Rankings / By State

Best Colleges in Connecticut

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 25 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$66,766

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

64%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$26,858

Avg. Net Price

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When considering higher education options in Connecticut, students and families often look for schools that offer solid outcomes and a supportive environment. With 24 institutions in this state, the choices can feel overwhelming, but understanding the landscape can help narrow it down. For example, graduates from Yale University report earnings of $100,533, showcasing the potential return on investment from a degree here.

The schools on this list stand out due to their performance in key areas such as graduation rates, earnings potential, student debt, and mobility. The average earnings for graduates across these institutions is $66,766, while the overall graduation rate sits at 63%. As you review the rankings, focus on how each school balances these factors to meet your individual needs.

Take Yale and Trinity College as examples. Yale boasts a remarkable graduation rate of 96% and an average debt of $12,975, while Trinity's graduation rate is 83% but comes with a higher average debt of $23,000. This contrast highlights how different schools can serve varying priorities, whether it’s financial concerns or completion rates that matter most to you.

Key Findings

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

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

The average debt for graduates from the top schools is $19,120.

The University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has the lowest net price at $10,875.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 25

Avg. earnings at 10yr $66,766

Avg. graduation rate 64%

Avg. net price $26,858

Avg. median debt $23,312

How We Ranked

Composite score for institutions in Connecticut

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 demonstrates its commitment to student success. The vibrant campus in New Haven, CT, supports a diverse student body of 6,758. Here, students engage in a rich academic environment that encourages exploration and intellectual growth.

4% accepted 96% graduate $100,533 earnings

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT · 3,067 students · Private nonprofit

Wesleyan University attracts students eager to explore their passions in a close-knit environment. Located in Middletown, CT, the university has a student population of 3,067 and maintains a solid graduation rate of 92%. Here, students can engage deeply with their education, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

16% accepted 92% graduate $73,897 earnings

Wesleyan's full profile

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT · 19,835 students · Public

The main campus in Storrs is a dynamic environment, home to over 19,835 students who benefit from a wealth of resources and opportunities. With an impressive graduation rate of 84%, this campus not only focuses on academic excellence but also on building a strong community that supports students from diverse backgrounds, as evidenced by its 25% Pell Grant recipient rate.

52% accepted 84% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

Connecticut College

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

With a graduation rate of 83%, Connecticut College is a strong choice for students seeking a supportive and engaging academic environment. Located in New London, this private nonprofit institution cultivates a close-knit community, where students can explore their passions and develop critical thinking skills. The median earnings for graduates a decade after enrollment reach $75,001, indicating a solid return on investment for education here.

37% accepted 83% graduate $75,001 earnings

Connecticut's full profile

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT · 3,511 students · Public

Western Connecticut State University, located in Danbury, offers a welcoming environment with an acceptance rate of 87%. It caters to students looking for a public university with a focus on practical education. While the graduation rate is 51%, the median earnings of $59,115 ten years after graduation suggest that students can still find rewarding career paths after completing their degrees.

87% accepted 51% graduate $59,115 earnings

Western's full profile

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Waterbury, CT · 733 students · Public

The University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus offers a supportive educational environment for its 733 students. With a graduation rate of 56%, it provides a pathway for those looking to pursue their degrees in a community-focused setting. The campus is known for its affordable access to education and local engagement.

87% accepted 56% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CT · 7,822 students · Public

With a student body of 7,822, Central Connecticut State University is a public institution that fosters a diverse learning environment. The school has a 49% graduation rate, which reflects both challenges and opportunities for students to engage and find their paths in various fields.

73% accepted 49% graduate $58,562 earnings

Central's full profile

Connecticut State Community College

New Britain, CT · 33,645 students · Public

Connecticut State Community College is a massive institution in New Britain, with 33,645 students enrolled. While the graduation rate is relatively low at 21%, this community college serves as a stepping stone for many, offering affordable education and diverse programs that cater to various interests. Graduates earn a median of $41,344 ten years after completing their studies, which highlights the potential for career advancement after starting here.

21% graduate $41,344 earnings

Connecticut's full profile

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT · 5,373 students · Private nonprofit

Fairfield University, a private nonprofit in Fairfield, garners attention with an impressive graduation rate of 84%. This institution emphasizes a strong liberal arts education, preparing students for a range of careers and graduate programs. Graduates see median earnings of $88,794 a decade after they leave, suggesting that an investment here can lead to lucrative opportunities.

33% accepted 84% graduate $88,794 earnings

Fairfield's full profile

#10

University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

Hartford, CT · 1,525 students · Public

With a sizable student body of 1,525, the University of Connecticut's Hartford Campus is a vibrant hub for those looking to blend education with urban life. A graduation rate of 65% reflects the supportive environment designed to help students succeed, and 46% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to accessibility for those with financial needs.

88% accepted 65% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

#11

Eastern Connecticut State University

Willimantic, CT · 3,418 students · Public

Eastern Connecticut State University, located in Willimantic, serves a smaller student population of 3,418, allowing for a more personalized educational experience. With a graduation rate of 58%, it can be a good fit for students seeking a supportive community that encourages academic success and personal growth.

83% accepted 58% graduate $56,469 earnings

Eastern's full profile

#12

University of Connecticut-Stamford

Stamford, CT · 2,432 students · Public

Located in the bustling city of Stamford, this campus is home to 2,432 students who enjoy the resources of a larger university while benefiting from a close-knit community. Although the graduation rate is slightly lower at 57%, there's a rich array of opportunities for students to engage in internships and networking in a metropolitan setting, making it an appealing choice for career-oriented individuals.

83% accepted 57% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

#13

University of Connecticut-Avery Point

Groton, CT · 454 students · Public

At the University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus, students enjoy a unique coastal experience in Groton, where a tight-knit community of 454 students fosters collaboration and personal growth. With a 59% graduation rate, this campus offers intimate class sizes and dedicated faculty, making it a great fit for those who thrive in a more personalized educational setting.

88% accepted 59% graduate $73,997 earnings

University's full profile

#14

University of Saint Joseph

West Hartford, CT · 838 students · Private nonprofit

The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford is a private nonprofit school with a tight-knit community of just 838 students. It boasts a graduation rate of 66%, indicating a strong commitment to student success and support throughout their academic journeys.

79% accepted 66% graduate $59,908 earnings

University's full profile

#15

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT · 6,531 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Hamden, Quinnipiac University is a vibrant private nonprofit institution with a student body of 6,531. The school enjoys a graduation rate of 77%, which reflects its strong focus on ensuring students complete their degrees and are prepared for their careers.

72% accepted 77% graduate $83,759 earnings

Quinnipiac's full profile

#16

Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, CT · 6,295 students · Public

With an acceptance rate of 91%, Southern Connecticut State University welcomes a diverse body of students to its New Haven campus. Here, almost half of the students, specifically 49%, graduate, while those who do find themselves earning a median of $55,043 after ten years in the workforce. This suggests a supportive environment for students navigating their college journey and entering the job market.

91% accepted 49% graduate $55,043 earnings

Southern's full profile

#17

University of Hartford

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

University of Hartford, located in West Hartford, is a private nonprofit institution that prides itself on an acceptance rate of 96%. This welcoming atmosphere contributes to a 56% graduation rate, with graduates earning a median of $60,823 after ten years in their careers, indicating that students can find promising opportunities with a degree from this school.

96% accepted 56% graduate $60,823 earnings

University's full profile

#18

Trinity College

Hartford, CT · 2,146 students · Private nonprofit

Trinity College, nestled in Hartford, CT, offers a unique liberal arts experience for its 2,146 students. The college prides itself on a graduation rate of 83%, fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially. It’s a place that encourages students to engage with their interests beyond the classroom.

29% accepted 83% graduate $90,779 earnings

Trinity's full profile

#19

University of New Haven

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

The University of New Haven, situated in West Haven, offers a compelling mix of opportunity and support with a graduation rate of 61%. Graduates can expect to earn a median of $60,126 after ten years, reflecting the university's ability to prepare students for a competitive job market while fostering a sense of community among its 4,841 students.

60% accepted 61% graduate $60,126 earnings

University's full profile

#20

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT · 7,087 students · Private nonprofit

Sacred Heart University in Fairfield boasts a strong graduation rate of 74%, reflecting its commitment to student success. Graduates leave with a robust median earning of $75,059 after ten years, suggesting that the skills and knowledge gained here translate well into the job market, allowing students to thrive professionally.

65% accepted 74% graduate $75,059 earnings

Sacred's full profile

#21

Albertus Magnus College

New Haven, CT · 991 students · Private nonprofit

With a relatively small student body of 991, Albertus Magnus College fosters a close-knit community where personalized attention is the norm. The school's commitment to liberal arts education and social justice prepares graduates not just for careers, but for meaningful contributions to society.

59% accepted 49% graduate $60,144 earnings

Albertus's full profile

#22

Mitchell College

New London, CT · 377 students · Private nonprofit

Mitchell College, with its intimate atmosphere and a smaller enrollment of just 377 students, focuses on personalized education that meets individual needs. The college embraces a unique approach to learning, particularly for those who may thrive in less traditional settings.

95% accepted 43% graduate $39,115 earnings

Mitchell's full profile

#23

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT · 1,534 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Bridgeport, the University of Bridgeport offers a diverse range of programs that cater to a variety of interests and career paths. With an acceptance rate of 83%, the university is accessible to many students looking for a supportive atmosphere to thrive academically and socially.

83% accepted 45% graduate $50,323 earnings

University's full profile

#24

United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, CT · 1,108 students · Public

22% accepted 90% graduate

United's full profile

#25

Goodwin University

East Hartford, CT · 2,693 students · Private nonprofit

Goodwin University is an engaging, community-oriented institution in East Hartford that prioritizes career readiness and academic success. With 2,693 students, it maintains a strong focus on experiential learning and partnerships with local businesses, setting students up for practical career paths.

58% graduate $43,596 earnings

Goodwin's full profile

Yale University and Trinity College illustrate a key pattern in Connecticut’s colleges. While Yale has a higher graduation rate at 96%, it also has a lower average debt of $12,975 compared to Trinity's $23,000. This suggests that investing in certain schools may yield better long-term financial stability, making Yale a strong contender for those prioritizing financial outcomes.

After reviewing the list, consider your own priorities before making a decision. If you value lower costs, the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus stands out with a net price of just $10,875. Conversely, if career prospects are paramount, Yale's higher earnings could justify its costs. Determine what factors are most important to you, whether it’s academics, campus culture, or financial implications.

Ultimately, the data here reflects the varied paths a college education can take. Choosing the right school impacts not just immediate experience but also long-term financial health and career opportunities. For one family, the decision to attend a school with a proven track record of high earnings could mean the difference between a stable financial future and ongoing debt burdens.

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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