20 Most Affordable Schools in Connecticut for Bachelor's Degree 2019

Regardless of the industry in which you would like to work, there are hundreds of affordable bachelor’s degrees in Connecticut to get you there. Small but mighty, Connecticut is a state committed to educational access and advancement. With a total population of less than 50 percent than that of New York City, Connecticut is the smallest state in the country, so some might assume that it offers little when it comes to higher education. However, from its high-performing private colleges to its comprehensive group of public state universities, Connecticut produces some of the best-value postsecondary institutions in the country.

For instance, Yale University is considered one of the top schools in the U.S. in nearly every ranking category. Prospective students might be concerned about the cost to attend such a prestigious institution. Fortunately, some of the top schools in the country are also those that offer some of the most generous financial aid awards. You may be surprised to learn how many affordable private and public colleges in Connecticut offer a high-quality academic experience at an inexpensive price. Using the carefully developed methodology outlined below, we strived to rank the most affordable bachelor’s degree colleges in Connecticut.

Methodology

In order to find programs that are both affordable and high-quality, we scored schools based on three core metrics:

tuition
student/faculty ratios
graduation rates

Whether you have an idea of the school you would like to attend or you are still developing a list, compiling information can be time-consuming, which is why we developed the following ranking list. We conducted a search for the term “colleges in Connecticut” using the College Navigator tool for the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to get a group of institutions of higher education in the state. We then cross-referenced data with information obtained from each school’s website to ensure our list was current and up-to-date.

Average Cost of Attendance

When creating a ranking list of the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in Connecticut, the average cost of attendance will be an important factor. After all, the cost of a program is likely one of the first things prospective students look for when narrowing down their options. Keep in mind, however, as you compare tuition rates that you also consider everything the program has to offer as well as the areas in which it might fall short. For the purpose of this list, we ranked tuition based on how much an in-state student would pay for one year of tuition if he or she were to complete 15 hours of coursework per semester. Also, we provided out-of-state tuition rates for your reference, although we did not use these figures as a basis for awarding points.

Points:
Under $7,500: 3 points
$7,500 to $15,000: 2 points
$15,001 and above: 1 point

Student/Faculty Ratio

One of the best ways to determine the size of a school and, ultimately, the size of its classes is to look at its student/faculty ratio. As you compare institutions, keep in mind that what might work for you might not work for someone else. So it’s important to consider your own academic background and priorities. What are you looking for in a program? Are you looking to choose from a vast number of extracurricular activities such as sports, clubs, or organizations? Do you value close, personal relationships and opportunities to receive mentoring or advising from your professors? There are certainly pros and cons to both small colleges and large universities, but the former is more likely to enroll fewer students and thus provide smaller classes. Therefore, we determined that the schools with the lowest student-to-faculty ratios would earn the most points based on the table below.

Points:
10:1 or less: 3 points
11:1 to 15:1: 2 points
Greater than 15:1: 1 point

Graduation Rate

Our final metric we ranked used to rank colleges and universities in Connecticut is that of the graduation rate. We used this number to determine student satisfaction since the goal is to enroll in a program and graduate with a degree in your chosen major. Although many prospective students look at how many students enter any given program, few consider how many students graduate. Before committing time and money to a school, look for institutions that report high graduation rates as these colleges and universities are more likely to produce students who stuck with the program through start to finish. Usually this is because of high-quality academics, experienced faculty, and affordable tuition rates. In the following list, schools with the highest graduation rates earned the most points.

Points
More than 50 percent: 3 points
Between 30 percent and 50 percent: 2 points
Less than 30 percent: 1 point

Ranking Top 20 Best Affordable Bachelor’s Degree Colleges in Connecticut

20. Post University

Waterbury, Connecticut

Post University offers 18 Bachelor of Science degrees.

Points: 3
School Website

Founded as Matoon Shorthand in 1890, Post University initially offered training in business writing, bookkeeping, typing, and other business-related courses. Now, Post University is a private, for-profit university located that offers a wide range of affordable undergraduate and graduate programs through online, evening, and day delivery formats. Students can choose from 18 affordable Bachelor of Science degrees ranging from programs in:

accounting
business
marketing,
management
child studies
legal studies
equine studies.

Post is often recognized as one of the top schools for military students and veterans. It’s also the largest provider of fully online degrees in Connecticut.

In-State Tuition: $16,610
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,610
Student/Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Graduation Rate: 25 percent

19. University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, Connecticut

Most Affordable Bachelor’s Degree Colleges in Connecticut — The University of Bridgeport has 13 institutes, colleges and schools.

Points: 4
School Website

Founded in 1927, the University of Bridgeport was founded in 1927. Bridgeport, Connecticut was only one of six cities in the U.S. with more than 100,000 residents and no institution of higher learning. Today, it offers affordable professional, graduate, and undergraduate degrees through its 13 institutes, colleges and schools. Students may pursue:

Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Music,
Bachelor of Fine Arts

There are more than 30 majors. Each program is focused on the goal of preparing students for the international and culturally diverse world. Online degrees are also available. Courses are offered in traditional 16-week formats with an accelerated eight-week option.

In-State Tuition: $33,055
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,055
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 42 percent

18. Goodwin College

East Hartford, Connecticut

Goodwin College was established in 1962.

Points: 4
School Website

Established in 1962 as the Data Institute Business School, Goodwin College is now a private college. The school provides affordable:

certificate
associate, degree
bachelor’s degrees
master’s degrees

It enrolls more than 3,400 students. Majors are offered in:

nursing
healthcare
manufacturing
business and management
safety and security
education,
social sciences.

Each program is relevant, in-demand, and lead to entry-level positions after graduation. Students have the opportunity to earn their degree at an accelerated pace, graduating in as few as three years of full-time enrollment. Nontraditional and working students may also choose to earn an undergraduate degree entirely online without sacrificing their existing work or family responsibilities.

In-State Tuition: $20,898
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,898
Student/Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Graduation Rate: 26 percent

17. Charter Oak State College

New Britain, Connecticut

Charter Oak State College has an annual enrollment of 2,300 students.

Points: 4
School Website

Founded in 1973, Charter Oak State College is an online, public liberal arts college. It’s one of 17 institutions of higher learning in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. It has an annual enrollment of 2,300 students. COSC offers a number of affordable workforce-relevant bachelor’s degrees to learners who are looking to attain entry-level positions. There are programs for adults who want to return to work, change careers, advance their current careers, or validate their educational experiences and training. Bachelor’s programs are offered in:

sociology
public safety administration
psychology
nursing,
health information management
healthcare administration
early childhood education
cybersecurity
criminal justice
business administration.

Students can enjoy opportunities to develop close relationships with their professors and peers, thanks to its 12:1 student/faculty ratio.

In-State Tuition: $8,301
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,854
Student/Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: N/A

16. Quinnipiac University

Hamden, Connecticut

Quinnipiac University offers more than 100 degree programs.

Points: 5
School Website

Quinnipiac University is a private institution of higher learning. It offers more than 100 affordable programs including:

nursing
medicine
law
health sciences
engineering
education
communications
business
the arts and sciences

Students may also choose from 15 dual-degree programs in:

business
communications
health sciences,
education

Quinnipiac has a unique model for experiential learning, an emphasis on the professions, and innovative academics. It produces well-prepared graduates who enjoy exciting and bold careers. Students also benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and accomplished faculty members. Quinnipiac has a network of companies that provide clinical experiences and internships. Alumni report a 92.5 percent satisfaction rate, which is easy to understand, given the school’s 75 percent graduation rate.

In-State Tuition: $47,960
Out-of-State Tuition: $47,960
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 75 percent

15. University of New Haven

West Haven, Connecticut

Points: 5
School Website

The University of New Haven was established in 1920 as the New Haven YMCA Junior College. Today it’s a nonsectarian, private university on an 82-acre campus. It combines professional training with a liberal arts education. UNH is comprised of six degree-granting schools and colleges that offer more than 100 affordable academic programs including:

the natural sciences
humanities and social sciences
health
engineering
criminal justice and forensic science
computer science and cybersecurity
business
art, design, and fine arts,

The undergraduate engineering programs offered through the Tagliatela College of Engineering are recognized as some of the best in the country.

In-State Tuition: $39,270
Out-of-State Tuition: $39,270
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 60 percent

14. Mitchell College

New London, Connecticut

Points: 5
School Website

Mitchell College is a private liberal arts college that enrolls around 600 students each year. It has smaller-than-average class sizes and opportunities for individualized studies. Degrees at Mitchell center on core fundamentals, and students may explore their own unique interests and strengths. Programs are offered as “cores” and concentrations. Students may choose to major in one core or add one or more concentrations to a core to meet their career aspirations. Mitchell offers four cores in:

teaching and learning
human services
leadership and management
the sciences.

Students will apply what they have learned not only in their respective programs but also in the school’s on-campus career labs and in professional experiences and internships throughout the region.

In-State Tuition: $33,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,200
Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 40 percent

13. University of Connecticut

Storrs, Connecticut

The University of Connecticut is comprised of 14 colleges and schools.

Points: 5
School Website

Founded in 1881, the University of Connecticut is a public space- and sea-grant research university. It enrolls more than 30,000 students in its doctorate, professional, graduate, and undergraduate programs. It’s recognized as one of the top public schools in the country and the best public national university in New England. It’s the flagship institution of the University of Connecticut System. UConn is comprised of 14 colleges and schools that offer more than 100 undergraduate majors. The majors span everything from the liberal arts such as philosophy and history to pre-professional degrees in:

sport management
business data analytics
business administration

It has a graduation rate of 83 percent. UConn is also known for its general financial aid awards through grants and scholarships designed to help offset the cost of tuition.

In-State Tuition: $15,730
Out-of-State Tuition: $38,098
Student/Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Graduation Rate: 83 percent

12. Fairfield University

Fairfield, Connecticut

Points: 6
School Website

Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university. The school enrolls 4,100 full-time undergraduate students as well as 1,100 part- and full-time graduate students. It has a 12:1 student/faculty ratio. Fairfield offers 43 inexpensive undergraduate majors and 19 interdisciplinary minors across four different schools. Several of the most popular majors include:

English
social sciences
health professions
business,

On campus and in the community, students may take advantage of many opportunities for:

personal enrichment
civic engagement
service
internships,
research.

In-State Tuition: $48,350
Out-of-State Tuition: $48,350
Student/Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Graduation Rate: 81 percent

11. Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, Connecticut

Points: 6
School Website

Sacred Heart University is a private Roman Catholic institution of higher learning. The second-largest Catholic university in New England, SHU offers more than 80 academic programs to more than 8,500 undergraduate and graduate students. It’s comprised of divisions of:

computer science and engineering
business
the arts and sciences
nursing
the health professions
education
communication, media, and the arts,

SHU prepares students to serve and lead with strong convictions to spread social justice and the Gospel. In addition to earning recognition for its rigorous academic programs, SHU is ranked as one of the fastest-growing Roman Catholic postsecondary institutions in the country.

In-State Tuition: $41,420
Out-of-State Tuition: $41,420
Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 72 percent

10. Albertus Magnus College

New Haven, Connecticut

Points: 6
School Website

Albertus Magnus College was founded in 1925 by the Dominican Sisters of Saint Mary of the Springs. It is a Catholic private liberal arts college. The school enrolls 1,000 adult undergraduate and graduate students as well as 500 full-time traditional undergraduates. It has a13:1 student/faculty ratio. Affordable undergraduate programs are available in:

the arts and sciences
business and leadership
social sciences
interdisciplinary majors

Students may be eligible to earn college credit from relatable life experiences. Experiential learning opportunities abound through:

service learning
education program field experiences
internships
student/faculty collaborative research.

SHU also offers both online programs and accelerated options that allow students to complete 30 credits within 12 months by taking two classes each term.

In-State Tuition: $32,060
Out-of-State Tuition: $32,060
Student/Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 61 percent

9. Southern Connecticut State University

New Haven, Connecticut

Points: 6
School Website

Southern Connecticut State University was founded in 1893 as New Haven State Normal School, a two-year teacher training school. Southern is a member institution of the Connecticut State University System. Southern, the school enrolls nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students in its five schools of:

health and human services
graduate and professional studies
education
business
arts and sciences.

The school has a 14:1 student/faculty ratio and offers a variety degrees, including pre-professional programs in:

education
social work,
journalism

It also offers majors in liberal-arts disciplines, including:

biology
history
English

Undergraduates may also participate in Army ROTC and Air Force programs, benefitting from advising revolvinh around veterinary, dental, and medical careers.

In-State Tuition: $10,954
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,464
Student/Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Graduation Rate: 48 percent

8. Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, Connecticut

Points: 6
School Website

Founded in 1903, Western Connecticut State University is a public university. It’s a member institution of the Connecticut State University System. The university is comprised of schools in:

professional studies
visual and performing arts
business
arts and sciences
division of graduate studies.

The school has a total undergraduate enrollment of just over 5,000 students. It has a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. WSCU offers popular affordable majors in:

psychology
the health professions
business
homeland security
firefighting
law enforcement
related protective services

The school’s art program is also a special gem, occupying a new 130,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art building, making WCSU one of the top schools in the state for aspiring artists.

In-State Tuition: $10,859
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,367
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Graduation Rate: 44 percent