2026 College Rankings

Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut

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First-year retention rates measure the percentage of first-year students who come back to campus for a second year. This is an indicator of how happy students are generally with their decision to attend that institution as less students decide to drop out or transfer to another school.

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Rank	Institution	First Year Retention Rate	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Yale University	98.8	3.87	1,470 – 1,570	26044	81765	#1 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Yale University New Haven, CT Yale University got its start in 1701 as the Collegiate School, getting its current name in 1718. Their motto, “lux et veritas,” means “light and truth” in Latin. It's made up of fourteen schools including the undergraduate college, twelve professional schools, and the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences....Read more First Year Retention Rate 99 % 0.2% Acceptance Rate 3.9% SAT Score 1,470 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $26,044 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $81,765
2	United States Coast Guard Academy	96.49	24.32	1,190 – 1,380	0	63721	#2 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut United States Coast Guard Academy New London, CT “Scientiæ Cedit Mare,” or “the sea yields to knowledge,” is the motto of the United States Coast Guard Academy. Founded in 1876, it’s the smallest of the five service academies. The most popular majors are Business Administration and Management, General, Political Science and Government, General, and Mechanical Engineering. First Year Retention Rate 96 % Acceptance Rate 24.3% SAT Score 1,190 – 1,380 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
3	Wesleyan University	94.88	16.49	1,330 – 1,510	20463	60385	#3 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Wesleyan University Middletown, CT Wesleyan University’s most popular major is Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. The school, located on the bends of the Connecticut River, was founded as a men’s college and became fully coeducational in 1970. Their athletes, known as the Cardinals, appropriately wear cardinal and black. First Year Retention Rate 95 % 0.1% Acceptance Rate 16.5% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,510 Avg. Net Price $20,463 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,385
4	Fairfield University	91	33.29	1,290 – 1,410	47630	73693	#4 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Fairfield University Fairfield, CT Fairfield University has 76 degree programs. Composed of 5 different schools, the most popular majors among students are Finance, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. There are 35 buildings on campus, including 3 manor houses. Fairfield is highly selective. First Year Retention Rate 91 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 33.3% SAT Score 1,290 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $47,630 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $73,693
5	Trinity College	91	33.52	1,330 – 1,460	31806	67628	#5 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Trinity College Hartford, CT Trinity College, originally known as Washington College, was founded in 1823, making it the second oldest college in the state. 67% receive institutional grant aid to attend, $50,051 on average. Students are known as Bantams and wear blue and gold. First Year Retention Rate 91 % Acceptance Rate 33.5% SAT Score 1,330 – 1,460 Avg. Net Price $31,806 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,628
6	University of Connecticut	91	53.95	1,230 – 1,430	22324	63322	#6 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut Storrs, CT The University of Connecticut sits on a 4,400-acre campus and is just 90 minutes from Boston. Founded in 1881, it was originally known as the Storrs Agricultural School. It has a 91% first year retention rate. Many students major in Psychology, General, Economics, General, and Management Science. First Year Retention Rate 91 % Acceptance Rate 54.0% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,430 Avg. Net Price $22,324 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
7	Paier College	90	61.54	740 – 880	31768	63721	#7 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Paier College Bridgeport, CT Found in Bridgeport, Paier College’s acceptance rate is 62%. They charge $25 for undergraduate applications and $25 for graduate applications. Approximately 6% of students at Paier College will receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % Acceptance Rate 61.5% SAT Score 740 – 880 Avg. Net Price $31,768 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
8	Connecticut College	89.7	37.04	1,180 – 1,410	42941	49165	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Connecticut College New London, CT Found in New London, Connecticut College accepted 37% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests unknown to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 89%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 3.1% Acceptance Rate 37.0% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $42,941 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,165
9	Quinnipiac University	87	77	1,110 – 1,310	39632	65744	#9 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT Located in Hamden, Quinnipiac University’s acceptance rate is 77%. They request $65 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Quinnipiac University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Quinnipiac University, there is a 87% first year retention rate and around 77% of undergraduates will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 87 % Acceptance Rate 77.0% SAT Score 1,110 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $39,632 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,744
10	Sacred Heart University	85	67.68	1,180 – 1,310	46165	63925	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Sacred Heart University Fairfield, CT Located in Fairfield, Sacred Heart University’s acceptance rate is 68% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 98% of students at Sacred Heart University currently receive grant aid from the school. 85% of students continued their studies at Sacred Heart University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 85 % Acceptance Rate 67.7% SAT Score 1,180 – 1,310 Avg. Net Price $46,165 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,925
11	Eastern Connecticut State University	84	82.98	1,060 – 1,270	21205	47289	#11 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, CT Based in Willimantic, Eastern Connecticut State University accepts 83% of applicants. They request $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 92% of students at Eastern Connecticut State University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 84 % Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $21,205 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,289
12	University of Hartford	83	95.79	1,130 – 1,320	30553	42581	#12 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Hartford West Hartford, CT Based in West Hartford, the University of Hartford’s acceptance rate is 96%. They charge $35 for undergraduate applications, but fee waivers may be requested. About 97% of students attending the University of Hartford currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 95.8% SAT Score 1,130 – 1,320 Avg. Net Price $30,553 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,581
13	Mitchell College	81	73.36	700 – 930	31760	35330	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Mitchell College New London, CT Based in New London, Mitchell College’s acceptance rate is 73%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 98% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 81 % Acceptance Rate 73.4% SAT Score 700 – 930 Avg. Net Price $31,760 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,330
14	University of Saint Joseph	78	79.64	1,070 – 1,280	27558	52053	#14 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Saint Joseph West Hartford, CT The University of Saint Joseph was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1932 as an all women’s school – it only started accepting men in 2018. The 84-acre campus is well known for its Georgian brick architecture. Undergraduates enjoy a cozy 8 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. First Year Retention Rate 78 % Acceptance Rate 79.6% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $27,558 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,053
15	Southern Connecticut State University	77.87	94.82	830 – 1,100	19870	45422	#15 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, CT Found in New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University accepted 95% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 52% of students attending Southern Connecticut State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 2.7% Acceptance Rate 94.8% SAT Score 830 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $19,870 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,422
16	Central Connecticut State University	77	73.33	890 – 1,130	17207	49016	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Central Connecticut State University New Britain, CT Central Connecticut State University is fairly selective, and alumni include professional athletes, actors, and politicians. Founded in 1849, it’s the oldest publicly-funded university in the state. Psychology, General, and Criminology are popular undergraduate areas of study. First Year Retention Rate 77 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 73.3% SAT Score 890 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $17,207 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,016
17	University of New Haven	77	60.38	1,080 – 1,280	34201	49829	#17 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of New Haven West Haven, CT Located in West Haven, the University of New Haven accepted 60% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They request $50 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending the University of New Haven will receive institutional grant aid. At the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 77 % Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,080 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $34,201 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,829
18	Western Connecticut State University	75.5	81.36	1,020 – 1,240	16527	45997	#18 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Western Connecticut State University Danbury, CT Found in Danbury, Western Connecticut State University accepts 81% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 48% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 75% of students decide to stay at......Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % Acceptance Rate 81.4% SAT Score 1,020 – 1,240 Avg. Net Price $16,527 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,997
19	Albertus Magnus College	74.7	64.37	830 – 1,160	30179	47153	#19 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Albertus Magnus College New Haven, CT Found in New Haven, Albertus Magnus College’s acceptance rate is 64%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 97% of students attending Albertus Magnus College currently receive institutional grant aid. At Albertus Magnus College, there is a 74% first year retention rate and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 75 % Acceptance Rate 64.4% SAT Score 830 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $30,179 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,153
20	University of Bridgeport	71	64.31	960 – 1,170	26064	38575	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT Based in Bridgeport, the University of Bridgeport’s acceptance rate is 64%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 95% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At the University of Bridgeport, there is a 71% first year retention rate and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 71 % Acceptance Rate 64.3% SAT Score 960 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $26,064 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,575
21	Post University	60	96.54	800 – 1,030	18619	31401	#21 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Post University Waterbury, CT Found in Waterbury, Post University’s acceptance rate is 97%. Undergraduates have to pay unknown to apply. About 18% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. They are given $18,555 on average. 60% of students decide to stay at Post University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 60 % Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 800 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $18,619 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,401
22	Holy Apostles College and Seminary	52.1	83.03	--	16073	63721	#22 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Holy Apostles College and Seminary Cromwell, CT Found in Cromwell, Holy Apostles College and Seminary accepts 83% of applicants. They request $25 for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 0% of students at Holy Apostles College and Seminary currently receive institutional grant aid....Read more First Year Retention Rate 52 % Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $16,073 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
23	Charter Oak State College	0	0	--	15663	53779	#23 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Charter Oak State College New Britain, CT First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate -- SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $15,663 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $53,779
24	Goodwin University	0	100	--	29131	40230	#24 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Goodwin University East Hartford, CT First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $29,131 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,230
25	University of Connecticut-Avery Point	0	86.51	980 – 1,210	9139	63322	#25 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, CT First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 86.5% SAT Score 980 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $9,139 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
26	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus	0	86.45	970 – 1,220	10972	63322	#26 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, CT First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 86.5% SAT Score 970 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $10,972 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
27	University of Connecticut-Stamford	0	80.19	960 – 1,230	13150	63322	#27 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, CT First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 80.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $13,150 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
28	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus	0	87.04	960 – 1,190	8220	63322	#28 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, CT First Year Retention Rate -- Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 960 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $8,220 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322