Best Connecticut Colleges & Universities for 2017-2018

The Best Connecticut Colleges of 2017-2018

With its many options, finding the right college in Connecticut can seem like a daunting task. Knowing what to look for in a school can make the search a lot easier. Some important factors to consider when researching colleges in Connecticut are their cost of tuition, graduation rates, financial aid availability student-to-teacher ratios, and alumni earnings potential. We used these and other criteria to rank and score the best Connecticut colleges and show how they compare to one another.

Methodology +

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in Connecticut
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 5 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

Minimum Qualifications

• Located in Connecticut
• Public or private not-for-profit
• Institutionally accredited
• At least 10 total programs

Ranking Metrics

• Median annual alumni earnings 10 years after entering the college
• In-state tuition and fees for undergraduates
• Student/teacher ratio
• 6-year graduation rate
• % of students receiving institutional financial aid (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Average amount of institutional aid awarded per student (first-time, full-time undergrads)
• Availability of placement services upon completion
• Availability of academic/career counseling services
• Availability of employment services
• 3-year student cohort loan default rate

Data Sources

Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS): National Center for Education Statistics

• Latest 'Final Release' data available as of Fall 2016

College Scorecard: U.S. Department of Education

• Latest data available as of Fall 2016

• 2-Year Colleges
• 4-Year Colleges

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Capital Community College	99.23	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 23%		9%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
2	Manchester Community College	97.71	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 39%		18%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	Naugatuck Valley Community College	96.96	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 16%		12%	N/A	2	N/A	Yes	Yes
4	Three Rivers Community College	95.6	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 22%		13%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
5	Gateway Community College	93.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%		8%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
6	Tunxis Community College	91.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 39%		10%	N/A	0	N/A	No	No
7	Middlesex Community College	91.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 28%		14%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
8	Housatonic Community College	90.88	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 23%		8%	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes
9	Asnuntuck Community College	90.31	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 46%		25%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
10	Norwalk Community College	90.05	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 26%		8%	N/A	9	N/A	Yes	Yes
11	Northwestern Connecticut Community College	88.69	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 37%		13%	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes
12	Quinebaug Valley Community College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 34%		14%	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes

Rank	School Name	Score	Tuition Fees	Alumni Earnings	Student/Teacher Ratio	Gift Financial Aid	Description	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate	# Online Programs	# Total Programs	Placement Services	Credit for Experience
1	Capital Community College	99.23	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 23%		9%	N/A	1	N/A	Yes	Yes
2	Manchester Community College	97.71	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 39%		18%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
3	Naugatuck Valley Community College	96.96	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 16%		12%	N/A	2	N/A	Yes	Yes
4	Three Rivers Community College	95.6	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 22%		13%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
5	Gateway Community College	93.91	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 30%		8%	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
6	Tunxis Community College	91.98	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 0		0	N/A	0	N/A	No	No
7	Middlesex Community College	91.56	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 0		0	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
8	Housatonic Community College	90.88	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 0		0	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes
9	Asnuntuck Community College	90.31	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 0		0	N/A	0	N/A	Yes	Yes
10	Norwalk Community College	90.05	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 0		0	N/A	9	N/A	Yes	Yes
11	Northwestern Connecticut Community College	88.69	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 0		0	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes
12	Quinebaug Valley Community College	86	Published in-state tuition and fees for undergraduate students. $ $$$$	Annual median earnings 10 years after entering the college. Only includes former students who received federal financial aid. $26,500	N/A	First-time, full-time undergraduates receiving grant or scholarship aid directly from the postsecondary institution. 0		0	N/A	0	N/A	No	Yes

Explore Accredited Connecticut Colleges and Universities

Students can use the following search tool to find more information about Connecticut colleges and further narrow program options based on their individual preferences. Selectable criteria include school type, city location, tuition cost and student population.

Cost Analysis of Attending College in Connecticut

The cost of tuition can greatly influence a student's college decisions. The type of school, amount of student aid and students' residency status all contribute to a school's final price tag. Since tuition costs can vary significantly from state to state, it pays to do a comparison. The following section shows how the cost of tuition at Connecticut colleges compares to the national average in terms of tuition, the percentage of students receiving financial aid and the average amount students receive.

The Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut

Tuition and fee costs are certainly an important consideration during the college selection process, but it's not the most precise way of determining a college's affordability. To do that, student's should instead look at a college's average net price, which takes grants, scholarships and other gift financial aid into account. Based on this criteria, here are Connecticut's most affordable colleges and a look at the state's overall college affordability compared to the national average.

• 1
  
  University of Connecticut-Stamford$8,438
• 2
  
  University of Connecticut-Tri-Campus$8,846
• 3
  
  University of Connecticut-Avery Point$10,141

• 4
  
  Holy Apostles College and Seminary$14,420
• 5
  
  Southern Connecticut State University$14,750
• 6
  
  Central Connecticut State University$15,772

Average
Annual Net
Price

Cost for students awarded federal financial aid, after school and government aid is deducted. At public colleges, only applies to in-state students.

Connecticut College Net Price vs. National Average

$22,056

Average Annual Net Price

$18,073

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Connecticut Colleges for Tomorrow's Highest Earners

Taking a look at the typical salaries Connecticut colleges' alumni earn can be helpful when deciding on a college. The following information shows Connecticut colleges with the highest-paid graduates ten years after they entered that school, and how they compare with the national average.

• 1
  
  Rensselaer Hartford Graduate Center Inc$81,700
• 2
  
  Fairfield University$69,000
• 3
  
  Yale University$66,000

• 4
  
  St Vincent's College$64,000
• 5
  
  Quinnipiac University$56,400
• 6
  
  Trinity College$56,100

Annual
Median Earnings
10 Years
After Entering
College

Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.

Connecticut Alumni Salaries vs. National Average

$50,744

Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After Entering College

$42,759

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Connecticut Colleges With the Lowest Student Debt

Most college students need financial aid to complete their educations, but some colleges work especially hard to try and reduce the amount of debt their students will incur. The following section highlights colleges in Connecticut that produce graduates with the least amount of student debt and data on the national average.

• 1
  
  Yale University$12,000
• 2
  
  Charter Oak State College$18,000
• 3
  
  Wesleyan University$18,633

• 4
  
  Trinity College$21,500
• 5
  
  St Vincent's College$22,250
• 6
  
  Central Connecticut State University$22,894

Median
Federal Student
Loan Debt After
Graduation

Only for undergraduates who completed college; does not include Parent-PLUS loans.

Connecticut College Grad Debt Vs. National Average

$24,054

Median Federal Student Loan Debt After Graduation

$23,145

Source: College Scorecard
Note: Rankings/data represent 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

More College Cost Considerations: Living Expenses in Connecticut

Cost of living can vary significantly by location, so it's an important factor to consider when looking at Connecticut colleges. One of the best ways students can be prepared financially for college is factor expected living expenses into their budgets. Typical living expenses for college students are shown below, along with a comparison of the cost of living among several Connecticut cities.

Source: The Council for Community and Economic Research

Why Accreditation Matters for Colleges in Connecticut

There are many reasons why accreditation is one of the most important factors to consider when deciding on the right college; the credit transfer, financial aid eligibility, professional certification and future employment could be affected. The quality of one's education could be affected, since colleges must achieve certain standards and meet specific criteria to be accredited. Not all accrediting bodies are equal, however: students should confirm their school's accrediting organization is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Colleges as a whole or specific programs within the college can be given accreditation. The regional accreditation agency for Connecticut colleges is the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The following are examples of organizations that offer accreditation to specific programs found in Connecticut colleges.

• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) The AACSB gives accreditation to business programs at several colleges in Connecticut, including the: University of Connecticut School of Business, Central Connecticut State University School of Business, Fairfield University Charles F. Dolan School of Business, Quinnipiac University School of Business and Engineering, Sacred Heart University Jack Welch College of Business, University of Hartford Barney School of Business, University of New Haven College of Business, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and Yale University School of Management.
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) The CCNE gives accreditation to the baccalaureate nursing programs at: Central Connecticut State University, Fairfield University, Lincoln College of New England, Quinnipiac University, Sacred Heart University, Southern Connecticut State University, University of Connecticut, University of Hartford, University of Saint Joseph and Western Connecticut State University.

Connecticut's Key College Towns & Cities

Hartford

Although many of Hartford's colleges and universities have been around for a long time, it's still considered a growing college town. The state capital is home to the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education, a collaborative organization of public and private universities, seminary schools and community colleges. Students attending one consortium school can take classes at any of the others.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
University of Hartford	Public	$16,940	$46,000
The University of Hartford (UHart) is a private university with three campuses throughout the area and a student population of nearly 7,000. The university has a long history, and offers a full campus life big on traditions, community, sustainability and opportunities for student involvement. UHart also has Division I athletics and the Hartford Scholars program, which awards half-tuition scholarships to local students. UHart is known for its business, engineering, and visual and performing arts programs.
Capital Community College	Public	$14,817	$37,200
CCC is a diverse, two-year public college located in downtown Hartford. The college is a member of the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education and a designated Achieving the Dream Leader College, which is a nationwide initiative that focuses on retaining community college students and helping them graduate. CCC is known for its technical, nursing, and liberal arts and sciences programs.
Trinity College	Public	$13,126	$32,500
Trinity is a private, non-denominational liberal arts college located near downtown Hartford with about a student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1. As the second oldest college in Connecticut, Trinity College is rich in tradition, which carries over into to campus life. One such tradition is that all freshman must live on campus for their first year. Outside the classroom, Trinity offers more than 100 student clubs and organizations, Division III athletics, several internships, and opportunities for student involvement in the community. Popular programs here include economics, political science, and English language and literature.

New Haven

Located halfway between New York City and Boston, New Haven is rich in culture and opportunities that appeal to many students, faculty and alumni. Although Yale University has a very large presence in New Haven, several other historic and established colleges make their home in the area. Options include state universities and colleges; private liberal arts colleges; seminary and divinity schools; art schools and community colleges.

College Name	School Type	Annual Net Price	Annual Median Earnings 10 Years After College Only includes former students who received federal financial aid.
Yale University	Public	$7,555	$35,200
Yale is a private Ivy League school serving about 12,000 students at its central campus in downtown New Haven. Yale was founded in 1701, making it the oldest college in Connecticut, and third-oldest in the country. A major research university with several institutes, labs and research centers, Yale is also known for its drama and music programs.
Albertus Magnus College	Public	$7,714	$28,300
Albertus Magnus is a Catholic four-year, private liberal arts college located in the suburban New Haven neighborhood of Prospect Hill. It was founded in 1925, and started out as a women's college. This college has about 1,500 students with a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio. It offers two adult learning programs and the option of a traditional or accelerated undergraduate curriculum. Popular programs at AMC include business, law enforcement and psychology.
Southern Connecticut State University	Public	$15,207	$45,500
Southern serves about 11,000 students just outside downtown New Haven. Founded in 1893 as a teachers college, Southern now offers nearly 120 undergraduate and graduate programs with several internship, research and study abroad opportunities. Southern is still known as a teachers' college, graduating the most teachers in Connecticut. The most popular programs are in health and wellness, business, and liberal arts and sciences.

Source: College Scorecard

More Connecticut College Resources

Below are some resources aspiring students may find useful when searching for colleges in Connecticut.