Connecticut joined the Union in 1788. The NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) has the state listed as having 28 institutions of higher learning (as of the last reporting date) that offer bachelor’s degrees. (This includes multiple campuses of the same institution.) According to the U.S. Census, an estimated 13.0% of the state’s population aged 18-24 had a bachelor’s degree or higher (as of the 2014 American Community Survey, aka ACS). For residents 25+, 20.4% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. The estimated total population as of 2014 was 3.597M (3,596,677).
- Nicknames: The Constitution State
- State website: http://www.ct.gov/
- State capital: Hartford
- Largest city: Bridgeport
NOTES:
- Please check an institution’s accreditation before applying.
- Net price is based on an institution’s average cost to all students for the last reporting year (to NCES.ed.gov), factoring in tuition, fees, cost of living, financial aid, etc. Depending on the location and school, there can be a significant difference between tuition cost and net price.
- NCES data is subject to change after every academic year and other institutions in the state may at some point be “more affordable” (by net price) than those listed here.
- We did not filter out private for-profit institutions. However, some of them listed in this series of most-affordable-colleges-by-state articles may be under federal scrutiny. We urge you to be aware of any such goings-on or accreditation issues of any school before you apply. When in doubt, check with the schools in question, then research their accrediting agency.
Abbreviations
- BA = Bachelor of Arts
- BAAS = Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.
- BAS = Bachelor of Arts and Sciences or Bachelor of Applied Science
- BBA = Bachelor of Business Administration
- BEM = Bachelor of Emergency Management
- BFA = Bachelor of Fine Arts
- BGS = Bachelor of General Studies
- BLA = Bachelor of Liberal Arts
- BM = Bachelor of Music
- BME = Bachelor of Music Education
- BS = Bachelor of Science
- BSE = BS Engineering
- BSN = Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- BSRT = BS Respiratory Therapy
- BSW = Bachelor of Social Work
- BT = Bachelor of Technology
- HBCU = Historically Black College or University
10: Albertus Magnus College
Albertus Magnus College is a private, non-profit college established in 1925 and located in New Haven, Connecticut. It was named after medieval scholar/ philosopher St. Albert Magnus and was originally founded as a women’s college by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary. It became coed in 1985.
AMC offers certificates (two levels) and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. There are 25 bachelor’s degrees in all, including concentrations. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Business Administration and Management, General, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. AMC has a number of accelerated program options that include some online courses.
- Graduation rate: 50%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $28,930.
- Out-of-state tuition: $28,930.
- Yearly average net price: $22,171.
- Student population: 1550.
- # undergraduates: 1256.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
9: Goodwin College
Goodwin College is a private, non-profit college established in 1962 and located in East Hartford, Connecticut, which is adjacent to Hartford, CT. It was originally founded as Data Institute Business School, a for-profit institution that became Goodwin College in 1999, switched to non-profit in 2004, and started offering bachelor’s degrees in 2008.
Goodwin offers certificates, associate’s degrees and bachelor’s degrees. A total of 12 bachelor’s degrees are available: (1) Business Administration; (2) Child Study; (3) Environmental Studies; (4) Family Studies; (5) Health Science; (6) Human Services; (7) Management and Leadership; (8) Manufacturing; (9) Nursing; (10) Professional Studies; (11) Public Safety and Security; (12) Social Work. As well, there is a selection of undergrad certificates. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is part of the largest program category, Health Professions and Related Programs. A variety of options (evening, weekend, online and hybrid delivery) are available to students for select courses. These schedule options are particularly targeted at adult students who need schedule flexibility.
- Graduation rate: 23%.
- Transfer-out rate: 13%.
- In-state tuition: $19,450.
- Out-of-state tuition: $19,450.
- Yearly average net price: $21,757.
- Student population: 3440.
- # undergraduates: 3440.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
8: Yale University
Yale University is a private, non-profit university established in 1701 (with origins back to the 1640s) and located in New Haven, Connecticut. It was originally founded as the Collegiate School in Saybrook, CT, and is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the U.S. It is a member of the Ivy League group of institutions and amongst its many milestones is the establishment of the first church within a college (1757), the awarding of the first PhD in the United States (1861), the first PhD awarded to an African-American (Edward A. Bouchet, 1876), and the oldest college daily newspaper (Yale Daily News, 1878). A significant increase (43% between 2013-15) in the number of Yale students receiving Pell Grants has lowered the yearly net average price, making that one reason as to Yale’s appearance in this list. Also, according to their Web site, “Yale is committed to ensuring that qualified students are admitted without regard to their financial circumstances, and that they graduate without excessive debt.
Yale offers certificates and bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across 14 schools and colleges: (1) Yale College; (2) Graduate School of Arts & Sciences; (3) School of Architecture; (4) School of Art; (5) Divinity School; (6) School of Drama; (7) School of Engineering & Applied Science; (8) School of Forestry & Environmental Studies; (9) Law School; (10) School of Management; (11) School of Medicine; (12) School of Music; (13) School of Nursing; (14) School of Public Health. Collectively, they offer nearly 100 undergrad programs at the bachelor’s level. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Economics, General, which is part of the largest program category, Social Sciences. Online courses (and possibly degrees) are offered on a departmental basis, so check your intended department for online options. Yale does participate in a number of MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) initiatives and has free non-credit courses available on Coursera, iTunes U, YouTube and Open Yale.
- Graduation rate: 96%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $45,800.
- Out-of-state tuition: $45,800.
- Yearly average net price: $19,317.
- Student population: 12336.
- # undergraduates: 5477.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
7: University of Connecticut
University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public university established in 1881 and located in Storrs, Connecticut, a village that is part of the town on Mansfield, CT, about 30 miles roughly east and slightly north of Hartford, CT. It was originally founded as Storrs Agricultural School.
UConn offers certificates (two levels) and degrees ranging from associate’s level up to doctorates across 14 schools and colleges: (1) College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources; (2) School of Business; (3) School of Dental Medicine; (4) School of Engineering; (5) School of Fine Arts; (6) The Graduate School; (7) School of Law; (8) College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; (9) School of Medicine; (10) Neag School of Education; (11) School of Nursing; (12) School of Pharmacy; (13) Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture; (14) School of Social Work.. Collectively, they offer over 100 undergraduate majors, including associate’s degrees, with degree types being BA, BFA, BGS, BM, BS, BSE. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Speech Communication and Rhetoric. The largest program category is Health Professions and Related Programs. For online degrees, UConn offers a post-bachelor’s certificate in Occupational Safety & Health, as well as online undergrad courses in summer (300+) and winter (35+).
- Graduation rate: 81%.
- Transfer-out rate: 14%.
- In-state tuition: $12,700.
- Out-of-state tuition: $32,880.
- Yearly average net price: $19,049.
- Student population: 26541.
- # undergraduates: 18395.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.
6: Western Connecticut State University
Western Connecticut State University (aka Western or WCSU) is a public university established in 1903 and located in Danbury, Connecticut, about 70 miles northeast of New York City. It was originally founded as Danbury Normal School and is part of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities System.
WCSU offers certificates (two levels) and a range of degrees from associate’s level to doctorates across five schools/ divisions: (1) Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences; (2) School of Professional Studies; (3) Ancell School of Business; (4) School of Visual & Performing Arts; (5) Division of Graduate Studies. Collectively, they offer bachelor’s programs in nearly 40 areas of study. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Criminal Justice/Police Science, which is part of the largest program category, Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Some courses are available for online learning delivery, for which students must apply.
- Graduation rate: 43%.
- Transfer-out rate: 35%.
- In-state tuition: $9,077.
- Out-of-state tuition: $20,812.
- Yearly average net price: $16,625.
- Student population: 5952.
- # undergraduates: 5442.
- Campus setting: City: Small.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: F.
5: St. Vincent’s College, Bridgeport
St. Vincent’s College is a private, non-profit college established in 1905 and located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, about 21 miles southwest of New Haven, CT. It was originally founded as St. Vincent’s Hospital Training School and is a self-described “Health Career College.” Around 87% of the student populace is female.
SVC offers certificates (two levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees with two areas of study: general studies/ liberal arts and healthcare professions. There are three bachelor’s degrees available: (1) BS Radiologic Sciences; (2) RN to BSN Nursing; (3) BS Healthcare Leadership. Some of the these programs may have certificate equivalents. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse, which is part of the largest program category, Health Professions and Related Programs. There are online degree programs (RN to BSN degree completion program, and BS Radiologic Sciences (BSRS)); however, SVC states that online courses/ programs are currently limited to Connecticut residents, due to inter-state regulations on distance learning.
- Graduation rate: 67%.
- Transfer-out rate: 17%.
- In-state tuition: $16,200.
- Out-of-state tuition: $16,200.
- Yearly average net price: $16,579.
- Student population: 751.
- # undergraduates: 751.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
4: Eastern Connecticut State University
Eastern Connecticut State University (aka Eastern or ECSU) is a public university established in 1889 and located in Willmantic, Connecticut, a village that is part of the town of Windham, CT, about 37 miles roughly east of Hartford, CT. Nearly 95% of ECSU students are from Connecticut. The rest are from 20 states and over 60 countries.
ECSU offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees across nearly 20 departments. Collectively, they offer 35 majors at the bachelor’s level (BS, BA, BGS) and 54 minors. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is General Studies. The largest program category is Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Currently, some courses are available in online mode.
- Graduation rate: 56%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $9,560.
- Out-of-state tuition: $21,295.
- Yearly average net price: $16,050.
- Student population: 5287.
- # undergraduates: 5139.
- Campus setting: Town: Fringe.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
3: Central Connecticut State University
Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is a public university established in 1849 and located in New Britain, Connecticut, about 11 miles southwest of Hartford, CT. It was originally founded as Connecticut Normal School.
CCSU offers certificates (three levels) and bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across five schools: (1) Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences; (2) School of Business; (3) School of Education & Professional Studies; (4) School of Engineering, Science & Technology; (5) School of Graduate Studies. Collectively, they offer 100 majors in over 80 fields of study, with minors available in over 70 fields. There are also internships and co-programs, as well as partnerships with 70 universities worldwide. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Criminology. The largest program category is Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services.
- Graduation rate: 52%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $8,877.
- Out-of-state tuition: $20,612.
- Yearly average net price: $14,734.
- Student population: 12037.
- # undergraduates: 9871.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
2: Southern Connecticut State University
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is a public university established in 1893 and located in New Haven, Connecticut. It was originally founded as New Haven State Normal School, as a teacher’s college, and is part of the Connecticut State University System.
SCSU offers certificates (two levels) and bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees across five schools: (1) School of Arts and Sciences; (2) School of Business; (3) School of Education; (4) School of Graduate Studies; (5) School of Health and Human Services. There are nearly 50 academic departments in total (including graduate program departments). Collectively, they offer over 120 bachelor’s degrees (BA, BS, BSRT). Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. The largest program category is Health Professions and Related Programs. Currently, online learning is only available for some individual courses at the bachelor’s level, and for select master’s degrees.
- Graduation rate: 53%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $9,157.
- Out-of-state tuition: $20,937.
- Yearly average net price: $13,517.
- Student population: 10825.
- # undergraduates: 8133.
- Campus setting: City: Midsize.
- Campus housing avail.: Yes.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D.
1: Paier College of Art
Paier College of Art is a private, for-profit college established in 1946 and located in Hamden, Connecticut, a suburb of New Haven. It was originally founded as Paier School of Applied Art in West Haven, CT. Paier has been eligible to grant bachelor’s degrees as of 1982.
Paier College of Art offers certificates (three levels) and associate’s and bachelor’s degrees across five programs of study: (1) Fine Art; (2) Graphic Design; (3) Illustration; (4) Interior Design; (5) Photography. There are also a number of certificates, also in these subject areas. Based on NCES data for the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded, the largest single bachelor’s program is Commercial and Advertising Art, which is part of the largest program category, Visual and Performing Arts. Degrees are BFAs (Bachelor of Fine Arts).
- Graduation rate: 63%.
- Transfer-out rate: n/a.
- In-state tuition: $14,360.
- Out-of-state tuition: $14,360.
- Yearly average net price: $12,852.
- Student population: 129.
- # undergraduates: 129.
- Campus setting: Suburb: Large.
- Campus housing avail.: No.
- Areavibes.com cost of living score: D (New Haven).
