Best Colleges in Connecticut

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Connecticut

Best Associate Degrees in Connecticut

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Getting an associate degree is a gateway to earning your bachelor's degree and beyond. Associate programs in the state of Connecticut include criminal justice, early childhood inclusive education, art therapy, graphic design, medical assisting, and much more for students who are looking to get into the work force right away. If you're interested in a two-year degree, you might be considering Manchester Community College, Middlesex Community College, or Capital Community College. Check out our full list of the best colleges offering associate degrees in the state to help you make the best decision for you.

Goodwin College

College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,297 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $18,210

Asnuntuck Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,600 Graduation Rate 37% Net Price $7,982

Middlesex Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 2,424 Graduation Rate 25% Net Price $4,872

Northwestern Connecticut Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,308 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $6,967

Quinebaug Valley Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,299 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $9,736

Manchester Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 5,511 Graduation Rate 20% Net Price $7,312

Naugatuck Valley Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 6,055 Graduation Rate 15% Net Price $6,525

Housatonic Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 4,836 Graduation Rate 14% Net Price $5,459

Norwalk Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 5,083 Graduation Rate 14% Net Price $7,321

Three Rivers Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 3,304 Graduation Rate 14% Net Price $6,905

Full Ranking Report

Gateway Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 6864 Graduation Rate 12% Net Price $6,736

Tunxis Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 3,781 Graduation Rate 12% Net Price $7,732

Capital Community College

College Type 2-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 3,083 Graduation Rate 10% Net Price $7,754

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Connecticut

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Connecticut offers some of the best bachelor's degree programs in the country. Career studies available include mechanical engineering, finance, business administration, media, communication, and game design and development. You may choose to inquire more about these programs through colleges and universities like Yale University, Quinnipiac University, or Wesleyan University. To help you make your decision, we’ve put together a list of the best colleges in Connecticut where you can earn a high-quality education and a bachelor’s degree.

Yale University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 13,609 Graduation Rate 97% Net Price $18,073

Wesleyan University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,230 Graduation Rate 92% Net Price $21,853

United States Coast Guard Academy

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,069 Graduation Rate 89% Net Price NA

Connecticut College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,861 Graduation Rate 84% Net Price $40,707

University of Connecticut

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 27,280 Graduation Rate 84% Net Price $20,042

Fairfield University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,349 Graduation Rate 83% Net Price $39,546

Trinity College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,234 Graduation Rate 83% Net Price $27,829

Quinnipiac University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 9,708 Graduation Rate 77% Net Price $41,636

Sacred Heart University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 9,156 Graduation Rate 73% Net Price $41,570

University of New Haven

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 6,793 Graduation Rate 62% Net Price $34,353

Full Ranking Report

Albertus Magnus College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,419 Graduation Rate 61% Net Price $25,972

Paier College of Art Inc

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 89 Graduation Rate 61% Net Price $16,401

University of Hartford

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 6,773 Graduation Rate 59% Net Price $29,141

Central Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 11,154 Graduation Rate 57% Net Price $15,602

Eastern Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 4,971 Graduation Rate 57% Net Price $18,572

University of Saint Joseph

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,398 Graduation Rate 55% Net Price $21,602

Southern Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 9,817 Graduation Rate 52% Net Price $19,155

Western Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,631 Graduation Rate 52% Net Price $18,110

University of Bridgeport

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 5,089 Graduation Rate 45% Net Price $22,347

Mitchell College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 642 Graduation Rate 43% Net Price $28,287

Goodwin College

College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 3,297 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $18,210

Post University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 10,642 Graduation Rate 17% Net Price $15,030

Charter Oak State College

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 1,611 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $10,724

Holy Apostles College and Seminary

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 603 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $9,100

Best Master's Degrees in Connecticut

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A high-level degree gives you opportunities and advantages that cannot be afforded to you by a two or four-year degree alone. If you want to move up in your career or find a higher-paying job in Connecticut, you should consider pursuing an MBA, master's degree or doctorate. Some popular programs at this level are information technology, electrical engineering, economics, educational leadership, and TESOL. You can find these programs and more at all the colleges and universities on our list of high-quality educational institutions that offer you the best master’s and doctoral degree options.

Yale University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 7,517 Graduation Rate 97% Net Price $18,073

Wesleyan University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 212 Graduation Rate 92% Net Price $21,853

Connecticut College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population NA Graduation Rate 84% Net Price $40,707

University of Connecticut

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 8,433 Graduation Rate 84% Net Price $20,042

Fairfield University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,046 Graduation Rate 83% Net Price $39,546

Trinity College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 39 Graduation Rate 83% Net Price $27,829

Quinnipiac University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,863 Graduation Rate 77% Net Price $41,636

Sacred Heart University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,998 Graduation Rate 73% Net Price $41,570

University of New Haven

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,881 Graduation Rate 62% Net Price $34,353

Albertus Magnus College

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 303 Graduation Rate 61% Net Price $25,972

Full Ranking Report

University of Hartford

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,980 Graduation Rate 59% Net Price $29,141

Central Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 2,109 Graduation Rate 57% Net Price $15,602

Eastern Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 171 Graduation Rate 57% Net Price $18,572

University of Saint Joseph

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,494 Graduation Rate 55% Net Price $21,602

Southern Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,855 Graduation Rate 52% Net Price $19,155

Western Connecticut State University

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing Yes Student Population 649 Graduation Rate 52% Net Price $18,110

University of Bridgeport

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 1,856 Graduation Rate 45% Net Price $22,347

Goodwin College

College Type 4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 89 Graduation Rate 38% Net Price $18,210

Post University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 913 Graduation Rate 17% Net Price $15,030

Charter Oak State College

College Type 4-year, Public Campus Housing No Student Population 64 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $10,724

Hartford Seminary

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing Yes Student Population 129 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Holy Apostles College and Seminary

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 401 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $9,100

Rensselaer at Hartford

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Campus Housing No Student Population 89 Graduation Rate NA Net Price NA

Best Online Degree Colleges in Connecticut (Distance Learning Only)

People take classes online for many different reasons. It could be that they have scheduling, work, or family conflicts, or it may only be a matter of convenience or cost. Here you’ll find a list of some of the best online schools in Connecticut. These colleges and universities offer degree programs in hospitality, accounting, finance, psychology, project management, human resources, and so much more.

Charter Oak State College

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 1,611 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $10,724

Colorado Technical University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 27,232 Graduation Rate 26% Net Price $16,260

Purdue

College Type 4-year, Public Student Population 38,138 Graduation Rate 27% Net Price NA

Southern New Hampshire University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 113,514 Graduation Rate 44% Net Price $39,743

Western Governors University

College Type 4-year, Private not-for-profit Student Population 136,139 Graduation Rate 21% Net Price $7,785

Capella University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 37,859 Graduation Rate NA Net Price $17,368

Walden University

College Type 4-year, Private for-profit Student Population 48,420 Graduation Rate 33% Net Price NA

Cost of Connecticut College Education & Salaries

When you approach your bachelor's degree, you will need to take its cost into account. After all, the odds are that you will likely carry at least some debt with you when you graduate. This unpleasant reality can be mitigated by a simple cost analysis before you start your education.

Prior to enrollment, you can look at the career path you intend to take and weigh your projected salary against your projected student loan debt. You should also take into consideration the likelihood of your happiness and sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment in your future career. Don't try to force yourself into a career that you know you will find unpleasant just because it pays well. Nonetheless, in your cost analysis of a bachelor's degree, consider how you can reduce costs. For instance, you could resolve to remain in-state at public colleges and universities. Going out-of-state is likely to cost at least twice as much as for an in-state degree.

Achieving an associate's degree from a community college might enable you to gain some experience in your field and help pay down your debt a bit. For example, after achieving your associate's degree you could work for two or three years in your field and then continue your studies either through an online bachelor's program or at a public university. You might even find that your employer is willing to shoulder some of the tuition cost. Ultimately, any cost analysis of an education should weigh not only tuition versus salary but must include intangible factors such as your overall satisfaction and quality of life.

Best Scholarships for Connecticut

Scholarships and grants can be a great way to offset your future student loan debt. There are federal and private sources for both types of funding, though private scholarships and grants are perhaps more numerous and more diversified. Keep in mind that though many scholarships are likely to pay for little more than a few credits or your book expense, simply winning carries long-term value. That is, when you list these awards on your resume, hiring managers will take note.

CCSG

Connecticut College Scholarships and Grants

Amount: $5,000-$20,000 (4 Awards)
Deadline: January 16
https://www.conncoll.edu/admission/scholarships-and-grants/
If you desire a top-notch private, liberal arts education, Connecticut College offers one of the best. They claim that 90% of their financial aid is in the form of grants that students needn't repay. Since these grants are often needs-based, less-advantaged students could end up with a private education that costs less than a public university. There are also four merit scholarships that range from $5,000 to $20,000.

AESP

Alma Exley Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000
Deadline: October 31
https://www.partnerconnecticutcu.org/about/foundations/partner-connecticut-foundation
If your calling is in the classroom, teaching eager young minds, then this is a scholarship for you. Geared towards students of color, the Exley Scholarship awards worthy future teachers with $5,000 towards their post-secondary education. It doesn't matter which school you will call your alma mater, so long as it is in the borders of Connecticut. However, you should already have been admitted to a teacher-preparation program, and either a junior or senior.

HFSF

Hartford Foundation Scholarship Fund

Amount: $3,000
Deadline: January 15
https://www.hfpg.org/donors/ways-to-give/scholarship-fund
If you are soon to graduate from a Greater Hartford high school, you could qualify for this $3,000 scholarship. You should be enrolled as a full-time student in a four-year, degree-granting institution and must demonstrate financial need. Your GPA should place you in the top 1/3 of your graduating class and you also need to show volunteering and extra-curricular activities in your application.

AARCS

Androscoggin Amateur Radio Club Scholarship

Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: January 31
http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions#
If your passion is amateur radio, you have an FCC license, and are studying computer science, tv/radio electronics, or Electrical Engineering, you can apply to receive up to $1,000 for your four-year college tuition. You may receive $500 if you are attending a two-year institution. The scholarship is open to amateur radio operators all over New England, so make your application includes your current transcripts and is submitted before January 31.

LIS

Lighthouse International Scholarships

Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 31
https://www.lighthouseguild.org/patients-families/scholarships/college-bound-scholarship-application/
If you are considered legally blind and need assistance with your college tuition, the Lighthouse Guild has a $10,000 award to help. To apply, have your GPA, college board exam scores, a list of extra-curricular activities, and other pertinent information handy. You can use their website to enter all of your information and await their decision.

JSS

John Soto Scholarships

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
https://calahe.org/scholarship-eligibility-
This is a scholarship for college-bound Latinos who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who have been Connecticut residents for the previous 12 months. Students also need to show financial need, submit an essay, and send their official transcripts for review. The fund provides a single award of $1,000.