Rankings / By State
Best Colleges in Connecticut
- 25
- Schools
- $66,766
- Avg. Earnings
- 64%
- Avg. Graduation
- $26,858
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,312
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $39,115 at the low end to $100,533 at the top. That 2.6× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $73,997 against $10,875 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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Cost and quality are not at odds here. The most affordable school, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus at $10,875 a year in net price, delivers earnings of $73,997, matching or exceeding the list average.
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Completion rates separate this field: Yale University graduates 96% of its students, well above the 64% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Yale University: graduates owe only 0.13× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus ($10,875/yr) and Fairfield University ($48,095/yr) produce graduates earning $73,997 and $88,794 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $37,220 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus outperforms Yale University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Yale University graduates 96% of its students versus 21% at Connecticut State Community College. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus and Yale University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $74K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-06-15
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Yale University #1 overall | $100,533 ▲ +51% vs avg | $23,777 | 96% | 80 |
| 2 Wesleyan University #2 overall | $73,897 ▲ +11% vs avg | $30,177 | 92% | 74 |
| 3 University of Connecticut #3 overall | $73,997 ▲ +11% vs avg | $25,097 | 84% | 72 |
| $75,001 ▲ +12% vs avg | $36,175 | 83% | 70 | |
| $59,115 ▼ -11% vs avg | $17,604 | 51% | 69 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Colleges in Connecticut
This analysis ranks 25 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $66,766 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 64% and an average net price of $26,858.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus — Net Price: $10,875 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Yale University — 96% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Yale University — Median alumni earnings: $100,533
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Connecticut Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Connecticut?
$67,360
Median earnings (10yr)
59%
Median graduation rate
$27,898
Median net price
1.7%
Avg. mobility rate
Students tend to study where they live and work where they study, which makes a state's colleges its most important economic development asset. This ranking evaluates how well institutions across Connecticut serve that role: producing graduates with strong earnings, keeping talent in the regional economy, and offering affordable paths for local students.
Across the 25 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $67,360 ten years after they first enrolled, about $19,360 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 59%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $27,898 a year, with about $23,824 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 33% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.7%.
For Connecticut, the institutions that combine manageable costs with strong graduate outcomes are the ones building the local workforce. With a median net price of $27,898 and graduates earning a median of $67,360, these schools sit where the talent pipeline and economic development meet.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Yale University lands at #1 with a 80/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $100,533 a decade after enrolling, 51% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,777 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Wesleyan University lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (67/100). Graduates earn a median $73,897 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,177 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
University of Connecticut lands at #3 with a 72/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,097 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Connecticut College lands at #4 with a 70/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $75,001 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,175 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Western Connecticut State University lands at #5 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $59,115 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,604 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Waterbury, CT · 87% accepted · $10,875 net
Why it ranks #6
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus lands at #6 with a 68/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,875 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
New Britain, CT · 73% accepted · $16,857 net
Why it ranks #7
Central Connecticut State University lands at #7 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,562 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,857 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Connecticut State Community College lands at #8 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $41,344 a decade after enrolling, 38% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,513 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Fairfield University lands at #9 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $88,794 a decade after enrolling, 33% above this list's average, and net price runs $48,095 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Hartford, CT · 88% accepted · $16,403 net
Why it ranks #10
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus lands at #10 with a 67/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,403 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Willimantic, CT · 83% accepted · $21,067 net
Why it ranks #11
Eastern Connecticut State University lands at #11 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $56,469 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,067 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Connecticut-Stamford lands at #12 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,798 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Connecticut-Avery Point lands at #13 with a 66/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,807 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
University of Saint Joseph lands at #14 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $59,908 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,989 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Quinnipiac University lands at #15 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $83,759 a decade after enrolling, 25% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,675 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
New Haven, CT · 91% accepted · $20,857 net
Why it ranks #16
Southern Connecticut State University lands at #16 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $55,043 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,857 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
University of Hartford lands at #17 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $60,823 a decade after enrolling, 9% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,282 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Trinity College lands at #18 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $90,779 a decade after enrolling, 36% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,832 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of New Haven lands at #19 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $60,126 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,192 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Sacred Heart University lands at #20 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (25/100). Graduates earn a median $75,059 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $46,174 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Albertus Magnus College lands at #21 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $60,144 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,028 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Mitchell College lands at #22 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $39,115 a decade after enrolling, 41% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,260 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Bridgeport lands at #23 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $50,323 a decade after enrolling, 25% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,807 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
United States Coast Guard Academy lands at #24 with a 53/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by social mobility (68/100). Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Goodwin University lands at #25 with a 41/100 composite, led by academic quality (60/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $43,596 a decade after enrolling, 35% below this list's average, and net price runs $29,249 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 24 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
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.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 18 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.7%. Albertus Magnus College leads the group at 5.5%, with University of Bridgeport (2.9%) and Yale University (2.1%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. University of Bridgeport leads at 16.6%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 33.8% across this list. Fairfield University posts the highest success rate at 63.2%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.66 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Quinnipiac University reaches 1.86, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Colleges in Connecticut: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Colleges in Connecticut ranking? +
Yale University in New Haven, CT ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Colleges in Connecticut ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $100,533 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 96% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Yale University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $100,533 ten years after enrollment, well above the $66,766 average across the 24 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus leads: graduates earn a median $73,997 against net price of about $10,875 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Yale University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 96%, compared with a 64% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $26,858 a year across the 24 ranked schools with cost data. University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus is among the most affordable at roughly $10,875. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Colleges in Connecticut ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 25 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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