Rankings / By State

Best Biology Colleges in Connecticut

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 17 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$73,347

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

70%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$26,309

Avg. Net Price

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Choosing a biology program in Connecticut can feel overwhelming, especially with 17 options to consider. Each school on this list shares a strong focus on biology, but they differ significantly in terms of outcomes like graduation rates and earnings potential, which are crucial factors for students and families weighing their options.

The schools highlighted here stand out based on their graduation rates, average earnings, debt levels, and overall program concentration. For example, the average earnings for biology graduates across these institutions is $73,347, and the average graduation rate is 70%. These metrics can help you assess which colleges might offer not only a solid education but also good financial returns.

Take Yale University and the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, for instance. Yale graduates earn an impressive $100,533 on average, with a graduation rate of 96%. In contrast, the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has average earnings of $73,997 and a graduation rate of just 56%. This stark difference in outcomes highlights the importance of considering both financial and educational factors as you make your decision.

Key Findings

Yale University graduates earn $100,533 on average, the highest in Connecticut.

The average graduation rate among these schools is 70%, indicating a solid commitment to student success.

Connecticut College has a net price of $36,175, which might influence your financial decision.

The University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has a graduation rate of only 56%, the lowest on this list.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 17

Avg. earnings at 10yr $73,347

Avg. graduation rate 70%

Avg. net price $26,309

Avg. median debt $22,407

How We Ranked

Biology programs in Connecticut ranked by outcomes and program concentration

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 →

Connecticut College

New London, CT

Graduation83%

Earnings$75,001

Net Price$36,175

View full profile →

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT

Graduation92%

Earnings$73,897

Net Price$30,177

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 in New Haven, CT, is a beacon for students seeking a rigorous academic environment. The school's commitment to excellence is reflected in its median earnings of $100,533 at ten years post-graduation, suggesting that graduates are well-prepared for successful careers across various fields.

4% accepted 96% graduate $100,533 earnings

Connecticut College

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

At Connecticut College in New London, CT, students are part of a close-knit community that emphasizes engagement and experiential learning. Though the graduation rate is 83%, the school actively supports students in finding their path, leading to median earnings of $75,001 at ten years, which reflects the value of its diverse programs.

37% accepted 83% graduate $75,001 earnings

Connecticut's full profile

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT · 3,067 students · Private nonprofit

Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT, has a vibrant campus culture that attracts students passionate about the arts, humanities, and social sciences. With a graduation rate of 92% and median earnings of $73,897 at ten years, the school prepares students for meaningful careers in various sectors, from education to creative industries.

16% accepted 92% graduate $73,897 earnings

Wesleyan's full profile

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT · 19,835 students · Public

With nearly 20,000 students, the University of Connecticut in Storrs is known for a vibrant campus life and a strong commitment to research. The median earnings for graduates ten years after enrollment reach $73,997, suggesting that a degree here can lead to solid financial outcomes.

52% accepted 84% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Waterbury, CT · 733 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 87%, the University of Connecticut's Waterbury Campus is an accessible option for students seeking a supportive environment. The student body of 733 reflects a diverse community where 52% of students receive Pell Grants, emphasizing the campus's commitment to affordability and inclusion.

87% accepted 56% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

Hartford, CT · 1,525 students · Public

Situated in the heart of Hartford, this campus serves over 1,500 students in a vibrant urban setting. With a graduation rate of 65%, the University of Connecticut's Hartford Campus fosters a community geared towards student success, supported by a diverse group of 46% Pell Grant recipients who benefit from the institution's focus on accessibility.

88% accepted 65% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT · 3,511 students · Public

Western Connecticut State University, situated in Danbury, offers a welcoming environment for students with diverse interests. Despite a smaller student body of around 3,500, the median earnings for graduates ten years post-graduation reach $59,115, which indicates a decent return on investment.

87% accepted 51% graduate $59,115 earnings

Western's full profile

University of Connecticut-Stamford

Stamford, CT · 2,432 students · Public

For those looking to study in a dynamic city, the University of Connecticut's Stamford Campus offers a vibrant learning environment with 2,432 students. The campus has a graduation rate of 57%, and it attracts a diverse student body, with 51% receiving Pell Grants, highlighting its commitment to making higher education accessible to all.

83% accepted 57% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

University of Connecticut-Avery Point

Groton, CT · 454 students · Public

With a smaller campus of just 454 students, the University of Connecticut's Avery Point offers a close-knit community that emphasizes individualized attention and support. The graduation rate of 59% reflects a focused mission to help students succeed, with 38% of students benefiting from Pell Grants, ensuring that education is within reach for those from various backgrounds.

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 in New Britain provides an accessible option for students with a variety of academic interests. With a graduation rate of 49%, it offers a supportive environment for those who may need additional time to complete their degrees, while median earnings ten years after graduation average around $58,562.

73% accepted 49% graduate $58,562 earnings

Central's full profile

#11

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · 5,373 students · Private nonprofit

Nestled in Fairfield, Connecticut, Fairfield University is a private institution that emphasizes strong academic programs and a close-knit community. With an impressive 84% graduation rate and median earnings of $88,794 for graduates ten years after enrollment, it's clear that students here can achieve significant success.

33% accepted 84% graduate $88,794 earnings

Fairfield's full profile

#12

Trinity College

Hartford, CT · 2,146 students · Private nonprofit

Trinity College, located in Hartford, CT, is known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts and a diverse student body. With an 83% graduation rate and median earnings of $90,779 a decade after graduation, students can expect to develop skills that are highly valued in the job market, fostering opportunities in various fields like business and public service.

29% accepted 83% graduate $90,779 earnings

Trinity's full profile

#13

Eastern Connecticut State University

Willimantic, CT · 3,418 students · Public

With a welcoming acceptance rate of 83%, Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic is an inviting option for students seeking a supportive environment. The university has a reputation for fostering a close-knit community, which can be particularly beneficial for students who thrive in smaller settings.

83% accepted 58% graduate $56,469 earnings

Eastern's full profile

#14

University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, CT · 838 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford offers a personalized education experience with a strong emphasis on student success. With a graduation rate of 66%, this university is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals while nurturing their personal growth in a supportive setting.

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 attention with its strong graduation rate of 77% and impressive median earnings of $83,759 ten years post-graduation. This private nonprofit institution is known for its robust academic programs and vibrant campus life, appealing to students who seek both a solid education and a dynamic college experience.

72% accepted 77% graduate $83,759 earnings

Quinnipiac's full profile

#16

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT · 7,087 students · Private nonprofit

With a vibrant student body of 7,087, Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, combines a close-knit community feel with robust academic offerings. The school has a graduation rate of 74%, indicating that a solid majority of students successfully complete their degrees, which is an encouraging sign for prospective students and their families looking for a supportive environment.

65% accepted 74% graduate $75,059 earnings

Sacred's full profile

#17

Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT · 6,295 students · Public

Southern Connecticut State University, located in New Haven, stands out with its high acceptance rate of 91%, making it an accessible option for many aspiring students. Despite a lower graduation rate of 49%, the university fosters a diverse community that often benefits from its inclusive atmosphere and supportive services.

91% accepted 49% graduate $55,043 earnings

Southern's full profile

This data reveals a significant gap in outcomes between schools. For example, Yale University not only has the highest earnings at $100,533 but also boasts a graduation rate of 96%. In comparison, the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus shows a lower graduation rate of 56% and earnings of $73,997. Such disparities can impact your career trajectory and financial stability post-graduation.

As you sift through these options, consider what matters most to you. Are you looking for a school with a robust program and high earning potential, or are factors like campus culture and financial aid more important? Weigh each school’s data against your personal goals, whether that’s minimizing debt or maximizing internship opportunities.

Ultimately, the decision you make will play a crucial role in shaping your future. Consider how these metrics align with your family's needs and aspirations. One choice can set the stage for a stable and fulfilling career in biology.

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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