Connecticut is a great place to study, with Connecticut universities ranked among the best in the US thanks to strong academic programs, competitive sports teams, and the idyllic New England scenery. The best universities in Connecticut blend vibrant learning environments with meaningful campus life, offering opportunities for full-time and part-time students alike.
What are the best colleges in Connecticut? This article ranks the top 10 universities in Connecticut, taking into account both public and private schools. With details about each school’s graduation and acceptance rates, academic reputations, financial aid, and student services, you’ll have everything you need to find the best Connecticut college for you.
What Are the Best Universities in Connecticut?
The best universities in Connecticut are Yale University, Wesleyan University, University of Connecticut, Fairfield University, and Quinnipiac University. These universities are considered the best in Connecticut because they have strong academic reputations and are invested in student success, as evidenced by their high graduation rates.
How Many Universities Are in Connecticut?
There are 40 universities and colleges in Connecticut, 22 of which are public schools. The best universities in Connecticut offer undergraduate and graduate degrees, and some offer online courses as well as their on-campus programs.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Connecticut?
The biggest universities in Connecticut by enrollment are University of Connecticut, Post University, Yale University, Central Connecticut State University, and Quinnipiac University. Below is a list of these five schools including their student populations.
Largest Connecticut Universities by Enrollment
- University of Connecticut | 27,215
- Post University | 13,844
- Yale University | 12,060
- Central Connecticut State University | 10,652
- Quinnipiac University | 9,746
Connecticut University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Connecticut?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale University | New Haven | 97% |
| 2 | Wesleyan University | Middletown | 91% |
| 3 | Fairfield University | Fairfield | 84% |
| 4 | University of Connecticut | Storrs | 83% |
| 5 | Quinnipiac University | Hamden | 80% |
| 6 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield | 73% |
| 7 | Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic | 57% |
| 8 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford | 56% |
| 9 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain | 55% |
| 10 | Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven | 52% |
How We Defined Connecticut University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Connecticut universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Connecticut universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Connecticut, Explained
Our list of the top 10 universities in Connecticut includes the best programs to study at each school, post-graduation salaries, and statistics like national rankings and graduation rates. Information about specific academic programs has been sourced from each university’s official website.
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Connecticut University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements to attend a Connecticut college or university include a high school diploma or GED, transcripts, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. The required GPA depends on the academic rigor of each university. These are general requirements that most universities share, but you should double-check each university’s admission criteria.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Connecticut
- High school diploma or GED
- Recommendation letters
- School transcripts
- Test scores such as SAT and ACT
- Essays
How to Apply to Connecticut Universities
The typical admission process for Connecticut universities includes filling out an online application, paying the application fee, sending all of the required documents, and applying for financial aid. You should be mindful of the application deadlines at each school you are applying to.
Connecticut Universities Admissions Process
- Complete your online application.
- Pay for the application fee.
- Submit all the required documents.
- Wait for the notifications from the school about the admission decision.
- File your FAFSA and apply for available financial aid options.
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Why Study in Connecticut?
You should study in Connecticut because the state has prestigious and competitive universities that offer degrees in a wide range of academic fields. Beyond academics, the state of Connecticut and cities like New Haven and Hartford are cultural hubs, and students benefit from this exposure to art and history. Students in Connecticut can find internships and job opportunities in the state or in nearby New York.
Arts and Culture
Connecticut is rich in art and culture, with famous institutions like the Mark Twain House & Museum, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, and the Yale University Art Gallery. Connecticut’s many public and private schools also offer arts programs and cultural events for students on campus. Many schools also have exciting sports cultures thanks to NCAA Division I athletic teams.
Healthcare Accessibility
You want to make sure you are studying in a safe environment, and that includes access to healthcare. Connecticut is considered the third-best state in the US for healthcare access, according to US News & World Report. The state’s many healthcare facilities also offer great internship opportunities for those pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in health sciences.
Economic Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Connecticut has a low unemployment rate of 4.2 percent as of May 2022. Major Connecticut cities like New Haven and Hartford are business hubs, and the state has many jobs in growing industries like aerospace, bioscience, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and entertainment.
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More Connecticut University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Connecticut?
With so many schools in Connecticut, it might be tough to choose the best education institution for you. To help you in your school search, we’ve broken down schools by category below, including the best state universities, public schools, and private schools. Keep reading to find the perfect Connecticut college for your career goals.
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Top Connecticut Universities by Major
To help you choose the top Connecticut universities for your professional goals, we’ve provided lists of the best schools in the state based on major. We’ve chosen to focus on computer science, nursing, engineering, and business, but these schools all offer excellent programs in liberal arts, social sciences, and fine arts as well.
Tuition Costs for Connecticut Universities
Tuition costs vary between public and private schools in Connecticut. The average annual tuition at public universities is $12,959 for in-state students and $35,197 for out-of-state students, according to NCES. The average cost of tuition at a private university is $41,858 per year.
Most Affordable Universities in Connecticut
- United States Coast Guard Academy | Tuition: Free. Since the United States Coast Guard Academy is a military service academy, the tuition is paid for by the government. In exchange, students are required to complete five years of service in the Coast Guard after graduation.
- Eastern Connecticut State University | Tuition: $6,470/year (in state); $9,706/year (out of state). For in-state on-campus students, the total estimated yearly costs are $26,738. ECSU is also a commuter school, with off-campus students paying $12,910 per year. Out-of-state students living on campus pay the most, with costs totaling $31,300 per year.
- Western Connecticut State University | Tuition: $3,235/semester (in state); $9,679/semester (out of state). Tuition costs are low at this public institution. With the required additional fees, the total semester cost is $6,199.50 for in-state students and $12,643.50 for out-of-state students.
- Southern Connecticut State University | Tuition: $3,235/semester (in state); $9,679/semester (out of state). Accounting for additional fees, this public institution has a total in-state cost $6,207 per semester. Out-of-state students pay $12,651 in total per semester.
- University of Connecticut | Tuition: $15,672/year (in-state); $38,340/year (out-of-state). UConn is the largest public institution in Connecticut and costs more than other Connecticut public schools. In-state students pay a maximum of $36,012 per year, and out-of-state students pay a maximum of $58,680 per year.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Connecticut
The best universities in Connecticut offer financial aid options to help students for their school expenses, with entire financial aid offices dedicated to helping students find ways to pay for school. Some options available to students include federal student grants via FAFSA, state student grants, work-study opportunities, and student loans.
Financial Aid for Connecticut Universities: A Summary
- FAFSA. Students are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be qualified for the federal government’s financial aid. FAFSA is a need-based aid program.
- Connecticut Grants. Grants are financial aid given to students based on their financial need. Some of the available grants in Connecticut are the Connecticut Aid to Public College Students Grant Program and the Connecticut Independent College Student Grant Program.
- Work-study Jobs. This financial aid option allows students to work and pay for their educational expenses. Several universities in Connecticut offer work-study programs. Southern Connecticut State University, for instance, has a federal work-study program and Central Connecticut State University offers a work-study and employment program.
- Loans. Student loans are available through both the federal government and private firms. The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) helps college students in Connecticut navigate low-cost and fixed-rate student loan plans to find the right solution for them.
Connecticut University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Connecticut Universities?
- Good academic standing
- Must complete FAFSA application
- Must have a GED or equivalent
- Must be a US citizen or a resident in the United States
- Must be enrolled in part-time or full-time programs
Private Connecticut Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Yale University. Yale provides financial aid to students based on financial need. It also offers Yale Scholarships, and undergraduate students can apply for grants and merit-based scholarships from other organizations affiliated with Yale University.
- Fairfield University. The school offers need-based grants, athletic scholarships, and other aid programs. Full-time undergraduate students can also apply to the university’s federal work-study program.
- Sacred Heart University. This school provides merit-based university scholarships for undergraduate students, ranging from $6,000 to $18,000. You can also apply for activity-based grants and need-based aid programs.
Universities in Connecticut That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- Yale University. Yale University provides financial aid to undocumented students residing in the United States, US citizens living in other countries, and international students. Many of its scholarships do not have in-state residency requirements.
- Wesleyan University. Out-of-state students can apply for federal direct loans and federal parent plus loans at Wesleyan University. They can also apply to the school’s work-study program and take on-campus jobs.
- Quinnipiac University. This school offers academic scholarships for both local and international undergraduate students. You can also qualify for student grants at Quinnipiac, such as Quinnipiac University Grant and the Multiple-Sibling Award.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Connecticut State Universities
- Check the eligibility criteria of the financial aid program you want to apply for.
- Complete and submit your FAFSA application online.
- Prepare all required documents, which could include transcripts and essays.
- Submit your requirements and wait for further instructions and notifications from the school.
- Renew your FAFSA every year.
Demographics of Universities in Connecticut
Below is some information about the ethnic demographics of universities in Connecticut, sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). More than half of the student population in Connecticut is white, and nearly 14 percent of students are black. Universities in Connecticut promote diversity and equality among their students and faculties.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Connecticut
- White: 58.3%
- Black: 13.8%
- Hispanic: 17.3%
- Asian: 6.2%
- Pacific Islander: 0.1%
- American Indian: 0.3%
- Two or More Races: 4.1%
Connecticut Employment Outlook for University Students
Job opportunities are widely available in Connecticut, with most fields showing growth. Thanks to large cities like Hartford, Danbury, and Stamford, there are opportunities in a wide range of fields, like software development, finance, business management, healthcare, and medicine.
Fourteen Fortune 500 companies are headquartered in Connecticut, and many businesses and organizations maintain university partnerships. A degree from a Connecticut school can get you a job at prestigious companies like Bridgewater Associates, Xerox, Cigna, and Charter Communications.
5 In-Demand Connecticut Jobs
This list of five in-demand jobs in Connecticut includes details like average salaries and rates of growth in each field. Enrolling in one of the best universities in Connecticut will help you learn the skills and knowledge you need to qualify for a job as a software developer, financial manager, registered nurse, operations manager, or accountant.
Is a University in Connecticut Right for You?
Enrolling at one of the best universities in Connecticut is right for you if you want excellent academic choices on exciting campuses. College life in Connecticut is characterized by historic campuses, passionate student organizations, varsity sports on campus, and challenging academic programs. A degree from a Connecticut school is a great way to start your career.
If you’re looking to get credentials more quickly, there are alternatives to four-year schools that take less time. Enrolling in one of the best coding bootcamps is a fast and affordable way to get your career started in tech. Bootcamps teach essential skills through intensive, practical training and hands-on learning.
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Best Universities in Connecticut FAQ
Connecticut is known for its culture, arts, and history. It is one of the best places to study arts, sciences, healthcare, and medicine. Many of the famous attractions in Connecticut are historical and cultural sites, such as the Mystic Seaport Museum, Yale University Museums, Gillette Castle State Park, and The Mark Twain House and Museum.
The largest city in Connecticut by population is Bridgeport, with 143,280 residents. Other big cities in Connecticut are New Haven, Stamford, Hartford, and Waterbury. More than three million people live in Connecticut overall.
The average weekly wage in Connecticut is $1,401, according to BLS. Fairfield has the highest average weekly wage of $1,680, followed by Hartford with a $1,381 average weekly wage and New Haven with an average weekly wage of 1,257.
The most famous university in Connecticut is Yale University. A member of the Ivy League, this university is known for its liberal arts, sciences, fine arts, engineering, and mathematics programs. There are also popular art galleries and museums in this university, including the Yale University Art Gallery, Sterling Memorial Library, and Peabody Museum of Natural History.
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