Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Small colleges in Connecticut are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- Wesleyan University
- Trinity College
- University of Bridgeport
- Connecticut College
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Western Connecticut State University
- Charter Oak State College
- Mitchell College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Albertus Magnus College
- Wesleyan University
- Trinity College
- Connecticut College
- University of Bridgeport
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Western Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Albertus Magnus College
- Mitchell College
- University of Saint Joseph
- Western Connecticut State University 84%
- University of Bridgeport 82%
- Albertus Magnus College 80%
- Mitchell College 77%
- University of Saint Joseph 75%
- Eastern Connecticut State University 74%
- Connecticut College 40%
- Trinity College 36%
- United States Coast Guard Academy 24%
- Wesleyan University 14%
- Albertus Magnus College 15 to 1
- Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Mitchell College 12 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- Connecticut College 10 to 1
- Trinity College 8 to 1
- University of Saint Joseph 8 to 1
- United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
- Wesleyan University $64,322
- Trinity College $63,930
- Connecticut College $63,005
- University of Saint Joseph $44,366
- Albertus Magnus College $37,682
- Mitchell College $37,250
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- Eastern Connecticut State University $6,470
- Western Connecticut State University $6,464
- Wesleyan University $63,722
- Albertus Magnus College $22,176
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- Trinity College $18,780
- University of Saint Joseph $14,850
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- Western Connecticut State University $8,058
- Eastern Connecticut State University $8,058
- University of Saint Joseph
- Albertus Magnus College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Mitchell College
- Charter Oak State College
- Western Connecticut State University
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Connecticut College
- University of Bridgeport
- Trinity College
- Charter Oak State College
- University of Saint Joseph
- Mitchell College
- Albertus Magnus College
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Western Connecticut State University
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- University of Bridgeport
- Connecticut College
- Trinity College
- Wesleyan University 14%
- United States Coast Guard Academy 24%
- Trinity College 36%
- Connecticut College 40%
- Eastern Connecticut State University 74%
- University of Saint Joseph 75%
- Mitchell College 77%
- Albertus Magnus College 80%
- University of Bridgeport 82%
- Western Connecticut State University 84%
- United States Coast Guard Academy 7 to 1
- Wesleyan University 7 to 1
- Trinity College 8 to 1
- University of Saint Joseph 8 to 1
- Connecticut College 10 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University 11 to 1
- Mitchell College 12 to 1
- Charter Oak State College 13 to 1
- Eastern Connecticut State University 14 to 1
- University of Bridgeport 14 to 1
- Western Connecticut State University $6,464
- Eastern Connecticut State University $6,470
- Charter Oak State College $7,656
- University of Bridgeport $35,760
- Mitchell College $37,250
- Albertus Magnus College $37,682
- University of Saint Joseph $44,366
- Connecticut College $63,005
- Trinity College $63,930
- Wesleyan University $64,322
- Western Connecticut State University $8,058
- Eastern Connecticut State University $8,058
- Charter Oak State College $9,288
- University of Saint Joseph $14,850
- Trinity College $18,780
- University of Bridgeport $19,096
- Albertus Magnus College $22,176
- Wesleyan University $63,722
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
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Connecticut is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 11 small colleges in Connecticut. The list below of the best small colleges in Connecticut. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Connecticut 2023
- #2 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #4 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #3 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
14%
Graduation
93%
Student body
4K
Median SAT/ACT
1415/32
Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan University
Cost of Degree: $64,022Expenses: $20,850Starting Salary: $63,400Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wesleyan University known for?
Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Philosophy
- Literature
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Physics
- Education
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$64K
Acceptance
36%
Graduation
84%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1385/31
Career Outlook for degree at Trinity College
Cost of Degree: $63,930Expenses: $19,160Starting Salary: $74,300Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Trinity College known for?
Trinity College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #4 Best Online MBA in Human Resources Ranked for Students in 2024
- #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
- #16 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
- #9 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
Tuition + fees
$36K
Acceptance
82%
Graduation
47%
Student body
5K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Bridgeport
Cost of Degree: $35,760Expenses: $25,222Starting Salary: $47,100Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Bridgeport known for?
University of Bridgeport’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Computer Science
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Engineering
- Business
- Education
- Political Science
- Medical
- Social Work
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
University of Bridgeport’s Online Degrees
BS in Professional Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
- Required Credits: None Reported
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Dental Hygiene
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #7 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
Tuition + fees
$63K
Acceptance
40%
Graduation
84%
Student body
2K
Median SAT/ACT
1425/31
Career Outlook for degree at Connecticut College
Cost of Degree: $62,620Expenses: $19,280Starting Salary: $62,900Cost Recoup Time: 19 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Connecticut College known for?
Connecticut College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Economics
- Education
- Mathematics
- Biology
- History
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Public 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
- #5 Best Public 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 #6 Best Public 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
Tuition + fees
$37K
Acceptance
77%
Graduation
62%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Mitchell College
Cost of Degree: $37,250Expenses: $18,700Starting Salary: $34,000Cost Recoup Time: 21 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Mitchell College known for?
Mitchell College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #7 Best Public Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #8 Most Affordable 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
- #7 Best Online Colleges for Students Who Work Part-Time #22 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Connecticut 2024
Other Rankings
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Connecticut
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Connecticut
- #4 Best Online Colleges in Connecticut 2024
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #16 Best Online Associate in Business Management
- #18 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #25 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
- #25 Best Online Associate in General Studies
- #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs
Tuition + fees
$38K
Acceptance
80%
Graduation
50%
Student body
2K
Career Outlook for degree at Albertus Magnus College
Cost of Degree: $37,682Expenses: $23,000Starting Salary: $56,000Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Albertus Magnus College known for?
Albertus Magnus College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Albertus Magnus College’s Online Degrees
BS in Accounting
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: None Reported
BS in Business Management
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Finance
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Computer Information Systems
- Required Credits: 36
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Criminal Justice
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in Cybersecurity
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Communication
- Required Credits: 45
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BS in General Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Humanities
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Philosophy And Religion
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Social Science
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Sociology
Degree Concentrations
- General
- Criminal Justice
- Social Work And Social Welfare
- Urban Studies
- Required Credits: 120
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #4 Best Christian Colleges in Connecticut 2024 #7 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024 #12 Best Online Master's Programs in Connecticut 2024 #14 Best Online Master's in Biology
Tuition + fees
$44K
Acceptance
75%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Saint Joseph
Cost of Degree: $44,006Expenses: $15,990Starting Salary: $52,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is University of Saint Joseph known for?
University of Saint Joseph ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Connecticut’s Best Small 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.