# Best Colleges in Connecticut

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 25 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-connecticut

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Connecticut

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

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.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Yale University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/yale-university) | New Haven, CT | 96% | $100,533 | $23,777 | $12,975 | 0.13x |
| 2 | [Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wesleyan-university) | Middletown, CT | 92% | $73,897 | $30,177 | $17,000 | 0.23x |
| 3 | [University of Connecticut](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut) | Storrs, CT | 84% | $73,997 | $25,097 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 4 | [Connecticut College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/connecticut-college) | New London, CT | 83% | $75,001 | $36,175 | $23,500 | 0.31x |
| 5 | [Western Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-connecticut-state-university) | Danbury, CT | 51% | $59,115 | $17,604 | $24,147 | 0.41x |
| 6 | [University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-waterbury-campus) | Waterbury, CT | 56% | $73,997 | $10,875 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 7 | [Central Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/central-connecticut-state-university) | New Britain, CT | 49% | $58,562 | $16,857 | $22,300 | 0.38x |
| 8 | [Connecticut State Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/connecticut-state-community-college) | New Britain, CT | 21% | $41,344 | $11,513 | $9,200 | 0.22x |
| 9 | [Fairfield University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fairfield-university) | Fairfield, CT | 84% | $88,794 | $48,095 | $26,000 | 0.29x |
| 10 | [University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-hartford-campus) | Hartford, CT | 65% | $73,997 | $16,403 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 11 | [Eastern Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-connecticut-state-university) | Willimantic, CT | 58% | $56,469 | $21,067 | $24,250 | 0.43x |
| 12 | [University of Connecticut-Stamford](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-stamford) | Stamford, CT | 57% | $73,997 | $16,798 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 13 | [University of Connecticut-Avery Point](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-avery-point) | Groton, CT | 59% | $73,997 | $13,807 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 14 | [University of Saint Joseph](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-saint-joseph) | West Hartford, CT | 66% | $59,908 | $27,989 | $27,000 | 0.45x |
| 15 | [Quinnipiac University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/quinnipiac-university) | Hamden, CT | 77% | $83,759 | $40,675 | $26,000 | 0.31x |
| 16 | [Southern Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southern-connecticut-state-university) | New Haven, CT | 49% | $55,043 | $20,857 | $22,250 | 0.4x |
| 17 | [University of Hartford](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hartford) | West Hartford, CT | 56% | $60,823 | $30,282 | $27,000 | 0.44x |
| 18 | [Trinity College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trinity-college) | Hartford, CT | 83% | $90,779 | $34,832 | $23,000 | 0.25x |
| 19 | [University of New Haven](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-new-haven) | West Haven, CT | 61% | $60,126 | $34,192 | $27,000 | 0.45x |
| 20 | [Sacred Heart University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sacred-heart-university) | Fairfield, CT | 74% | $75,059 | $46,174 | $25,000 | 0.33x |
| 21 | [Albertus Magnus College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/albertus-magnus-college) | New Haven, CT | 49% | $60,144 | $34,028 | $30,964 | 0.51x |
| 22 | [Mitchell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mitchell-college) | New London, CT | 43% | $39,115 | $30,260 | $25,150 | 0.64x |
| 23 | [University of Bridgeport](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-bridgeport) | Bridgeport, CT | 45% | $50,323 | $27,807 | $25,750 | 0.51x |
| 24 | [United States Coast Guard Academy](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/united-states-coast-guard-academy) | New London, CT | 90% | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 25 | [Goodwin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/goodwin-university) | East Hartford, CT | 58% | $43,596 | $29,249 | $33,500 | 0.77x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Connecticut." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-connecticut

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.