Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Connecticut provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.
Best Public Colleges in Connecticut
- University of Connecticut
- Central Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Western Connecticut State University
- Charter Oak State College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- University of Connecticut
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Central Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Charter Oak State College
- Western Connecticut State University 84%
- Southern Connecticut State University 83%
- Central Connecticut State University 77%
- Eastern Connecticut State University 74%
- University of Connecticut 55%
- United States Coast Guard Academy 24%
- University of Connecticut 16 to 1
- Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- Southern Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
- University of Connecticut $15,672
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- Southern Connecticut State University $6,470
- Eastern Connecticut State University $6,470
- Central Connecticut State University $6,470
- Western Connecticut State University $6,464
- University of Connecticut $18,174
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- Southern Connecticut State University $8,299
- Western Connecticut State University $8,058
- Eastern Connecticut State University $8,058
- Central Connecticut State University $8,058
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Charter Oak State College
- Western Connecticut State University
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Central Connecticut State University
- University of Connecticut
- Charter Oak State College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Central Connecticut State University
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- University of Connecticut
- United States Coast Guard Academy 24%
- University of Connecticut 55%
- Eastern Connecticut State University 74%
- Central Connecticut State University 77%
- Southern Connecticut State University 83%
- Western Connecticut State University 84%
- United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- Southern Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- Central Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- University of Connecticut 16 to 1
Colleges and Universities in Connecticut
Connecticut is home to a variety of top brick-and-mortar schools as well as a wide variety of fully accredited online colleges. Higher education in Connecticut includes both public and private institutions that offer associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, both in person and through online degree programs.
With 19 public schools and 20 private schools, Connecticut gives both traditional and online students plenty of options to choose from.
Students seeking an affordable option can attend one of the state’s numerous community colleges, which average $4,000 a year for tuition. The in-state cost for tuition in Connecticut’s four year public schools ranges from $8,000 to $16,000. Many of the community and public colleges in Connecticut also offer online degree programs.
Students interested in psychology, economics, and communications can check out the University of Connecticut (UConn), which is home to the premier research institute for ecological psychology. Sacred Heart University, a Roman Catholic university, is known for its religious studies and business programs.
Those looking for a smaller student population and more online courses may want to check out Manchester Community College, which enrolls about 4000 students and offers affordable in-person and online degrees in literature, biology, and social work.
And of course, Connecticut is also home to Yale University, the fourth oldest learning institute in the United States. The venerable Ivy League school enrolls just over 15,000 students at its New Haven campus.
Both traditional and online students in Connecticut can choose from a variety of higher education experiences fitting a full spectrum of budgets and career goals. Learn more and begin earning your degree from one of the top brick-and-mortar or online colleges in Connecticut.
What are Connecticut’s Colleges & Universities?
- 7 Research Universities
- 14 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 8 Graduate Schools
- 7 Public Colleges & Universities
- 14 Private Colleges & Universities
- 4 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 11 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 8 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 12 Community Colleges
- 9 Online Colleges
Connecticut’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 7 public universities in Connecticut. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Connecticut, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.
Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2023
- #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #10 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
- #24 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
Tuition + fees
$19K
Acceptance
55%
Graduation
83%
Student body
29K
Median SAT/ACT
1330/30
Career Outlook for degree at University of Connecticut
Cost of Degree: $19,434Expenses: $17,604Starting Salary: $66,000Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Connecticut known for?
University of Connecticut’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
53%
Student body
11K
Median SAT/ACT
1050/21
Career Outlook for degree at Central Connecticut State University
Cost of Degree: $12,106Expenses: $16,320Starting Salary: $51,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Central Connecticut State University known for?
Central Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Economics
- Political Science
- Education
- Literature
- History
- Anthropology
- Business
- Physics
- Communications
- Philosophy
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
83%
Graduation
53%
Student body
10K
Career Outlook for degree at Southern Connecticut State University
Cost of Degree: $12,414Expenses: $18,272Starting Salary: $48,100Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Southern Connecticut State University known for?
Southern Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Engineering Degrees
Other Rankings
Acceptance
24%
Graduation
86%
Student body
1K
Median SAT/ACT
1262/28
What is United States Coast Guard Academy known for?
United States Coast Guard Academy’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Tuition + fees
$12K
Acceptance
84%
Graduation
51%
Student body
6K
Median SAT/ACT
1120/24
Career Outlook for degree at Western Connecticut State University
Cost of Degree: $12,345Expenses: $18,118Starting Salary: $50,400Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Western Connecticut State University known for?
Western Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Earth Sciences
- Criminal Justice
- Communications
- Psychology
- Business
- Education
- Literature
- Medical
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
- #6 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #7 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
- #7 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
- #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
- #25 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
100%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Charter Oak State College
Cost of Degree: $8,254Starting Salary: $43,700What is Charter Oak State College known for?
Charter Oak State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Charter Oak State College’s Online Degrees
BS in Business Administration
Degree Concentrations
- Small Business
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Organizational Management
- General Business
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Human Resource Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Organizational Leadership
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
Degree Concentrations
- General Criminal Justice
- Victim Advocacy
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
Degree Concentrations
- Paralegal
- American Studies
- History
- Information Management
- Political Science
- Public Affairs
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Early Childhood Education
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in History
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Public Safety Administration
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Sociology
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Healthcare Administration'
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Health Information
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Child Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
Tuition + fees
$13K
Acceptance
74%
Graduation
60%
Student body
5K
Median SAT/ACT
1085/22
Career Outlook for degree at Eastern Connecticut State University
Cost of Degree: $12,910Expenses: $19,296Starting Salary: $49,000Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Eastern Connecticut State University known for?
Eastern Connecticut State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Communications
- Education
- Political Science
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- History
- Business
- Biology
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
Connecticut’s Best Public College in Your Area of Interest
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.