four-year institution if you want to earn a bachelor's degree. For Connecticut residents, tuition in 2022-2023 was $4,740, and nonresidents paid $14,140.
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List of All Community Colleges in Connecticut
We've created a complete list of all nonprofit community colleges in Connecticut, including four-year schools that primarily award associate degrees. You can use the table below to compare data on student population and the average net cost.
The following school data comes from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Note that community colleges with a total undergraduate enrollment of fewer than 100 were not considered for this list.
| School | Total Student Enrollment | Avg. Annual Net Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bristol Technical Education Center | 152 | $7,168 |
| Connecticut State Community College Asnuntuck | 1,264 | $9,550 |
| Connecticut State Community College Capital | 2,395 | $9,556 |
| Connecticut State Community College Gateway | 5,578 | $10,717 |
| Connecticut State Community College Housatonic | 3,364 | $12,148 |
| Connecticut State Community College Manchester | 4,164 | $9,787 |
| Connecticut State Community College Middlesex | 1,880 | $6,306 |
| Connecticut State Community College Naugatuck Valley | 4,554 | $8,747 |
| Connecticut State Community College Northwestern | 1,149 | $9,801 |
| Connecticut State Community College Norwalk | 4,069 | $6,322 |
| Connecticut State Community College Quinebaug Valley | 1,195 | $8,337 |
| Connecticut State Community College Three Rivers | 2,937 | $6,398 |
| Connecticut State Community College Tunxis | 3,267 | $10,169 |
| Goodwin University | 3,158 | $23,934 |
How Much Is Community College in Connecticut?
| Institution Type | Average Tuition & Required Fees |
|---|---|
| Public 2-Year Colleges (In-state) | $4,522 |
| Public 2-Year Colleges (Out-of-state) | $13,483 |
| Public Community Colleges (2022) | $8,847 |
For most aspiring college students, paying for higher education is one of the most important considerations in choosing their next academic home. If you have your sights on one of the community colleges in Connecticut, there's a good chance that your tuition costs and other fees may be relatively affordable.
If you need help paying for college, you have options, such as needs-based grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs. Depending on your financial situation or other circumstances, you may qualify for a combination of any of these funding sources.
Scholarships for Connecticut Students
Academic scholarships represent one of the types of financial assistance that you don't have to pay back. It's worth the time and effort to research available scholarships, including the following awards:
Student Ethics Scholarships
Each academic year, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards one Student Ethics Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. Qualified applicants must be Connecticut residents.
They must also provide evidence of academic achievement and demonstrate an ethics-driven life through leadership, integrity, and community service. To apply, you can download an application or complete one online.
NYWICI Scholarship Program
If you're a high school, undergraduate, or graduate student majoring or intending to major in communications, consider applying for a scholarship from the New York Women in Communications (NYWICI). NYWICI awarded 11 scholarships in 2023.
To qualify, you must be a resident of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, or Pennsylvania. If you live in another state but go to school in New York State, you can still apply and receive $2,500-$10,000.
The Charles E. Pagano General Scholarship
If you plan to or are already attending Connecticut State Community College Naugatuck Valley, you can receive up to $500 from the Charles E. Pagano General Scholarship. Criteria include majoring in one or more STEM fields, being in good academic standing, and providing past examples of leadership activities.
Landscape Architecture Environmental Stewardship Scholarship
If you're a Connecticut high school student and a legal state resident, you might consider applying for the Landscape Architecture Environmental Stewardship Scholarship. As the name suggests, you qualify if you intend to major in landscape architecture in college.
Each year, up to $2,500 goes to one awardee who demonstrates academic achievement and financial need. Students receiving the award must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and continue to attend classes in the major.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Connecticut
Is community college free in Connecticut?
Thanks to the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT), students attending community colleges in Connecticut can get help with tuition and fees that scholarships and other financial aid won't cover. To benefit from this program, you must:
- Hold a Connecticut high school diploma or GED equivalent
- Be a first-time college student
- Enroll in at least six credits per semester
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA)
- Be in good academic standing
- Enroll in a degree or certificate program
How many community colleges are in Connecticut?
The state is home to 14 community colleges, 12 of which — all in the Connecticut State Community College system — operate as one accredited institution under the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities. The purpose of this consolidation is to provide an affordable and high-quality education for all students.
Connecticut's community colleges hire qualified faculty, recruit diverse students, and maintain close ties with businesses and government entities in their communities.
By offering career-based programs, these schools train you to be a productive contributor to the state's economy. Students graduating from these community colleges are also well prepared to pursue a bachelor's degree at a four-year college.
What is the cheapest community college in Connecticut?
Three community colleges in Connecticut offer similarly cheap average annual net prices, according to NCES: CT State Middlesex (net price: $6,306), CT State Norwalk (net price: $6,322), and CT State Three Rivers (net price: $6,398).
Remember that tuition and fees change almost constantly. It's a good idea to check with a school's admissions office to get the most updated information on educational costs. Also factor in other expenses like housing, campus fees, transportation, and technology fees.
