If you live in Connecticut and are interested in starting your academic career, you might not know where to start. Getting a college education is a great way to grow, but it can be tough to commit to a specific major or career choice. Enrolling in one of the best community colleges in CT could be the solution for you, since they offer affordable degrees in a range of subjects.
Associate degree holders who graduate from community colleges in CT can start their career paths right away or move on to a four-year school. A two-year degree can get you your first job in healthcare, technology, education, and other growing industries. Keep reading for everything you need to know about community college, including the best online community colleges in CT.
How Many Community Colleges Are in CT?
There are 12 community colleges in Connecticut. Students can choose from a variety of education programs depending on their career goals, including arts, sciences, business and commerce, computer technology, engineering, health services, and public services. These colleges also offer flexibility for working students, like online classes and night classes.
What Is the Biggest Community College in CT?
The biggest community college in Connecticut is Gateway Community College, with more than 14,000 students. It caters to residents in the Greater New Haven region with 90 accredited degrees and programs. The college offers online classes, hybrid classes, and distance learning to make sure students can stay on track.
What Are the Best Community Colleges in CT?
| Ranking | Community College | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Asnuntuck Community College | 34% | 12:1 |
| 2 | Quinebaug Valley Community College | 27% | 13:1 |
| 3 | Tunxis Community College | 15% | 14:1 |
| 4 | Northwestern Connecticut Community College | 14% | 14:1 |
| 5 | Norwalk Community College | 14% | 18:1 |
| 6 | Three Rivers Community College | 13% | 14:1 |
| 7 | Housatonic Community College | 12% | 15:1 |
| 8 | Naugatuck Valley Community College | 12% | 14:1 |
| 9 | Gateway Community College | 11% | 15:1 |
| 10 | Capital Community College | 7% | 12:1 |
The Best Community Colleges in CT: Explained
No matter where you live in the Nutmeg State, you can find one of the best community colleges in Connecticut near you. Each school has different academic departments and specialties, so be sure to look through each school’s course offerings. Our list below can help you find the best fit, from degrees offered to tuition costs, class sizes, and admission requirements.
Best Online Community Colleges in CT
- Tunxis Community College. Online degrees programs include AS in Business Administration, AS in Computer Programming, AS in Criminal Justice, and AS in General Studies. Certificate programs are also offered. This is a great college for online learning because the classes have live instructors and students receive personalized attention.
- Three Rivers Community College. The online programs available include AS in General Studies and a Library Technology Certificate. Studying online at Three Rivers CC is a great way to reduce college costs, since you can get your associate degree for less than $9,000.
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College. This college offers a wide variety of online courses and supports students’ sense of responsibility through weekly assignments and live instruction.
Best Online Associate Degrees
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Other CT Community College Rankings
There are CT community colleges that offer programs for continuing education and transferring to four-year universities. Different colleges also have stronger programs in certain subject areas than others. We’ve taken a look at some of these instances below, and you should always research the options for your subject of choice across schools.
Best Community Colleges in CT for Transfer
- Gateway Community College. Helping students transfer to four-year programs with all of their credits is a main goal of Gateway. They provide academic advising to help guide your post-associate education. Engineering students can transfer seamlessly to University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, or Charter Oak State College.
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College. The college has a Transfer and Articulation Program (TAP) that facilitates transfer to University of Connecticut and Charter Oak State College. Some of the available programs are accounting, biology, communications, and computer science.
- Manchester Community College. This college is part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities Transfer Ticket system. This means the college collaborates with other universities to provide continuing education options. There are several majors to choose from in this program, like business, biology, English, and mathematics.
Best Community Colleges for Criminal Justice in CT
- Middlesex Community College. The criminal justice AS program at this school is special because it’s a holistic program that includes public speaking, forensic science, and government laws in its coursework. The school also has a criminal justice club.
- Manchester Community College. This community college is a good choice for an AS in Criminal Justice because the program tackles both criminal justice in both private agencies and public service. The college combines faculty support with guest lecturers to create a strong curriculum.
- Gateway Community College. Gateway offers a strong AS in Criminal Justice program because it has partnerships with real professionals in the field. It also offers small class sizes, financial aid, and student support services.
Best Associate Degrees
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Best Community College Programs in CT
The best community colleges in CT have tons of in-demand programs to choose from. Below is the list of some of the most popular majors and the types of degrees and certificates you can get in each field. Earning a certificate or associate degree is a great first step towards pursuing your career choice.
Accounting
Accounting is commonly offered in community colleges in Connecticut. Programs usually have a total of 61 credits, spread across major requirements and general education credits. Associate degree holders in this field can land jobs as bookkeepers or other entry-level accounting positions. They can also choose to transfer their AS credits to a bachelor’s degree program.
Many schools also offer advanced certificates and basic certificates in accounting. An advanced certificate requires at least 25 credits, while a basic certificate requires 16 credits. Certificates can be useful for professionals looking to boost their skills.
Computer and Information Systems
This associate program has 60 to 62 credits. AS degree programs deliver foundational knowledge in programming languages like Java, Visual Basic, and C++. Students create portfolios of programming work while studying, which they can share with future employers to highlight their skills.
Capital Community College is an example of a school with many certificate options, like the Computer and Information Systems: Web Publishing Certificate, the Computer Networking Certificate, and the Computer Programming Certificate. These certificate programs prepare students for entry-level positions as developers or web designers.
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Management
An Associate Degree in Management could be a solid step towards pursuing a bachelor’s degree. It gives students the basic theories and techniques of management in private and public organizations. The degree has a total of 61 credits, and the curriculum includes historical foundations and practical skills, like how to create effective business plans.
Quinebaug Valley Community College offers certificate programs in applied management and advanced management. These are shorter programs at 15 to 30 credits, and they can be used for professional development or applied towards an associate degree. Through these certifications, students learn the basics of management, business law, and accounting.
Human Services
In this program, students can get entry-level jobs or pursue Bachelor’s Degrees in Social Work, Sociology, Counseling, Psychology, and Criminal Justice. The 61 credits of coursework for the AS degree explore human diversity, mental wellness, and the effects of discrimination and oppression on society and individuals.
Gateway Community College, Tunxis Community College, and Northwestern Connecticut Community College all offer a certificate program in human services as well. Students might choose the certificate program to qualify for entry-level positions in social services agencies.
Paramedic Studies
An AS in Paramedic Studies prepares students to work in pre-hospital health administration as EMTs. Students who finish this program can work as supervisors or managers of emergency medical services. Students learn the psychomotor skills, cognitive knowledge, and effective behavior necessary to succeed in the field.
Capital Community College also offers a certificate program for EMTs, in which students learn crucial skills and knowledge needed to attend to individuals needing advanced life support. The program has a simulated laboratory so students can get clinical experiences.
CT Community College Admission Requirements
Prospective students must meet certain admission requirements to attend a community college in Connecticut. These include a high school diploma or GED, completing an application form, and paying an application fee. Below are the most important requirements needed to apply to community colleges in CT.
CT Community College GPA Requirements
A benefit to starting your higher education career at a community college is open admission policies, designed to welcome as many students as possible. Most of the community colleges in Connecticut don’t require a minimum GPA, and anyone can attend so long as they completed their high school education. This includes both diplomas and GED certificates.
For example, in Asnuntuck Community College, applicants who have never taken college credit classes are only required to submit an official copy of their high school diploma. Students who have taken college credit classes in the past do have to meet certain parameters, namely a passing grade of C- or higher.
Residency Requirements for Community Colleges in CT
A resident is defined as someone who currently lives in Connecticut. To qualify for residency at Southern Connecticut State University, for example, students must live in Connecticut and have completed two years of high school in the state. There are other circumstances that can qualify a student for residency, like military service or enrolling in another higher education institution.
Students pay different tuition rates depending on their status as in-state or out-of-state. At Asnuntuck Community College, students who are Connecticut and Massachusetts residents pay $174 per credit and a college service fee of $92. Out-of-state students pay $523 per credit, plus a college service fee of $277.
CT Community College Age Requirements
Community colleges are designed to welcome students from all walks of life, which means there are no age requirements for attending. While a high school diploma or equivalent is required to enroll in most degree programs, many colleges partner with high schools to let high school students take courses for college credit. Many community college students are also older than the stereotypical college student thanks to robust continuing education programs.
CT Community College Admission Requirements: A Summary
- High School Diploma
- Application fee
- Application form
- Placement test scores
- Proof of immunization
Why Study in CT?
You should study in CT because of plentiful job opportunities, its notable history, and the education opportunities offered by its excellent colleges and universities. Find out more about each of these points by reading below.
Job Opportunities
Connecticut has big cities like Hartford and Bridgeport, with Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and developing start-ups. These business and culture hubs means that plenty of job opportunities will be waiting for you once you graduate. Choosing a community college with a strong job placement rate will help guarantee your success.
Notable History
Connecticut has a long and fascinating history, from the Native American tribes who first lived there (whose tribes’ names are still seen throughout the state, like Naugatuck) through its colonial and Revolutionary War history. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love learning about Connecticut through both coursework and visiting historic sites.
Educational Opportunities
The community colleges in CT offer degrees and certificates that cater to many different career goals, like business, engineering, healthcare, technology, and finance. Some of the best four-year schools in the country are also in Connecticut, like Yale University and University of Connecticut. Students who earn associate degrees in CT can transfer to one of these prestigious universities to continue their bachelor’s studies.
CT Employment Outlook for Community College Students
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the unemployment rate in Connecticut was only 4.6 percent as of March 2022. There are thousands of jobs in the state across industries. The same BLS data reports 62,000 jobs in the construction industry, 158,000 jobs in manufacturing, and 215,000 jobs in business services.
5 In-Demand CT Jobs
Students who graduate from one of the best community colleges in CT will have a lot of career fields to choose from. Below is a list of in-demand jobs and an overview of their responsibilities, salaries, and growth projections.
What Community Colleges in CT Have Dorms?
Community colleges in Connecticut generally don’t offer dorms. Students generally live off-campus independently or with family. Many community college programs in Connecticut are available remotely, allowing students from all over the state to enroll.
What Community Colleges Offer Winter Intersession in CT?
The community colleges in CT that offer a winter intersession include Gateway Community College, Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College, Northwestern Connecticut Community College, and Tunxis Community College. A winter intersection in community college is a time between fall and spring semesters in which students can make up a class or get ahead. These schools offer online winter intersessions.
CT Community Colleges With Winter Intersession
- Gateway Community College
- Manchester Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College
- Tunxis Community College
What Community Colleges in CT Have Summer Classes?
Summer classes help students space out their credits so they don’t get loaded in one semester. Many students use the summer to take some of their courses or make up a class where they didn’t do so well. Below are the colleges that offer summer classes.
CT Community Colleges With Summer Classes
- Gateway Community College
- Manchester Community College
- Middlesex Community College
- Naugatuck Valley Community College
- Tunxi Community College
How to Apply to Community College in CT
You can apply to community college in CT by filling out an application on the school’s website. You’ll often see that there is a checklist to guide you through the application process. Below is a summary of the steps you’ll encounter when applying to community college.
CT Community College Application Steps
- Fill out an application form.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit proof of high school completion.
- Submit other requirements, if needed.
- Wait for the results from the admissions office.
Cost of Community Colleges in CT
The average in-state tuition for community colleges is $4,516 per semester, according to NCES. Out-of-state students pay more, with an average tuition of $13,490 per semester. Aside from tuition costs, students usually have to pay fees like college service fees.
Are Community Colleges Ever Free in CT?
Yes, community colleges can be free in CT if they participate in the Pledge to Advance Connecticut PACT. Through this program, students who are Connecticut residents can earn an associate degree without going into debt.
Which Community Colleges Are Free in CT?
Community colleges in CT that are part of the Pledge to Advance Connecticut PACT offering free tuition are Asnuntuck Community College, Northwestern CT Community College, Manchester Community College, Capital Community College, Quinebaug Valley Community College, Tunxis Community College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, Middlesex Community College, Gateway Community College, and Housatonic Community College.
Who Qualifies for Free Community College in CT?
You can qualify for free community college if you are a Connecticut high school graduate or have GED. You should also be a first-time college student and must complete a FAFSA application in order to qualify.
How to Apply for Free Community College in CT
- Select the college you want to go to.
- Apply online.
- Complete and submit FAFSA.
- Register and apply for a minimum of 12 credits.
- Remain in good academic standing during your studies.
Scholarships for Community Colleges in CT
Scholarships for community colleges in CT can help students ease the financial burden of paying for college. Scholarships are available for all kinds of things, including academic performance to ethnic background, so you can probably find a scholarship that you can apply for. Below are the steps to help you get started, plus available scholarships in the state.
How to Get a Scholarship for Community Colleges in CT
- Fill out the application form.
- Check if you have the qualifications, such as GPA requirement.
- Take note of the deadline.
- Submit required documents as needed, like proof of high school completion.
- Fulfill any other requirements needed, like submitting proof of Connecticut residency.
CT Community College Scholarships List
- Connecticut Association Of Latinos In Higher Education, Inc. | Amount: $1,000. This is for Latinx students from Connecticut. Students who apply for the scholarship should have authentic financial needs.
- CSCU Foundation 2022 Students First Scholarship | Amount: $2,020. This is given to students who are in their final semester in CT community colleges. The award can be used for the student’s tuition, textbooks, and other fees.
- The NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium | Amount: $1,500. This is given to students who are interested in pursuing STEM fields.
Other CT Community College Financial Aid Options
Aside from scholarships, there are many other Connecticut community college financial aid options. Below are things you can consider to lower your expenses and help you pay for your education.
Federal Grants
There are different federal grants available in Connecticut. For example, a federal Pell Grant can award students up to $6,895. This is for students who are in need financially and have completed FAFSA. There is also the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which awards between $100 and $4,000.
Connecticut Independent College Student Grant Program
This is available to resident students attending an independent university or college within the state. The students can receive up to $7,875 as financial assistance. Students can apply for this program through their college.
Student Loans
Student loans are available from banks, schools, or credit unions. The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) in Connecticut can help students with the qualifying and refinancing processes.
The Best Financial Aid for Your Situation
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What Are the Financial Aid Requirements for Community Colleges in CT?
Financial aid requirements for community colleges in Connecticut include being a first-time college student, being a Connecticut high school graduate, and being in good academic standing. Students who meet these requirements can receive support and help for their educational expenses.
CT Financial Aid Requirements: Overview
- First-time college student
- Connecticut high school graduate
- Completed FAFSA
- Has good academic standing
Should You Attend Community College in CT?
Yes, you should attend community college in CT. There are many community colleges that offer programs in any field you might want to study. The state also has a lot of job opportunities, which is good as you enter the workforce. Transfer programs make it simple to continue your studies after earning an associate degree, letting you pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree at in-state colleges.
If you aren’t sure what career path is right for you, there are a wide variety of online courses that can help you dip your toe into new subjects. If you are interested in entering the tech field, you could also consider enrolling in a coding bootcamp. A bootcamp will help you master in-demand tech skills in only a few weeks or months.
CT Community College Rankings: Methodology
Our ranking of Connecticut community colleges is based mainly on graduation rate. If graduation rate statistics were not available, we used data on student-to-faculty ratios to rank the remaining schools. These figures, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), best reflect students’ chances of getting the education and help they need to succeed.
Best Accelerated Degrees
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Best CT Community Colleges FAQ
CT community colleges are funded through state funds. The Connecticut Board of Regents allocates funding for the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT). PACT is a free community college program to support students in their education.
Yes, you can attend CT community college as a part-time student. Community colleges are designed to help students from all walks of life, so part-time programs are offered for working students, parents, and those with other time commitments. It does take longer to finish your program if you study part-time.
Yes, you should pursue a bachelor’s after finishing CT community college if you want to continue advancing your career. A bachelor’s degree helps you learn more about the latest strategies and techniques in your chosen field, and many jobs require a bachelor’s degree. Many community college programs will transfer your credits to in-state bachelor’s programs.
The best option for financial aid in CT is a federal grant. These grants are accessible through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. This is the best option because students don’t need to pay back this money, unlike student loans.
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