Rankings / By State

Best Bachelor's Programs in Connecticut

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 23 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$68,974

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

66%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$27,447

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing the right bachelor's program is crucial for students and families weighing their options in Connecticut. With 22 institutions offering a variety of degrees, each school presents unique opportunities and challenges that can shape future careers and financial wellbeing.

What sets these schools apart are the outcomes that really matter: earnings after graduation, completion rates, student debt, and, importantly, mobility. These factors inform the ranking below, which highlights how well each school prepares its students for life after college and their potential to move up the economic ladder.

For instance, Yale University leads the list with impressive earnings of $100,533 and a graduation rate of 96%. In contrast, the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has a lower graduation rate of 56% and a net price of just $10,875, highlighting the trade-offs students may face in terms of financial burden versus potential earnings.

Key Findings

Yale University graduates earn an average of $100,533, the highest in this ranking.

Wesleyan University has a graduation rate of 92%, underscoring its strong student support.

The University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus charges a net price of $10,875, the lowest among the top five.

Graduates from Trinity College earn $90,779 but have a net price of $34,832, indicating higher costs for better earnings.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 23

Avg. earnings at 10yr $68,974

Avg. graduation rate 66%

Avg. net price $27,447

Avg. median debt $23,490

How We Ranked

Bachelor's programs in Connecticut ranked by outcomes and mobility

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Yale University

New Haven, CT

Graduation96%

Earnings$100,533

Net Price$23,777

View full profile →

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT

Graduation92%

Earnings$73,897

Net Price$30,177

View full profile →

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT

Graduation84%

Earnings$73,997

Net Price$25,097

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Yale University

New Haven, CT · 6,758 students · Private nonprofit

With a graduation rate of 96%, Yale University cultivates an environment where students thrive academically and personally. Located in New Haven, CT, this private nonprofit institution sees its graduates earning a median of $100,533 just ten years after enrollment, highlighting the return on investment for those who choose to attend.

4% accepted 96% graduate $100,533 earnings

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT · 3,067 students · Private nonprofit

Wesleyan University, nestled in Middletown, CT, has a strong commitment to liberal arts education, reflected in its 92% graduation rate. Graduates can expect to earn a median income of $73,897 within ten years, demonstrating the value of a Wesleyan degree in the job market and beyond.

16% accepted 92% graduate $73,897 earnings

Wesleyan's full profile

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT · 19,835 students · Public

Home to nearly 20,000 students, the University of Connecticut in Storrs offers a vibrant campus life filled with diverse opportunities. Its solid 84% graduation rate indicates that students who enroll here are likely to find the support they need to succeed. The combination of academic programs and campus activities allows for a well-rounded college experience that helps students grow both personally and professionally.

52% accepted 84% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

Connecticut College

New London, CT · 1,937 students · Private nonprofit

Connecticut College, located in New London, CT, has a vibrant community of nearly 2,000 students. With an impressive graduation rate of 83%, the college fosters an environment where students can thrive academically and socially, shaping them into well-rounded individuals ready for the job market.

37% accepted 83% graduate $75,001 earnings

Connecticut's full profile

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Waterbury, CT · 733 students · Public

The University of Connecticut's Waterbury campus offers a unique blend of accessibility and potential with an acceptance rate of 87%. Despite a lower graduation rate of 56%, many students find value in the education provided here, with median earnings reaching $73,997 ten years after graduation, suggesting that there are opportunities for success post-graduation.

87% accepted 56% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT · 3,511 students · Public

Western Connecticut State University in Danbury serves over 3,500 students and emphasizes accessibility with an acceptance rate of 87%. Though the graduation rate is lower at 51%, the university provides a supportive environment that can be a good fit for students seeking a more relaxed path to completing their degree.

87% accepted 51% graduate $59,115 earnings

Western's full profile

University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

Hartford, CT · 1,525 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 88%, the University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus can be an excellent choice for students looking for a supportive environment. Around 46% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and financial support for those who need it most. The smaller campus size, with just 1,525 students, fosters close-knit connections and personalized attention from faculty, which can be pivotal in a student's academic journey.

88% accepted 65% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

University of Connecticut-Stamford

Stamford, CT · 2,432 students · Public

The University of Connecticut-Stamford offers a unique urban campus experience with a focus on practical learning and career readiness. With around 2,432 students, it maintains a more intimate feel while still being part of the larger UConn system. A 57% graduation rate reflects the challenges some students face, but the college's commitment to supporting its diverse student body, including 51% Pell Grant recipients, is evident.

83% accepted 57% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

University of Connecticut-Avery Point

Groton, CT · 454 students · Public

Nestled in Groton, the University of Connecticut-Avery Point provides a picturesque coastal campus experience that attracts students interested in marine and environmental studies. With a smaller enrollment of 454 students, it creates a tight-knit community where faculty engagement can lead to personalized learning experiences. The 59% graduation rate shows room for improvement, but the supportive atmosphere can help students succeed academically.

88% accepted 59% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CT · 7,822 students · Public

Central Connecticut State University, located in New Britain, is home to nearly 8,000 students, providing a diverse and engaging campus life. With a graduation rate of 49%, it might not be the highest, but the university's supportive faculty and extensive resources can help students navigate their academic journeys effectively.

73% accepted 49% graduate $58,562 earnings

Central's full profile

#11

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · 5,373 students · Private nonprofit

At Fairfield University, located in Fairfield, CT, students join a community of over 5,300 individuals committed to academic excellence and personal growth. With an 84% graduation rate, the university cultivates a strong sense of achievement and community among its students, laying a solid foundation for future success.

33% accepted 84% graduate $88,794 earnings

Fairfield's full profile

#12

Trinity College

Hartford, CT · 2,146 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Hartford, CT, Trinity College fosters a strong academic community with an 83% graduation rate. Graduates enjoy a median income of $90,779 within ten years, showcasing the effectiveness of a Trinity education in preparing students for the workforce and beyond.

29% accepted 83% graduate $90,779 earnings

Trinity's full profile

#13

Eastern Connecticut State University

Willimantic, CT · 3,418 students · Public

With a strong focus on student support, Eastern Connecticut State University cultivates a welcoming environment for its 3,418 students. The 58% graduation rate reflects a commitment to helping students succeed, while the median earnings of $56,469 a decade after graduation indicate promising career prospects.

83% accepted 58% graduate $56,469 earnings

Eastern's full profile

#14

University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, CT · 838 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in West Hartford, the University of Saint Joseph is a smaller private nonprofit school with a strong emphasis on personal attention. With a graduation rate of 66%, the university fosters close connections between faculty and students, which often leads to impressive median earnings of $59,908 ten years after graduation.

79% accepted 66% graduate $59,908 earnings

University's full profile

#15

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT · 6,531 students · Private nonprofit

Quinnipiac University in Hamden attracts students with its strong academic programs and a notable 77% graduation rate. The university emphasizes experiential learning, contributing to impressive median earnings of $83,759 for graduates ten years after they leave, setting a high benchmark for career readiness and success.

72% accepted 77% graduate $83,759 earnings

Quinnipiac's full profile

#16

Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT · 6,295 students · Public

Southern Connecticut State University, located in New Haven, presents an opportunity for students looking for a larger public university experience. Despite a 49% graduation rate, the campus is known for its vibrant student life and offers a variety of resources aimed at encouraging student success, leading to median earnings of $55,043 a decade post-graduation.

91% accepted 49% graduate $55,043 earnings

Southern's full profile

#17

University of Hartford

West Hartford, CT · 4,146 students · Private nonprofit

With a 96% acceptance rate, the University of Hartford welcomes a diverse range of students looking for a supportive academic environment. The school's focus on providing personalized attention is reflected in its smaller student body of 4,146, which allows for close interactions between students and faculty, fostering an engaging learning experience.

96% accepted 56% graduate $60,823 earnings

University's full profile

#18

University of New Haven

West Haven, CT · 4,841 students · Private nonprofit

The University of New Haven offers a hands-on approach to education, with a commitment to experiential learning that resonates with many students. Its diverse programs prepare graduates for a wide range of careers, making it a strong contender for those seeking practical skill development alongside academic growth.

60% accepted 61% graduate $60,126 earnings

University's full profile

#19

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT · 7,087 students · Private nonprofit

Sacred Heart University, located in Fairfield, CT, has a strong emphasis on student success, as evidenced by a graduation rate of 74%. With 7,087 students, it combines a vibrant campus life with solid academic programs, making it an appealing choice for those interested in a well-rounded college experience.

65% accepted 74% graduate $75,059 earnings

Sacred's full profile

#20

Mitchell College

New London, CT · 377 students · Private nonprofit

Mitchell College is a unique choice for students seeking a smaller, more intimate campus experience, with just 377 students enrolled. The college focuses on individualized learning and support, which can be particularly beneficial for those who thrive in less conventional educational settings.

95% accepted 43% graduate $39,115 earnings

Mitchell's full profile

#21

Albertus Magnus College

New Haven, CT · 991 students · Private nonprofit

In New Haven, Albertus Magnus College is home to a tight-knit community of around 991 students. With a graduation rate of 49%, the college emphasizes personalized attention, which can help students thrive in their academic journeys and build strong relationships with faculty and peers alike.

59% accepted 49% graduate $60,144 earnings

Albertus's full profile

#22

United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, CT · 1,108 students · Public

22% accepted 90% graduate

United's full profile

#23

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT · 1,534 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Bridgeport offers a diverse environment with a student body of approximately 1,534. Here, students benefit from an acceptance rate of 83%, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants. Although the graduation rate is 45%, the university provides numerous resources and support services designed to help students stay on track and achieve their academic goals.

83% accepted 45% graduate $50,323 earnings

University's full profile

When comparing schools, Yale University outperforms the University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus significantly, with $100,533 in earnings compared to $73,997. This difference of $26,536 highlights the potential return on investment from choosing a school with higher earnings outcomes.

After reviewing the data, consider your priorities. Think about factors like location, specific programs of interest, campus culture, and financial circumstances. A school that excels in one area may not be the best fit for your personal goals and values.

Ultimately, this data reflects the real-world implications of college choices. A family's decision to invest in a particular program can significantly influence their financial future and stability. It’s essential to recognize how these metrics translate into everyday life and career paths.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

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

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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