tun for students

The Best Public Colleges in Connecticut

Here are the top public colleges that in Connecticut. The school list below shows tuition after financial aid, and with the benefit of in-state tuition. Smaller schools are excluded from our list.

  1. Central Connecticut State University

    Central Connecticut State University is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in New Britain, CT. It has an enrollment of 7,616 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 74.83%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,434. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1067.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 23.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,664
    • Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,382
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,422
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Master’s Degree) – $63,328
    • Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,823
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $58,673
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Doctoral Degree) – $108,092
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $82,685
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $53,537
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,421
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,909
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $55,286
    • Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $64,990
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,617
    • Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,997
    • Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,303
    • Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $60,839
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,753
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,133
    • Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $50,105
    • Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,650
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $48,883
    • Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,298
    • Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $18,771
    • Criminology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,823
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,794
    • Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,439
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,816
    • Design and Applied Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,938
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,797
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Master’s Degree) – $46,478
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $68,139
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $198,307
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,951
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $87,604
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $51,106
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $70,456
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,941
    • Hospitality Administration/Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,281
    • Management Information Systems and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,501
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,261
    • Construction Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $65,131
    • Construction Management. (Master’s Degree) – $76,460
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771

    Central Connecticut State University School Spirit

    Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) has a strong tradition of school spirit among its students, faculty, and alumni. The university’s blue and white colors are prominently displayed throughout the campus and at sporting events, and the Blue Devil is the official mascot of the athletic teams. The university has a wide range of student organizations and clubs that promote school spirit and pride, such as the CCSU Pep Band, the CCSU Cheerleading Squad, and the Blue Devil Athletic Club. Additionally, CCSU hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as Homecoming Weekend, that encourage students to demonstrate their school spirit. Overall, CCSU offers a vibrant and supportive campus community that fosters a strong sense of school spirit.

    Learn more about Central Connecticut State University

  2. Charter Oak State College

    Charter Oak State College is a four-year, higher part-time, higher education institution located in New Britain, CT. It has an enrollment of 1,472 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is unreported. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $13,836. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Associate’s Degree) – $47,260
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $42,775
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $55,036
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,516

    Charter Oak State College School Spirit

    Charter Oak State College is a public liberal arts college in New Britain, Connecticut that offers online degree programs designed specifically for adult learners. As a fully online college, it can be challenging to assess school spirit on campus. However, the college does offer a variety of student support services and student organizations that allow students to connect with one another and participate in extracurricular activities. These activities can help foster a sense of school spirit among its students, despite not having a physical campus. Overall, the college community values academic achievement and lifelong learning, which can also contribute to a sense of pride and school spirit.

    Learn more about Charter Oak State College

  3. Eastern Connecticut State University

    Eastern Connecticut State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Willimantic, CT. It has an enrollment of 3,767 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 73.20%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,292. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 14 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,866
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,479
    • Information Science/Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $53,984
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,281
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $43,128
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,099
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,236
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,443
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,526
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,711
    • Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,744
    • Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $39,369
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
    • Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,423
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,988
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,351
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,639
    • Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,305
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,823
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,941
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,421

    Eastern Connecticut State University School Spirit

    Eastern Connecticut State University takes pride in its strong sense of school spirit. The university has a dedicated community of students, alumni, and faculty who are passionate about supporting their sports teams, attending events, and participating in campus activities. The school has a variety of athletic teams, including baseball, basketball, and soccer, which draw enthusiastic audiences to games. Additionally, the university offers many student-led clubs and organizations that encourage students to get involved on campus and build community spirit. From pep rallies to homecoming events, Eastern Connecticut State University is known for its lively and inclusive campus culture.

    Learn more about Eastern Connecticut State University

  4. Southern Connecticut State University

    Southern Connecticut State University is a four-year, full-time, selective, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in New Haven, CT. It has an enrollment of 6,584 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 82.93%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $18,231. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,806
    • Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $19,455
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,221
    • Education, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,393
    • Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $45,696
    • Education, General. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $44,542
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $71,015
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $75,072
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,738
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Master’s Degree) – $54,032
    • Special Education and Teaching. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $53,858
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $48,600
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $48,849
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,348
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Master’s Degree) – $56,415
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $56,234
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,674
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,774
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,498
    • Library Science and Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $43,426
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,420
    • Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management. (Master’s Degree) – $48,849
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,033
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $49,214
    • Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,649
    • Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $50,263
    • Social Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,420
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $37,054
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,704
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,329
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $53,775
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $57,318
    • Public Health. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
    • Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $53,358
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $71,015
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $106,421
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,691
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $64,706

    Southern Connecticut State University School Spirit

    Southern Connecticut State University is known for its lively school spirit. The university has a variety of sports teams, including baseball, basketball, soccer, and football, that are known to attract a lot of support from students, faculty, and alumni. The university also has numerous student organizations that promote school spirit and provide opportunities for students to get involved with campus life. There are many events held throughout the year that showcase the university’s active and engaged community, including Homecoming, Pep Rallies, and various campus gatherings. Overall, school spirit is a big part of life at Southern Connecticut State University, and students are sure to find lots of opportunities to support their school and get involved on campus.

    Learn more about Southern Connecticut State University

  5. University of Connecticut

    University of Connecticut is a four-year, full-time, more selective, lower transfer-in, higher education institution located in Storrs, CT. It has an enrollment of 18,362 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 55.60%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $21,724. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 15 to 1.

    The average SAT score was 1337.0 for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was 30.0 for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Agricultural Business and Management. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $43,798
    • Animal Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,967
    • Plant Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,696
    • Natural Resources Conservation and Research. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,047
    • Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,685
    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,592
    • Journalism. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,276
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,205
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,846
    • Computer Science. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $79,473
    • Curriculum and Instruction. (Master’s Degree) – $49,652
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Master’s Degree) – $43,798
    • Educational Administration and Supervision. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $86,621
    • Engineering, General. (Master’s Degree) – $89,144
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,866
    • Biomedical/Medical Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $77,715
    • Chemical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,989
    • Civil Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,061
    • Civil Engineering. (Master’s Degree) – $80,124
    • Computer Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $74,262
    • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,917
    • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $58,221
    • Materials Engineering (Bachelor’s Degree) – $61,303
    • Mechanical Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,013
    • Industrial Engineering. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $82,440
    • Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,459
    • Law. (First Professional Degree) – $73,348
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,658
    • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,485
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $26,967
    • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Zoology/Animal Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,771
    • Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,560
    • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,134
    • Applied Mathematics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $69,338
    • Applied Mathematics. (Master’s Degree) – $86,689
    • Statistics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $49,962
    • Nutrition Sciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $29,141
    • Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,281
    • Health and Physical Education/Fitness. (Master’s Degree) – $45,383
    • Chemistry. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,941
    • Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Physics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $27,978
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,184
    • Psychology, General. (Doctoral Degree) – $59,124
    • Research and Experimental Psychology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,349
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Master’s Degree) – $49,832
    • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. (Graduate/Professional Certificate) – $53,358
    • Public Administration. (Master’s Degree) – $57,995
    • Public Policy Analysis. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Social Work. (Master’s Degree) – $49,929
    • Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $22,420
    • Economics. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $48,243
    • Geography and Cartography. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,565
    • Political Science and Government. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $40,555
    • Sociology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Urban Studies/Affairs. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,508
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,532
    • Fine and Studio Arts. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
    • Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,598
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Master’s Degree) – $64,990
    • Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. (Doctoral Degree) – $69,338
    • Dentistry. (First Professional Degree) – $95,473
    • Health and Medical Administrative Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $63,005
    • Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,162
    • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $38,289
    • Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $67,101
    • Medicine. (First Professional Degree) – $60,262
    • Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. (Doctoral Degree) – $115,339
    • Public Health. (Master’s Degree) – $60,072
    • Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. (Doctoral Degree) – $72,320
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $70,783
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Master’s Degree) – $105,392
    • Business/Commerce, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $44,542
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,733
    • Business Administration, Management and Operations. (Master’s Degree) – $106,249
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,524
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Master’s Degree) – $69,775
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $62,818
    • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $66,113
    • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Master’s Degree) – $89,859
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $52,107
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $23,745

    University of Connecticut School Spirit

    The University of Connecticut, commonly known as UConn, has a strong school spirit with a lively campus atmosphere. Students take great pride in their varsity sports teams, especially the men’s and women’s basketball teams that have both won multiple national championships. Additionally, UConn features a wide array of student clubs and organizations, including Greek life, cultural clubs, and community service groups, that add to the vibrant campus culture. Overall, UConn’s school spirit is strong and students take pride in being a part of the Husky community.

    Learn more about University of Connecticut

  6. Western Connecticut State University

    Western Connecticut State University is a four-year, full-time, inclusive, higher transfer-in, higher education institution located in Danbury, CT. It has an enrollment of 4,028 undergraduate students. The admissions acceptance rate is 84.85%. The average annual cost of attendance after financial aid is $16,154. The school has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11 to 1.

    The average SAT score was unreported for the incoming class of 2023. The median ACT score was unreported for the incoming class to 2023.

    Recent Graduate Salaries

    (Average salaries of students from select majors two years after graduation)

    • Communication and Media Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $36,437
    • Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,194
    • Computer and Information Sciences, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
    • Education, General. (Master’s Degree) – $56,867
    • Student Counseling and Personnel Services. (Master’s Degree) – $46,087
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,060
    • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $45,340
    • English Language and Literature, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $33,993
    • Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $24,615
    • Biology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $28,960
    • Leisure and Recreational Activities. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $34,526
    • Psychology, General. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925
    • Criminal Justice and Corrections. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $35,877
    • Social Work. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $31,527
    • Anthropology. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $25,774
    • Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $21,964
    • Music. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $20,140
    • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $30,499
    • Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $75,104
    • Accounting and Related Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,995
    • Finance and Financial Management Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $46,321
    • Management Information Systems and Services. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $57,318
    • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,464
    • Marketing. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $41,441
    • History. (Bachelor’s Degree) – $32,925

    Western Connecticut State University School Spirit

    Western Connecticut State University has a very active student body, which is evident in their school spirit. The university is known for its competitive athletic teams, particularly in football, basketball, and lacrosse. The students also have a strong sense of community and pride in their institution, which is highlighted during events such as homecoming, pep rallies, and spirit weeks. In addition to athletics, students also show school spirit by participating in various clubs and organizations on campus. Overall, school spirit is certainly alive and well at Western Connecticut State University.

    Learn more about Western Connecticut State University