Top Value Colleges in Connecticut
Top Value Connecticut Colleges
Below you will find a list of the top value colleges in Connecticut that we found to provide the highest academic and career-based value for students. In our study, we utilized a number of data sources from the US Census Bureau to the US Department of Education coupled with student and alumni feedback to ascertain the important elements of value in a college education. Our team collected college data and arrived at the top Connecticut colleges for you to research further. Remember to use your best judgment and prioritize your academic goals and career aspirations to narrow down your list of top colleges.
List of Top Value Connecticut Colleges
Yale University (New Haven, CT) is a member of the Ivy League. It is also known as the third oldest higher education institution in the United States. It was established in 1701. Yale was originally designed to be restricted to theology and sacred languages. During the American Revolution. the curriculum began to incorporate humanities and sciences. Today. Yale is highly recognized for its comprehensive undergraduate programs allowing students to pursue a major area of study. The school also offers dual bachelor or minor degree programs. The school offers programs on management, biological sciences, engineering and applied science, law, business, and others. Non-degree programs are also offered as well as world-fellow programs. Yale also pioneered in awarding the first Ph.D. in the United States in 1861. Due to its popularity, Yale’s campus is also known to the public and aspiring students. Also, the campus and members of the community develop and implement sustainability practices.
Wesleyan University (Middletown, CT) is a private liberal arts college that was built in 1831. It was originally founded as a men’s college. It started accepting female students in 1970. The university fosters a scholar-teacher culture, creative programming, and interdisciplinary approach to learning. Wesleyan has a wide range of undergraduate majors as well as several certificate programs. Graduate studies and online programs are also offered. Also, study abroad programs are open for interested students. Aside from academic programs, the university provides students with cutting-edge facilities and unique research opportunities. Wesleyan is also dedicated to developing student interaction and development through its variety of extracurricular activities.
United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT) is a service academy of the United States Coast Guard established in 1876. It is the smallest among five U.S. service academies, but it boasts a great curriculum providing nine major fields of study. Furthermore, this academy does not require a congressional nomination for admission. USCGA provides a holistic program of academics, physical fitness, character, and leadership. Students or officers-in-training and are referred to as cadets. Upon the completion of their chosen field of study, these cadets will receive a Bachelor of Science degree. They are also eligible for the other requirements to be officially part of the Coast Guard, including a five-year active-duty service obligation.
Connecticut College (New London, CT) is a private liberal arts college that focuses on providing undergraduate education. The college offers interdisciplinary and self-designed majors. It was established in 1911 as the Connecticut College for Women after Wesleyan decided to focus their education on men. It was in 1969 when the college became coeducational. It has a long list of undergraduate majors. It also offers graduate studies, non-traditional education, and professional programs. The campus manages residential halls, libraries, and several performance spaces. Financial aid is available to qualified students. The college does not honor Greek systems. It has notable alumni in entertainment, journalism, politics, literature, and others.
University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT) is a public research university, considered one of the best in the United States. The university was established in 1881. The university’s active research programs help businesses and improve community life in nearby areas. UConn has been considered as a Public Ivy by some publications. UConn is also part of prestigious circles including New England’s Knowledge Corridor, an economic and cultural partnership alliance, and the Universitas 21, a set of research-intensive universities that work together to foster global citizenship. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. Undergraduates are encouraged to do research with the support of several funding and grants. Study abroad programs and honors programs are also available in the university. Arts & culture and activities and recreation are also highly valued at UConn. The university is composed of several campuses, the main campus in Storrs, four regional campuses, and UConn Law and UConn Health.
Trinity College (Hartford, CT) is a private liberal college that provides undergraduate major and minor programs. It is also recognized as the second oldest college across the state. It was established in 1823. It was originally designed to be a men’s college but in 1969 it became coeducational. It is affiliated with the Episcopal church, and it used to foster a European pattern of using academic regalia. The college offers a long list of undergraduate majors and several interdisciplinary minors. The college awards, B.S. and B.A. programs as well as several courses leading to a master’s degree. It is also one of the liberal arts schools that offer degrees in engineering. The college also has a small student-teacher ratio allowing more hands-on learning. Students could study abroad through the Trinity College Rome Campus. Moreover, students may learn through internships, research opportunities, and community-based learning. The U.S. News & World Report categorizes the admission process of the college as “more selective”. Also, the college honors Greek organizations.
Fairfield University (Fairfield, CT) is a private Catholic university that was established in 1942. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs open for full-time and part-time students. In addition, the university also delivers programs and courses online. It was originally founded to be a men’s college but in 1970, the university began admitting the first undergraduate class of women. Aside from academic degrees, students at the university also can be granted Fulbright Scholarships. Nursing, Finance, Marketing, Accounting, Communication, Psychology, Biology, and English are just some of the popular majors offered at the university. Professional programs, study abroad opportunities, and summer programs are just some of the offerings Fairfield has. The university has been consistently ranked as one of the best universities in the country. The U.S. News & World Report categorizes Fairfield as “more selective” during the admission process.
Lincoln Tech-East Windsor (East Windsor, CT) is one of the 22 campuses under Lincoln Tech, an American group of for-profit postsecondary vocational institutions. The group was established in 1946. It extends its education across other institutions – Lincoln Technical Institute, Lincoln College of Technology, Euphoria Institute of Beauty Arts and Sciences, and Lincoln Culinary Institute. Lincoln Tech prepares students to take on entry-level jobs across their chosen industries. The East Windsor campus is popular for its welding training programs. The institute is one of the biggest producers of HVAC graduates. Interested students from across the United States can admit to Lincoln Tech through housing options. Students can enjoy and learn at the institute’s HVAC facilities, electrical labs, manufacturing centers, and auto, diesel, and collision bays.
Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT) is a private Catholic college founded in 1963. It was the first Catholic university in the United States to be staffed by the laity. It has a long list of academic programs that award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Programs are designed to be career-focused and foster a liberal arts curriculum. Non-credit programs are also offered. Students including freshmen can experience the study abroad program at campuses in Dingle, Ireland, and Luxembourg. The university also extends its education to other campuses across the state. SHU manages an Office of Global Affairs. This office connects SHU to the world. It has programs and partners across the globe that can be maximized by the students. Performing arts groups and campus ministries are also active on campus.
Stone Academy (Hamden, CT) is a learning institution that provides education focused on business and health fields. It was originally founded as Yale Business College in 1864. Today, the academy extends its education to three locations across the state – Greater New Haven, Waterbury, and East Hartford. It offers diploma and certificate programs. Each location offers hands-on training, preparing students to be professionals in their chosen field. Stone Academy offers several financial aid opportunities to students.
Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) is a private university that grants undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across nine schools. It extends its academic offerings to three campuses. The university’s medical programs are highly recognized by several publications. Quinnipiac University was established in 1929. Aside from the schools and colleges, the university also manages the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. It gathers public opinion across CT and other neighboring states. The university extends its academic excellence across three campuses – Mount Carmel, York Hill, North Haven. The campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the skills and develop the professional knowledge of students. Quinnipiac offers experiential learning through study abroad programs, internships, and capstone projects. The university also honors Greek organizations.
Northwest Career College (Las Vegas, NV) is a learning institution founded more than two decades ago as the Northwest Massage School. NCC offers programs on dental assisting, medical assisting, and other allied health professions. Through the years, NCC expands its program offerings adding criminal justice, and business programs. CPR classes and ESL courses are also available at NCC. Since 1997, the college has been providing education and training to students who are interested to develop skills fit for entry-level professions across a variety of industries. The college also manages testing centers for its students and visitors.
Eastern Connecticut State University (Willimantic, CT) is a public liberal arts university under the Connecticut State University System. It was established in 1889 and it is the third-oldest university across the state. The Willimantic campus houses most of the academic programs but the university extends its programs across Manchester Community College, Capital Community College, and a satellite center in Groton. It manages an Institute for Sustainable Energy. The institute focuses on promoting and educating students about sustainable energy. Aside from academic programs, the university also offers internships, undergraduate research, service opportunities, and study abroad programs. Housing, financial aid, and other support services also offered to the students.
American Institute-West Hartford (West Hartford, CT) is a career institute that provides training and education in dental, medical, business, language, and others. AI offers both distance and on-site education. It manages realistic laboratory and field-appropriate facilities. Students are trained to meet the demands of the industry allowing them to be qualified to take on entry-level roles. The West Hartford campus offers a variety of programs including a short-term Nurse Aide program.
Central Connecticut State University (New Britain, CT) is a public university founded in 1849. It is the state’s oldest publicly funded university. The university awards undergraduate and graduate programs. It has a long list of undergraduate majors and some of the popular programs are in Business and Marketing, Social Sciences and Psychology, Education, Engineering, Communications, English, and Biology. Resident halls, function halls, and numerous laboratories are housed inside the campus to enhance both the academic and extracurricular activities of students. Internships, community engagements, and study abroad programs are open for students for further experiential learning. Financial aid is also available for qualified students.
University of New Haven (New Haven, CT) is a private university that offers a long list of undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. The university is considered to be a top-tier liberal arts college. The university was established in 1920 as the New Haven YMCA Junior College. The college shared buildings, laboratories, and faculty members with the Yale University for over four decades. UNH houses a long list of notable academic programs some of these highly recognized programs are engineering programs, forensic science, criminal justice, marine biology, and music and sound recording. The university also honors Greek organizations. In 1973, the university launched the Black Student Union promoting African American history. Students who are interested to experience UNM education can enroll in pre-college programs and partnerships.
The University of Connecticut-Stamford (Stamford, CT) is a public research university, considered one of the best in the United States. The university’s active research programs help businesses and improve community life in nearby areas. UConn has been considered as a Public Ivy by some publications. It was founded in 1881. UConn is also part of prestigious circles including New England’s Knowledge Corridor, an economic and cultural partnership alliance, and the Universitas 21, a set of research-intensive universities that work together to foster global citizenship. Some of the popular programs in the university are liberal arts & sciences, agriculture & natural resources, business, and engineering. The Stamford campus was established in 1951 as one of the campuses that serve as an extension of the academic programs for interested students. When the campus opened, it only offered English, Mathematics, History, Speech, and Sociology programs. It began expanding its facilities and academic offerings in the mid-1970s. The campus also manages the Connecticut Information Technology Institute in partnership with several businesses in the area. This institute was built to help IT professionals in their development and encourage cyber-security research.
The University of Bridgeport (Bridgeport, CT) is a public university that was founded in 1927. It was the first two-year college in the state. It was in 1947 when the university offered four-year programs. In 1991, the university offered a chiropractic program, the first university-affiliated program of its kind in the United States. Aside from a long list of undergraduate and graduate programs including doctoral programs, adult and continuing education are also offered. Several courses and programs are also delivered online. Apart from academic development, spiritual and multicultural affairs are also highlighted in the university. Students are also encouraged to foster interdisciplinary collaborations. Numerous career preparation training opportunities are also given to students to help them to easily transition from college to industry.
The University of Hartford (West Hartford, CT) is a private university founded in 1957. It is also one of the leading members of the Connecticut Space Grant College Consortium. It is a group of universities that dedicate its work to outer space research. Hartford offers undergraduate and graduate programs. Certificate and diploma courses are also available in the university. The university is open to full-time and part-time students. It fosters a small student-teacher ratio allowing a more hands-on learning approach. Hartford also houses the first public magnet school located on campus. Magnet school is the term used to describe public schools with specialized courses or curricula. Study abroad and honors programs are also available at Hartford. The university also manages several centers and facilities focused on different disciplines. Hartford honors a range of student-led organizations including faith groups and Greek organizations.
The University of Connecticut-Avery Point (Groton, CT) is a public research university, considered one of the best in the United States. The university’s active research programs help businesses and improve community life in nearby areas. UConn has been considered as a Public Ivy by some publications. It was founded in 1881. UConn is also part of prestigious circles including New England’s Knowledge Corridor, an economic and cultural partnership alliance, and the Universitas 21, a set of research-intensive universities that work together to foster global citizenship. Some of the popular programs in the university are liberal arts & sciences, agriculture & natural resources, business, and engineering. Avery Point campus was established in 1967. The campus is also well-recognized for research in wide-ranging areas around the globe. Service learning is also encouraged in the campus.
Southern Connecticut State University (New Haven, CT) is a public university founded in 1893. The university started offering undergraduate programs in 1937 and graduate programs in 1954. The campus is packed with facilities and centers that help students to enhance their skills and professional knowledge. Other facilities are dedicated for research. Faculty mentorship is also available in the university. The small student-faculty ratio is fostered on campus allowing a more intimate learning approach. It has a long list of academic programs students can explore. Study abroad opportunities are also offered to interested students. Accelerated pathways are also open for students who earn a degree within a shorter period. The state university honors Greek life.
Additional College Research
For additional information about MatchCollege or other top value Connecticut colleges, visit our world-class college search tools or locate the top degree programs available online. In addition, you may find it useful to start with our award-winning list of college and degree rankings for this academic year. Be your own advocate and invest the time needed today to find the best college program for you.