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	United States Coast Guard Academy	99	22.44	1,260 – 1,410	0	63721	#1 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....Read more First Year Retention Rate 99 % Acceptance Rate 22.4% SAT Score 1,260 – 1,410 Avg. Net Price $0 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,721
2	Yale University	99	3.87	1,470 – 1,570	22408	81765	#2 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 % Acceptance Rate 3.9% SAT Score 1,470 – 1,570 Avg. Net Price $22,408 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $81,765
3	Wesleyan University	95	16.49	1,440 – 1,540	23025	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 % Acceptance Rate 16.5% SAT Score 1,440 – 1,540 Avg. Net Price $23,025 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $60,385
4	University of Connecticut	92	52.39	1,230 – 1,450	25310	63322	#4 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 92% first year retention rate. Many students major in Psychology, General, Business Administration and Management, General, Economics, and General. First Year Retention Rate 92 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 52.4% SAT Score 1,230 – 1,450 Avg. Net Price $25,310 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
5	Fairfield University	91	33.29	1,290 – 1,410	49958	73693	#5 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, Business Administration and Management, and General. 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 $49,958 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $73,693
6	Connecticut College	90	37.04	1,360 – 1,490	45700	49165	#6 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 90%....Read more First Year Retention Rate 90 % 3.4% Acceptance Rate 37.0% SAT Score 1,360 – 1,490 Avg. Net Price $45,700 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,165
7	Trinity College	90	29.25	1,320 – 1,480	36071	67628	#7 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. 73% receive institutional grant aid to attend, $50,834 on average. Students are known as Bantams and wear blue and gold. First Year Retention Rate 90 % 1.1% Acceptance Rate 29.3% SAT Score 1,320 – 1,480 Avg. Net Price $36,071 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $67,628
8	Quinnipiac University	89	72.15	1,160 – 1,330	40632	65744	#8 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut Quinnipiac University Hamden, CT Located in Hamden, Quinnipiac University’s acceptance rate is 72%. They request $65 for undergraduate applications. Approximately 100% of students attending Quinnipiac University currently receive institutional grant aid. At Quinnipiac University, there is a 89% first year retention rate and around 73% of undergraduates will......Read more First Year Retention Rate 89 % 2.3% Acceptance Rate 72.2% SAT Score 1,160 – 1,330 Avg. Net Price $40,632 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $65,744
9	Eastern Connecticut State University	84	82.98	1,070 – 1,260	21512	47289	#9 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 87% 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 1,070 – 1,260 Avg. Net Price $21,512 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,289
10	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus	84	88.33	940 – 1,230	14176	63322	#10 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, CT First Year Retention Rate 84 % 7.7% Acceptance Rate 88.3% SAT Score 940 – 1,230 Avg. Net Price $14,176 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
11	Sacred Heart University	83	65.36	860 – 1,040	47848	63925	#11 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 65% and charges $50 for undergraduate applications. About 99% of students at Sacred Heart University currently receive grant aid from the school. 83% of students continued their studies at Sacred Heart University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 83 % 2.4% Acceptance Rate 65.4% SAT Score 860 – 1,040 Avg. Net Price $47,848 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,925
12	University of Hartford	83	95.75	1,130 – 1,320	31261	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 100% 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 $31,261 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,581
13	University of Connecticut-Stamford	82	82.98	950 – 1,280	15566	63322	#13 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, CT First Year Retention Rate 82 % 5.1% Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 950 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $15,566 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
14	University of Saint Joseph	82	78.59	850 – 1,170	29300	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 10 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio. First Year Retention Rate 82 % 4.7% Acceptance Rate 78.6% SAT Score 850 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $29,300 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $52,053
15	Southern Connecticut State University	78	91.47	910 – 1,100	19827	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 91% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications. About 59% of students attending Southern Connecticut State University currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more......Read more First Year Retention Rate 78 % 2.6% Acceptance Rate 91.5% SAT Score 910 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $19,827 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,422
16	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus	78	86.66	910 – 1,200	9451	63322	#16 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, CT First Year Retention Rate 78 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 86.7% SAT Score 910 – 1,200 Avg. Net Price $9,451 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
17	Central Connecticut State University	77	73.33	960 – 1,190	17528	49016	#17 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, Educational Leadership and Administration, and General are popular undergraduate areas of study. First Year Retention Rate 77 % 2.5% Acceptance Rate 73.3% SAT Score 960 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $17,528 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,016
18	University of New Haven	76	60.38	1,060 – 1,270	34557	49829	#18 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 99% of students attending the University of New Haven will receive institutional grant aid. At the......Read more First Year Retention Rate 76 % 1.3% Acceptance Rate 60.4% SAT Score 1,060 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $34,557 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $49,829
19	Western Connecticut State University	73	87.01	1,040 – 1,170	17185	45997	#19 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 87% of applicants. They charge $50 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. Approximately 77% of attending students currently receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. 73% of students decide to stay at......Read more First Year Retention Rate 73 % 4.3% Acceptance Rate 87.0% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,170 Avg. Net Price $17,185 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,997
20	University of Connecticut-Avery Point	70	88.18	960 – 1,190	12850	63322	#20 2026 Top Colleges Ranked by First Year Retention Rate in Connecticut University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, CT First Year Retention Rate 70 % 12.5% Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 960 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $12,850 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $63,322
21	Albertus Magnus College	67	59.31	850 – 1,100	30732	47153	#21 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 59%. They charge unknown for undergraduate applications and $50 for graduate applications. About 96% of students attending Albertus Magnus College currently receive institutional grant aid. At Albertus Magnus College, there is a 67% first year retention rate and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 67 % 10.7% Acceptance Rate 59.3% SAT Score 850 – 1,100 Avg. Net Price $30,732 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $47,153
22	University of Bridgeport	61	83.02	880 – 1,120	28498	38575	#22 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 83%. Undergraduates have to send in unknown to apply. Approximately 81% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable. At the University of Bridgeport, there is a 61% first year retention rate and......Read more First Year Retention Rate 61 % 3.2% Acceptance Rate 83.0% SAT Score 880 – 1,120 Avg. Net Price $28,498 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,575
23	Mitchell College	59	94.66	700 – 930	31536	35330	#23 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 95%. They request unknown for undergraduate applications, but some students qualify for fee waivers. About 100% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid to make attending college more affordable....Read more First Year Retention Rate 59 % 3.5% Acceptance Rate 94.7% SAT Score 700 – 930 Avg. Net Price $31,536 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $35,330
24	Post University	33	96.54	800 – 1,030	21229	31401	#24 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 10% of attending students will receive grant aid from the school. They are given $15,719 on average. 33% of students decide to stay at Post University after completing their first year....Read more First Year Retention Rate 33 % 3.1% Acceptance Rate 96.5% SAT Score 800 – 1,030 Avg. Net Price $21,229 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $31,401