Also known as the Constitution State, Connecticut is home to the white oak, mountain laurel, gorgeous fall colors, and the American robin. Connecticut is also home to some of the best colleges in the United States!
Wikimedia Commons user Daderot
If you’re planning to go to college in this great state, you won’t be disappointed. There is plenty for students to do in Connecticut and Boston, New York City, and Providence aren’t far away if you’d like to go on a longer trip. Join us as we take a trip to Connecticut, explore its high-quality colleges, and showcase what makes the state unique.
Top Colleges in Connecticut
- Yale University
- Location: New Haven
- Enrollment total: 14,776
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- United States Coast Guard Academy
- Location: New London
- Enrollment total: 1,049
- Acceptance Rate: 19.2%
- Wesleyan University
- Location: Middletown
- Enrollment total: 3,253
- Acceptance Rate: 14.6%
- University of Connecticut
- Location: Storrs
- Enrollment total: 27,003
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Trinity College
- Location: Hartford
- Enrollment total: 2,205
- Acceptance Rate: 36.2%
- Fairfield University
- Location: Fairfield
- Enrollment total: 6,019
- Acceptance Rate: 52.4%
- Connecticut College
- Location: New London
- Enrollment total: 1,948
- Acceptance Rate: 40.5%
- Quinnipiac University
- Location: Hamden
- Enrollment total: 8,788
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Location: Willimantic
- Enrollment total: 4,082
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Sacred Heart University
- Location: Fairfield
- Enrollment total: 10,721
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
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Why Should You Go to College in Connecticut?
During your college years, you’re going to have free time between your studying, classes, extracurriculars, and homework. When you have an opportunity to take a trip off campus, you might just want to plan a day trip or a weekend excursion to one of these fantastic locations in Connecticut!
1. History and Education
Evidence of human habitation in the Connecticut region dates back almost 10,000 years ago. The first European explorers arrived in the early 1600s and the colony would play a major role in the American Revolution. Connecticut became a state in 1788. As a result, the state is home to a few fun historical sites.
One unique historical site is actually the Mark Twain House & Museum. Located in Hartford, the American High Gothic-styled home was occupied by Samuel Clements (Mark Twain’s real name) and his family between 1874 and 1891. Today, visitors can embark on a guided tour of the house, museum, grounds, and more.
Connecticut also has a number of museums for your free days. One you’ll want to pay a visit to is the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic. It features ships and museum exhibits all in a recreated seafaring village. Visitors can explore a number of stores and buildings including a shipsmith, bank, manufacturer, and firehouse. And there are also classes and workshops for those interested in learning a bit more about trades such as blacksmithing, open hearth cooking, boat building, ship carving, printing, and others!
2. Culture
If you want to take in a bit of culture during your 4 years in Connecticut, you’ll never be disappointed with the art museums that can be found in the state. Some you could consider adding to your to-do list include the University Art Gallery at Yale, the Center for British Art at Yale, the Bruce Museum of Arts and Sciences, the New Britain Museum of American Art, and the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art.
The state is also home to a number of symphony concerts, playhouses, and theaters.
When you’re eating off-campus in Connecticut, you’ll want to taste some of the unique dishes the state has to offer. A lobster roll is always a good choice, but you could also opt for white clam pizza with fresh clams, apizza (found in New Haven), or a steamed cheeseburger. Just make sure you wash it down with some local apple cider!
3. Fun
If you’re looking for a bit of fun while you attend college, Connecticut has you covered, too! When it comes to the outdoors, did you know that part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail actually goes through Connecticut? This part of the trail is just under 52 miles long, runs along the Housatonic River Valley, and climbs to the summit of Bear Mountain (2,326 ft high). Hikers can see wildlife, watch the colors change in the fall, and take in the many scenic views to be had on the trail.
And if you’re in Mystic to see the ships at the Mystic Seaport Museum, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Mystic Aquarium. Some of the exhibits include a shark touch pool, African penguins, jellyfish, sea lions, fur seals, and the only beluga whales in New England.
Paying for Colleges in Connecticut
New England as a whole can be an expensive place to live – and an expensive place to go to school. However, the state of Connecticut has a number of grants, programs, and scholarships dedicated to making higher education more affordable and accessible for its students. Some of the programs include:
- Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship
- Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program
- CHESLA Loan
- Veterans programs
If you’re thinking about attending one of the top colleges in Connecticut as a student from out of state, you’ll be happy to learn that Connecticut is a part of the Regional Student Program (RSP) and offers tuition reciprocity, meaning out-of-state students can receive in-state tuition rates at select colleges and universities. This program includes Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
Those looking to attend college in Connecticut are sure to find a fantastic education as well as amazing memories during their four years of attendance. And if you ever run out of things to do in the state, New York and the rest of New England is only a train ride away.
Dreaming about attending a college in Connecticut but aren’t sure which one fits your needs, wants, and goals? Our College Match tool takes your information and identifies the best colleges and universities for you. And it’s completely free! Start here today.
