Best Value Business Administration Colleges in Connecticut

Charter Oak State College stands out among Connecticut's business programs with graduates earning $61,516 annually while keeping net costs at just $15,663. This remarkable return on investment reflects the state's strong business climate, where insurance giants like Hartford Financial and defense contractors offer abundant management opportunities. The University of Connecticut system dominates the value market, with its Waterbury campus delivering the lowest net cost at $8,896 while producing graduates who earn $52,733. Connecticut's 20 business programs show a dramatic cost spread from $8,896 to $46,274, yet earnings remain surprisingly consistent across most institutions. Public universities clearly lead the value equation, with UConn's various campuses maintaining identical graduate earnings of $52,733 despite different acceptance rates. Private institutions like Fairfield University command premium pricing at $46,274 net cost, though their graduates earn only marginally more. The state's finance and insurance sector, which employs over 120,000 workers, creates steady demand for business graduates across all degree levels.

Programs

$8,896 – $46,274

Net Price Range

$48,747

Avg. Program Earnings

59.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

21 Business Administration, Management and Operations Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$8,896	$52,733	$17,462	59.5%	97.9%
2	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$11,504	$52,733	$17,462	56.7%	97.4%
3	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$13,339	$52,733	$17,452	65.4%	97.3%
4	Charter Oak State College New Britain, Connecticut	$15,663	$61,516	$8,506
5	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$14,059	$52,733	$17,472	56.9%	92.2%
6	Post University Waterbury, Connecticut	$19,196	$54,975	$17,100	35.3%
7	Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Connecticut	$16,435	$44,951	$12,460	49.3%	76.7%
8	University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut	$22,886	$52,733	$20,366	83.8%	54.5%
9	Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, Connecticut	$20,877	$44,691	$12,828	47.8%	82.9%
10	University of Hartford West Hartford, Connecticut	$29,558	$51,273	$47,647	58.3%	82.8%
11	Albertus Magnus College New Haven, Connecticut	$32,681	$52,107	$39,924	46.1%	80.5%
12	Quinnipiac University Hamden, Connecticut	$39,207	$47,416	$53,090	77.3%	83.8%
13	Fairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut	$46,274	$53,552	$56,360	83.8%	52.2%
14	University of New Haven West Haven, Connecticut	$34,089	$37,856	$45,730	59.2%	91.2%
15	Sacred Heart University Fairfield, Connecticut	$45,459	$43,922	$48,460	74.5%	65.7%
16	Mitchell College New London, Connecticut	$30,841	$24,035	$39,050	44.1%	76.8%
17	University of Saint Joseph West Hartford, Connecticut	$27,375		$45,908	69.7%	74.9%
18	Western Connecticut State University Danbury, Connecticut	$18,617		$12,763	50.2%	83.5%
19	Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, Connecticut	$20,480		$13,292	58.1%	73.8%
20	Goodwin University East Hartford, Connecticut	$28,544		$21,198	58.3%
21	University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, Connecticut	$24,786		$35,760	48.1%	81.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Charter Oak State College such a strong value for business students?

Charter Oak graduates earn the highest median salary at $61,516 while paying just $15,663 in net costs, creating the best return on investment among Connecticut business programs. The college serves adult learners and working professionals, which aligns perfectly with the practical skills demanded by Connecticut's insurance and finance industries. With debt levels at only $20,497, graduates enter the workforce with manageable financial obligations and strong earning potential.

How do UConn's regional campuses compare for business value?

All UConn campuses produce business graduates earning identical median salaries of $52,733, but costs vary significantly by location. The Waterbury campus offers the lowest net price at $8,896, while Hartford costs $13,339 and Stamford $14,059. Graduation rates range from 56.7% at Avery Point to 65.4% in Hartford, though all maintain acceptance rates above 92%.

Is the cost difference between public and private schools justified by earnings?

Public universities deliver superior value, with UConn graduates earning $52,733 at net costs under $23,000, while private schools like Fairfield charge $46,274 for graduates earning $53,552. The $1,819 earnings advantage at Fairfield hardly justifies the additional $23,388 in costs. Even mid-tier private options like University of Hartford cost $29,558 while producing graduates earning $51,273, less than UConn alumni.

Does graduation rate correlate with program value in Connecticut?

Higher graduation rates don't necessarily indicate better value for business students. UConn Storrs has the highest graduation rate at 83.8% but costs $22,886, while Central Connecticut State offers similar career outcomes at just $16,435 despite a 49.3% graduation rate. Post University shows how low graduation rates of 35.3% can signal poor value even at moderate costs.

Where do Connecticut business graduates find the best job opportunities?

Connecticut's finance and insurance sector employs over 120,000 workers, with major employers like Hartford Financial, Travelers, and Aetna headquartered in the state. Defense contractors such as United Technologies also provide management opportunities for business graduates. The state's proximity to New York City expands career options, particularly for graduates willing to commute to financial centers.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.