2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges in Connecticut

About

The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Yale University	6814	3.87	1,470 – 1,570	26044	81765	#1 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 6,814 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	Wesleyan University	3805	16.49	1,330 – 1,510	20463	60385	#2 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 3,805 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
3	United States Coast Guard Academy	1081	24.32	1,190 – 1,380	0	63721	#3 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 1,081 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
4	Trinity College	2237	33.52	1,330 – 1,460	31806	67628	#4 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 2,237 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
5	Fairfield University	5391	33.29	1,290 – 1,410	47630	73693	#5 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 5,391 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
6	Connecticut College	1990	37.04	1,180 – 1,410	42941	49165	#6 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,990 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
7	University of Connecticut	19388	53.95	1,230 – 1,430	22324	63322	#7 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 19,388 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
8	Quinnipiac University	6248	77	1,110 – 1,310	39632	65744	#8 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 6,248 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
9	Sacred Heart University	6960	67.68	1,180 – 1,310	46165	63925	#9 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 6,960 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
10	University of Hartford	4223	95.79	1,130 – 1,320	30553	42581	#10 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,223 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
11	University of New Haven	4903	60.38	1,080 – 1,280	34201	49829	#11 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,903 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
12	Eastern Connecticut State University	4174	82.98	1,060 – 1,270	21205	47289	#12 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 4,174 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
13	University of Saint Joseph	879	79.64	1,070 – 1,280	27558	52053	#13 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 879 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
14	Paier College	199	61.54	740 – 880	31768	63721	#14 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 199 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
15	Central Connecticut State University	8170	73.33	890 – 1,130	17207	49016	#15 2026 Best Colleges 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. Undergraduates 8,170 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
16	Albertus Magnus College	892	64.37	830 – 1,160	30179	47153	#16 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 892 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
17	Southern Connecticut State University	7252	94.82	830 – 1,100	19870	45422	#17 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 7,252 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
18	Western Connecticut State University	3542	81.36	1,020 – 1,240	16527	45997	#18 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 3,542 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	University of Bridgeport	1479	64.31	960 – 1,170	26064	38575	#19 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 1,479 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
20	Mitchell College	500	73.36	700 – 930	31760	35330	#20 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 500 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
21	Post University	19575	96.54	800 – 1,030	18619	31401	#21 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 19,575 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	270	83.03	--	16073	63721	#22 2026 Best Colleges 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 Undergraduates 270 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	Goodwin University	2911	100	--	29131	40230	#23 2026 Best Colleges in Connecticut Goodwin University East Hartford, CT Undergraduates 2,911 Acceptance Rate 100.0% SAT Score -- Avg. Net Price $29,131 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,230