Best Colleges in Connecticut

All 30 colleges in Connecticut, ranked by overall quality and led by Yale University, Trinity College and Fairfield University. 12 public, 18 private. median out-of-state tuition $40,808. lowest in-state tuition $5,338 at Connecticut State Community College. Each school below shows its acceptance rate, tuition and average SAT.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best college in Connecticut?

Based on our overall rankings, Yale University is the top-ranked college in Connecticut. Other strong choices include Trinity College, Fairfield University, Wesleyan University.

How many colleges are in Connecticut?

We track 30 four-year colleges in Connecticut, including 12 public institutions and 18 private ones.

How much does college cost in Connecticut?

The average out-of-state tuition across colleges we track in Connecticut is approximately $40,808 per year. In-state students at public schools typically pay significantly less, and most schools offer financial aid that reduces the effective cost.

What are the best public colleges in Connecticut?

The best public colleges in Connecticut include University of Connecticut, University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus, Charter Oak State College. Public universities typically offer lower tuition for in-state residents.

What are the best private colleges in Connecticut?

The best private colleges in Connecticut include Yale University, Trinity College, Fairfield University. Private colleges may offer more generous financial aid despite higher sticker prices.

How are these Connecticut rankings determined?

Our overall rankings are calculated independently from publicly available data including U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and aggregated student-experience signals — not from US News or any other publication.

By major in Connecticut

• Best colleges for Biology in Connecticut
• Best colleges for Business Administration in Connecticut
• Best colleges for Communications in Connecticut
• Best colleges for Nursing in Connecticut
• Best colleges for Political Science in Connecticut
• Best colleges for Psychology in Connecticut

1. 1. Yale University — New Haven, CT · 3.9% acceptance · SAT 1,534 · $67,250 tuition · 96% grad rate
2. 2. Trinity College — Hartford, CT · 29.3% acceptance · SAT 1,415 · $70,770 tuition · 84% grad rate
3. 3. Fairfield University — Fairfield, CT · 33.3% acceptance · SAT 1,335 · $58,350 tuition · 84% grad rate
4. 4. Wesleyan University — Middletown, CT · 16.5% acceptance · SAT 1,501 · $70,342 tuition · 93% grad rate
5. 5. Quinnipiac University — Hamden, CT · 72.2% acceptance · SAT 1,242 · $55,480 tuition · 76% grad rate
6. 6. University of Connecticut — Storrs, CT · 52.4% acceptance · SAT 1,348 · $43,712 tuition · 83% grad rate
7. 7. Connecticut College — New London, CT · 37% acceptance · SAT 1,432 · $67,242 tuition · 82% grad rate
8. 8. Sacred Heart University — Fairfield, CT · 65.4% acceptance · $50,404 tuition · 73% grad rate
9. 9. University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus — Hartford, CT · 88.3% acceptance · SAT 1,073 · $40,798 tuition · 65% grad rate
10. 10. Charter Oak State College — New Britain, CT · $8,506 tuition · 67% grad rate
11. 11. University of Connecticut-Stamford — Stamford, CT · 83% acceptance · SAT 1,094 · $40,818 tuition · 57% grad rate
12. 12. University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus — Waterbury, CT · 86.7% acceptance · SAT 1,060 · $40,808 tuition · 53% grad rate
13. 13. University of Connecticut-Avery Point — Groton, CT · 88.2% acceptance · SAT 1,090 · $40,808 tuition · 62% grad rate
14. 14. University of Saint Joseph — West Hartford, CT · 78.6% acceptance · SAT 950 · $47,278 tuition · 64% grad rate
15. 15. United States Coast Guard Academy — New London, CT · 22.4% acceptance · SAT 1,339 · 93% grad rate
16. 16. University of New Haven — West Haven, CT · 60.4% acceptance · SAT 1,160 · $47,332 tuition · 63% grad rate
17. 17. University of Hartford — West Hartford, CT · 95.8% acceptance · SAT 1,219 · $49,075 tuition · 54% grad rate
18. 18. Eastern Connecticut State University — Willimantic, CT · 83% acceptance · SAT 1,160 · $17,428 tuition · 58% grad rate
19. 19. Holy Apostles College and Seminary — Cromwell, CT · $9,580 tuition · 79% grad rate
20. 20. Western Connecticut State University — Danbury, CT · 87% acceptance · SAT 1,110 · $16,901 tuition · 52% grad rate
21. 21. Central Connecticut State University — New Britain, CT · 73.3% acceptance · SAT 1,080 · $16,550 tuition · 48% grad rate
22. 22. Albertus Magnus College — New Haven, CT · 59.3% acceptance · $41,908 tuition · 51% grad rate
23. 23. Southern Connecticut State University — New Haven, CT · 91.5% acceptance · $27,378 tuition · 50% grad rate
24. 24. Goodwin University — East Hartford, CT · $21,198 tuition · 58% grad rate
25. 25. University of Bridgeport — Bridgeport, CT · 83% acceptance · $35,760 tuition · 41% grad rate
26. 26. Mitchell College — New London, CT · 94.7% acceptance · $40,490 tuition · 42% grad rate
27. 27. Connecticut State Community College — New Britain, CT · $15,596 tuition · 24% grad rate
28. 28. Post University — Waterbury, CT · $16,327 tuition · 25% grad rate
29. 29. Arizona College of Nursing - Hartford — East Hartford, CT · 100% acceptance · $24,653 tuition
30. 30. Hartford International University for Religion and Peace — Hartford, CT

Best Colleges in Connecticut on PickACampus