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With several public universities to choose from across the state of Connecticut, students can earn a number of undergraduate and graduate degrees. The degree programs you can study include common areas of study such asgeneral studies,business,computer systems,engineering, andhistoryor less traditional programs. In addition to selecting an area of concentration and degree level, students may be able to select whether they attend a physical classroom in order to earn a major. Many public and private colleges across the country are moving to more and more virtual classrooms which gives students a greater degree of flexibility and independence. To learn more about public schools and degree programs in the state of Connecticut, simply select a school below.
2025 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut
About Yale University, located in Hartford, Connecticut, was founded 1701 through “An Act for Liberty to Erect a Collegiate School” which was passed by the then Colony of Connecticut to establish a means to train ministers and leaders. The school was first brought together by ten Harvard University alumni led by James Pierpont, who pooled their books in order to establish the schools library and later became known as “The Founders.”
A rift in the clergy cause former members of Harvard University, particularly its sixth president, Increase Mathers, to promote the Collegiate School (Yale University's original name) in maintaining Puritan standards. As a result the school began to receive funding for construction and expansion, particularly from businessman from Elihu Yale, after whom the school is named.
Yale University is the third oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and is considered among the best universities in the nation. Yale is one of the schools that comprise the Ivy League, a term originally given to refer to the athletic conference but has come to describe a highly ranked and revered colleges and universities.
Academics
Yale University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program that allows students to pursue a major area of study through the completion of general education courses along side electives and lower and upper division courses related to one's major.
Additionally, the school offers dual bachelor or minor degree programs that allow students to pursue a secondary area of study through the completion of additional courses outline by the program. The school also offers a variety of graduate programs, reaching the doctorate level, each of which has its own admissions guidelines and standards.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Individuals applying to Yale University must submit a completed application and provide all the documentation requested, including transcripts and SAT or ACT scores. The school has a tradition of accepting academically or uniquely impressive candidates, and as such competition for available positions is very high. Individuals applying will also be interviewed, and once all materials are submitted a decision will be made. Notification will be sent out shortly thereafter, with successful applicants receiving additional information for preparation of their entry.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Individuals in need of financial assistance must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the school to determine aid eligibility and which programs are available. Additionally, the school maintains private scholarships given to exceptional students to cover tuition costs, as well is supported by a number of other scholarships students may apply for and which are awarded for a variety of reasons. Aid must be applied for every academic year and should be submitted in a timely fashion.
Enrollment
13,433
Student to Faculty Ratio
6:1
Wesleyan University is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Middletown, CT, which is a predominantly urban area. Enrollment at Wesleyan University is nearly 3,200 yearly.
Students may choose from several areas of study, including:
- Social Sciences
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Psychology
- English Language And Literature
- Visual And Performing Arts
Students applying for admission are generally asked to submit an application, transcripts, test scores and any requested letters of recommendations, which will then be reviewed by the admissions office. An ACT or SAT exam may be required prior to applying, with scores in a range of 1945 to 2230 for the SAT exam and within the range of 30 to 33 on the ACT is common among students accepted to this school. Only 21 percent of applicants are accepted to the school due to the huge number of applicants and the intense competition for the limited enrollment spots. More information on admissions can be found here.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is approximately $48,000, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better understand their cost of attendance. Students enrolled at Wesleyan University may be eligible for aid which is typically scholarships, grants, and loans.
The Wesleyan University Cardinals participate in a number of athletic programs, within the NCAA. Athletic programs offered include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Contact information, academics information, areas of study offered, and more may be accessed on school's website at http://www.wesleyan.edu.
Enrollment
3,217
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
Connecticut College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and helps students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in New London, CT, which is a predominantly urban area. Connecticut College has a yearly student enrollment of over a thousand.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Connecticut College offers:
- Social Sciences
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- History
The admissions process begins with the submission of an application, transcripts, records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions staff. This school has an acceptance rate of 32% of which only 29% chose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found at conncoll.edu.
Tuition is approximately $48,000 per year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to get a more personalized estimate of costs. Housing may be available for those who wish to live on-campus at an estimated cost of $6,500 per year. Financial aid may be provided to students that meet the required requirements in the form of loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
The Connecticut College Camels participate in several intercollegiate athletic programs, as part of the NCAA organization. Available athletic programs offered:
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division III)
- Ice Hockey (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
Students who wish to see more about Connecticut College can take a look at their website at http://www.connecticutcollege.edu.
Enrollment
1,844
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Fairfield University is a nonprofit private university that has many programs available for students to choose from. The school is located in Fairfield, Connecticut, in a predominantly suburban area. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Approximately 5,200 students enroll at Fairfield University per year. Here is a list of some of the popular programs Fairfield University offers:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communications And Journalism
- English Language And Literature
- Psychology
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Golf (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Enrollment
5,273
Student to Faculty Ratio
12:1
Trinity College is a liberal arts college that offers an undergraduate education and assists students in developing important skills useful in pursuit of graduate education or employment. A liberal arts curriculum exposes students to a variety of topics and subjects. The school is located in Hartford, CT, which is a predominantly urban area. Trinity College has an annual student enrollment of around two thousand.
Areas of study offered at Trinity College include but are not limited to:
- Social Sciences
- History
- English Language And Literature
- Public Administration And Social Services
The admissions process starts with the submission of an application, transcripts, and test scores, which are then evaluated by the admissions office. Most common standardized test scores among applicants accepted to this school are between 26 to 29 for the ACT exam, or 1790 to 2070 on the SAT exam. 30% of those students that apply are admitted to Trinity College, of which 28% choose to enroll. More information on admissions can be found here.
Tuition is approximately $48,000 annually, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may check the school's net price calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. School housing is available on-campus for students. The yearly cost of housing is around $8,100. Students enrolled at Trinity College may be eligible for aid which is usually grants and loans.
The mascot for Trinity College is the "Bantams", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the oversight and organization of the NCAA. Available athletic programs offered:
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division III)
Students who would like to see more about this school can check out their website at http://www.trincoll.edu.
Enrollment
2,235
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Quinnipiac University provides a variety of program options for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Hamden, CT and operated as a private institution. Nearly eight thousand students enroll at Quinnipiac University yearly.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs Quinnipiac University offers:
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Communications And Journalism
Students applying for admission are usually asked to submit an application, transcripts, records, test scores and any requested personal statements, which will then be reviewed by the school. The most common test scores among students accepted to Quinnipiac University are within the range of 22 to 26 for the ACT exam, or 1500 to 1780 on the SAT exam. This school has an acceptance rate of around 63 percent of which only 13 percent decided to enroll. More information on admissions can be found at quinnipiac.edu.
Tuition is approximately $40,000 per year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students should visit the school's net price calculator to determine a more personalized cost estimate. Some students at this school may be eligible for financial aid, which is typically offered as scholarships, grants, and loans.
The mascot for Quinnipiac University is the "Bobcats", and they participate in intercollegiate athletic programs through oversight by the NCAA. Sports available:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Enrollment
10,207
Student to Faculty Ratio
14:1
SHU is a nonprofit private institution located in Fairfield, CT and provides a large number of educational opportunities for students. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. Over 6,200 students enroll at Sacred Heart University per year. Students can choose from a few areas of study, including:
- Education
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Psychology
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Fencing (NCAA Division I-AA)
- Field Hockey (NCAA Division I-AA)
Enrollment
8,958
Student to Faculty Ratio
13:1
History
The University of New Haven was founded in 1920 at New Haven, Connecticut and was originally located on Yale's campus. In 1960 the school moved to it West Haven location. UNH is a private university, and is considered a top tier liberal arts college. The school services over 6,400 undergraduates and graduates, and provides hands on learning opportunities for more than 75 majors.
Academics
The University of New Haven has over 100 undergraduate, and 25 graduate programs that it offers. The school provides students with a high quality education and strong learning environment to ensure that students are given every opportunity to succeed.
Programs offered include:
Admissions and Financial Aid
Requirements for admissions to the University of New Haven will vary based on various factors. Interested students should contact an admissions officer and discuss what is necessary to attend UNH. Students interested in financial aid should contact UNH to discuss tuition, scholarship, grant and loan options available and how to determine eligibility.
Athletics
The New Haven Chargers compete in a variety of sports as a NCAA Division II school.
Sports programs:
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Lacrosse
- Football
- Soccer
- Track & Field
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Enrollment
6,867
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
UHart is a nonprofit private institution that has a large number of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in West Hartford, Connecticut, in a predominantly urban area. Enrollment at UHart is nearly seven thousand annually.
Students can choose from a few areas of study, including but not limited to:
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Communications And Journalism
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Visual And Performing Arts
- Psychology
The admissions process will include the submission of an application, student records, and standardized test scores, which are then evaluated by admissions staff. The majority of students at University of Hartford scored in a range of 950 to 1160 on the SAT exam. 62% of applicants are admitted to this school, of which 18 percent choose to attend. More information regarding admissions can be found here.
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $34,000 per year, though it may change based on any number of circumstances. Students may visit the school's tuition calculator to determine cost. Student housing is available for students, which costs around $8,100 for the year. Students attending this school may qualify for aid which is usually loans, grants, scholarships and work study programs.
Athletic programs are available at University of Hartford through the NCAA, allowing students to compete in intercollegiate sports. Sports available:
- Baseball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Basketball (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Track & Field (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Golf (NCAA Division I-AAA)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division I-AAA)
Students can take a look at the school's http://www.hartford.edu to see additional information.
Enrollment
6,770
Student to Faculty Ratio
9:1
Saint Joseph College is a nonprofit private institution that has a large number of majors available for students to choose from. The school is located in West Hartford, Connecticut, in a predominantly urban area. The school's Roman Catholic affiliation is one of its defining characteristics and plays an important role within the school's curriculum. St. Joseph College has a yearly student enrollment of approximately 2,300. Here is a list of some of the popular programs St. Joseph College offers:
- Education
- Health And Clinical Professions
- Biological And Biomedical Sciences
- Psychology
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
- Soccer (NCAA Division III)
- Softball (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
2,465
Student to Faculty Ratio
8:1
UB provides a variety of program options for students to assist them in their growth and development. The school is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut and operated as a private institution. Approximately five thousand students are enrolled yearly at UB.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs UB offers:
- Engineering
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Education
- Engineering Technology
- Family And Consumer Sciences
Students applying for admission are generally required to submit an application, transcripts, records, standardized test scores and any requested application essays, which will then be reviewed by the admissions staff. Students may provide either the ACT or SAT scores to be considered for admissions at this school. A score in a range of 1230 - 1520 on the SAT, or 17 - 22 for the ACT is common among admitted students. UB admits approximately 60 percent of applicants annually. Of those students admitted, about 13 percent registered for enrollment. More information from the admissions office can be found at bridgeport.edu.
Tuition is approximately $30,000 for the year, though it may change based on different types of circumstances. Students may visit the school's price of attendance calculator to see the personalize cost of attendance. Some students at UB may qualify for financial aid, which is typically offered as grants or student loans.
The mascot for University of Bridgeport is the "Purple Knights", and they participate in intercollegiate athletics through the NCAA. Athletic programs offered may include:
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Gymnastics (NCAA Division II)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division II)
Students may visit the school's http://www.bridgeport.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
5,485
Student to Faculty Ratio
16:1
Mitchell College, a nonprofit private institution, offers a variety of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in New London, CT, the campus resides in an urban setting for students to study in. The school enrolls 990 students yearly, allowing for a more personalized education. A list of some of the more popular programs offered are:
- Recreation And Fitness Studies
- Liberal Arts And Sciences
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Baseball (NCAA Division III)
- Basketball (NCAA Division III)
- Golf (NCAA Division III)
- Lacrosse (NCAA Division III)
Enrollment
665
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
City College - Miami, a nonprofit private institution, offers a large number of program options, allowing students to choose which major is right for them. Located in Miami, Florida, the school offers an urban setting for students to study in. City College - Miami, with only about 400 students enrolled, offers smaller class sizes and hands on instruction as part of its commitment to students.
Here is a list of some of the popular programs City College - Miami offers:
- Business Administration
- Emergency Medical Technology
- Law and Justice Administration
- Medical Insurance Coding
- Medical Assistant
To be considered for admissions, students may be required to complete an application, write a personal statement, and submit school transcripts, which are then reviewed by the admissions committee.
The cost of undergraduate tuition is close to $15,000, but may change from year to year. Students are encouraged to visit the school's tuition calculator to better estimate their cost of attendance. This school may help with costs by offering financial aid for students who are eligible as grants and loans.
Students may take a look at the school's http://www.citycollege.edu to view additional information.
Enrollment
173
Student to Faculty Ratio
15:1
About
Goodwin College, located in East Hartford, Connecticut, was founded in 1999 as a restructuring of the former Data Institute, a small business technology center. The goal of the restructuring was to create a regional center for economic and educational development. Under the guidance of Mark Scheinberg the school has become a bachelor degree granting institution, fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school has seen development and growth, both in admissions and facilities, and has earned awards for smart growth in regards to how its facilities are designed. The school's programs are career oriented, assisting students in the preparation for the future.
Academics
Goodwin College provides a number of certificate, associate degree and bachelor degree programs that prepare students for placement in the workforce. These programs provide the skills and knowledge necessary to perform tasks and duties professionally in a work environment related to one's field of study. Graduates of these programs will be eligible for immediate employment.
Programs offered include:
- Business Administration
- Criminal Justice
- Medical Assisting
- Early Childhood Education
- General Education
Students may also apply for transfer to another four year institution if their area of study does not have a bachelor's program at Goodwin College.
Admissions and Financial Aid
Goodwin College utilized an open admissions policy for most of its programs, requiring an interview with an admissions officer and proof of a high school diploma or equivalent prior to admission. Students who meet the criterion presented may submit an application, followed by taking a placement exam in order to begin the registration process.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which will provide the information necessary to determine need, eligibility and awards. Students may have to supply additional financial information to the school in order to proceed with financial aid awards.
Enrollment
3,397
Student to Faculty Ratio
10:1
Post University provides a variety of degree programs for students to guide them in their growth and development. The school is located in Waterbury, Connecticut and operated as a private institution. Post University has an annual student enrollment of around three thousand. Areas of study offered at Post University include:
- Business And Marketing Studies
- Public Administration And Social Services
- Legal Professions And Studies
- Security And Protective Services
- Education
- Agriculture Operations
- Baseball (NCAA Division II)
- Basketball (NCAA Division II)
- Golf (NCAA Division II)
Enrollment
9,845
Student to Faculty Ratio
20:1
Best Connecticut Private School Degrees

You will generally find private colleges to provide students with a lower student to teacher ratio, smaller class sizes, and more direct access to professors. Students in a private college program in the state of Connecticut will have ready-access to the top minds and latest technology. Combining intellect with technology breeds innovation, insights, and advancement. Undergraduate and graduate students from all walks of life can immerse themselves in top-tier schools to add value to a number of fields of study. A private university may take a common degree program likeeconomicsand reimagine its utilization to stretch minds and advance the field of study in surprising means. Expect similar innovative insights with degree pathways such ascommunications,computer science,immunology,veterinary medicine,sociology,entomology,robotics,dietetics,forensic science,cognitive science,environmental biology,solar energy technology,industrial technology,pre-med, andlaw.
List of Large 4-Year Private Universities in Connecticut
- Central Connecticut State University in Bridgeport, CT
- Gateway Community College - New Haven (USJ) in West Hartford, CT
- Norwalk Community College (UNH) in West Haven, CT
- Sacred Heart University (SHU) in Hamden, CT
- Saint Joseph College (USJ) in Fairfield, CT
- Three Rivers Community College - Norwich in New London, CT
Small to Medium Sized 4-Year Universities
The 4-year schools listed below have a small to medium sized student body and may offer a wide range of associate and bachelor's degrees. Get more information about each school by clicking the links below.
- Asnuntuck Community College (ACC) in New Haven, CT
- Holy Apostles College and Seminary (UHart, UHA, Hartford) in West Hartford, CT
- Quinebaug Valley Community College (QVCC) in Waterbury, CT
4-Year Colleges with a Special Focus on an Area of Study
The schools below are grouped by their special area of focus. To learn about admissions, tuition & fees, programs offered, and more click on the school names below.
Theological Seminaries, Bible Colleges, and Other Faith-Related Institutions
- Housatonic Community College in Cromwell, CT
- University of Hartford (UHart, UHA, Hartford) in Hartford, CT
Schools of Art, Music, and Design
Notes: Tuition & fee amounts are for both Connecticut in-state residents and out of state students, unless noted otherwise. The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.
Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.