# Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 24 | Category: By State (Affordable)
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-colleges-connecticut

## Methodology

Ranked by lowest net price 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

Finding an affordable college can feel overwhelming, especially in Connecticut where costs can quickly add up. This list highlights 24 institutions that stand out for their low net prices, making them accessible options for many students and families. With a range of choices, it’s crucial to know which schools not only save money but also deliver strong outcomes.

What sets these schools apart is their balance of affordability and potential return on investment. For instance, the average earnings for graduates from these institutions is $66,766, and the graduation rate averages 63%. These figures suggest that while the net price is low, the potential for financial stability after graduation is significant. This list is designed to help you evaluate which schools might fit best with your financial and educational needs.

Consider two schools from the list: the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus and Connecticut State Community College. Both have relatively low net prices, but they differ notably in graduation rates—56% at Waterbury compared to just 21% at the community college. This stark contrast highlights the importance of not only the cost of attendance but also the likelihood of completing a degree, which can impact future earnings and career opportunities.

## Key Findings

- University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has a graduation rate of 56% and an average debt of $21,500.
- Connecticut State Community College has an average net price of $11,513 but a low graduation rate of 21%.
- Graduates from these schools earn an average of $66,766, reflecting good potential for financial stability.
- The schools on this list show an average graduation rate of 63%, indicating a solid completion rate among affordable options.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [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 |
| 2 | [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 |
| 3 | [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 |
| 4 | [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 |
| 5 | [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 |
| 6 | [Western Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-connecticut-state-university) | Danbury, CT | 51% | $59,115 | $17,604 | $24,147 | 0.41x |
| 7 | [University of Connecticut-Stamford](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut-stamford) | Stamford, CT | 57% | $73,997 | $16,798 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 8 | [Eastern Connecticut State University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/eastern-connecticut-state-university) | Willimantic, CT | 58% | $56,469 | $21,067 | $24,250 | 0.43x |
| 9 | [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 |
| 10 | [Yale University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/yale-university) | New Haven, CT | 96% | $100,533 | $23,777 | $12,975 | 0.13x |
| 11 | [University of Connecticut](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-connecticut) | Storrs, CT | 84% | $73,997 | $25,097 | $21,500 | 0.29x |
| 12 | [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 |
| 13 | [University of Bridgeport](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-bridgeport) | Bridgeport, CT | 45% | $50,323 | $27,807 | $25,750 | 0.51x |
| 14 | [Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wesleyan-university) | Middletown, CT | 92% | $73,897 | $30,177 | $17,000 | 0.23x |
| 15 | [University of Hartford](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-hartford) | West Hartford, CT | 56% | $60,823 | $30,282 | $27,000 | 0.44x |
| 16 | [Goodwin University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/goodwin-university) | East Hartford, CT | 58% | $43,596 | $29,249 | $33,500 | 0.77x |
| 17 | [Mitchell College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mitchell-college) | New London, CT | 43% | $39,115 | $30,260 | $25,150 | 0.64x |
| 18 | [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 |
| 19 | [Albertus Magnus College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/albertus-magnus-college) | New Haven, CT | 49% | $60,144 | $34,028 | $30,964 | 0.51x |
| 20 | [Trinity College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/trinity-college) | Hartford, CT | 83% | $90,779 | $34,832 | $23,000 | 0.25x |
| 21 | [Connecticut College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/connecticut-college) | New London, CT | 83% | $75,001 | $36,175 | $23,500 | 0.31x |
| 22 | [Quinnipiac University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/quinnipiac-university) | Hamden, CT | 77% | $83,759 | $40,675 | $26,000 | 0.31x |
| 23 | [Sacred Heart University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/sacred-heart-university) | Fairfield, CT | 74% | $75,059 | $46,174 | $25,000 | 0.33x |
| 24 | [Fairfield University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/fairfield-university) | Fairfield, CT | 84% | $88,794 | $48,095 | $26,000 | 0.29x |

## 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. "Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/most-affordable-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/.