Connecticut College: 40.4% Acceptance Rate

40.4%Acceptance

$64,812Tuition

1,960Students

84%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$75,001Earnings

#6 in ConnecticutPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Connecticut College

Connecticut College operates on an honor code that lets students schedule their own final exams, reflecting the trust-based culture that defines this 1,960-student liberal arts institution. The small New London campus has produced notable graduates including media mogul Martha Stewart and Yankees owner George Steinbrenner III. Students work closely with faculty in a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio environment. The honor code extends beyond academics into daily campus life, creating a community where integrity matters more than rules.

The sticker price of $64,812 in tuition looks steep, but students typically pay much less after aid. The average net price drops to $33,998, making this top education surprisingly accessible. Graduates earn a median of $75,001 ten years after leaving school. Students graduate with a median debt of just $23,500, creating a strong return on investment. The 83.7% six-year graduation rate shows students complete their degrees successfully.

Women make up 61% of the student body, creating a campus culture that feels distinctly different from male-dominated institutions. Only 13% of students come from Connecticut, drawing a geographically diverse crowd to this small New England city. The Camels compete in 28 Division III sports with 691 total athletes participating.

Academics & Faculty

Connecticut College operates as a liberal arts college where students explore broad intellectual territory before specializing. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions and close mentoring relationships. An impressive 83.9% of students graduate in four years, reflecting the strong academic support system. The college is famous for its honor code, which allows students to schedule their own final exams based on personal readiness rather than fixed dates. This trust-based system shapes the entire academic culture. Students particularly praise the psychology, government, and environmental studies programs. The liberal arts approach means you'll write extensively, think critically across disciplines, and develop research skills that translate to any career path.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 9:1
Full-Time Faculty: 74.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 83.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 83.7%
Retention Rate: 87.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $75,001
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Economics.	Bachelor	$54,522
Political Science and Government.	Bachelor	$45,696
Sociology.	Bachelor	$42,682
International Relations and National Security Studies.	Bachelor	$39,729
History.	Bachelor	$39,369
Area Studies.	Bachelor	$36,312
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics.	Bachelor	$35,060
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$35,060
Fine and Studio Arts.	Bachelor	$32,925
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$32,284

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Connecticut College sits on a 750-acre arboretum campus overlooking the Thames River in New London, about two hours from both Boston and New York City. You'll need a proper winter coat here as Connecticut winters bring snow and temperatures that regularly drop below freezing. With housing capacity for 1,947 students and total enrollment of 1,960, virtually everyone lives on campus all four years.

The honor code defines campus culture more than any rulebook. Students schedule their own final exams and take them without proctors, a tradition that builds genuine trust across the community. With 28 varsity sports and 691 total athletes competing as the Camels in Division III, about one-third of students play collegiate athletics. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and research interests. Weekends often center around house parties in the college's themed residential houses, outdoor activities on Long Island Sound, or day trips to nearby Mystic Seaport. The campus feels like a close-knit village where the 86.98% retention rate reflects students who genuinely want to stay.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,947 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1911

Campus Safety (2023)

37 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Rape	8	7	0
Dating Violence	6	6	0
Fondling	6	0	0
Stalking	1	1	0
Burglary	1	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 23°–38°F
July Avg: 65°–80°F
Annual Precipitation: 48.9"
Annual Snowfall: 24.5"

Student Demographics

Connecticut College draws academically strong students from across the country, with 87% coming from out of state. The student body skews 61% female, reflecting the school's historical roots and strong liberal arts programs that traditionally attract more women. With a median SAT of 1425 and 40% acceptance rate, students are high-achieving but not ultra-top. Only 14% receive Pell Grants, indicating the college primarily serves affluent families despite generous aid that brings net costs down to $34,000. The honor code and self-scheduled exams appeal to self-motivated students who value academic freedom and personal responsibility.

Men: 38.9%
Women: 61.1%
White: 68.7%
Black: 4.4%
Hispanic: 11.6%
Asian: 3.6%
In-State Students: 12.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 14.3%

Location

Connecticut College sits in New London, a small coastal city about 120 miles northeast of New York City. The campus overlooks the Thames River in southeastern Connecticut, where students can walk to downtown shops and restaurants within minutes. New London's maritime heritage shows in its historic whaling district and proximity to the Connecticut coast. The college draws just 12.90% of its students from in-state, reflecting its national appeal despite the intimate small-city setting. Ocean beaches and coastal hiking trails provide outdoor recreation year-round. The location offers both New England charm and easy access to Boston, about 150 miles north. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare Connecticut College with similar schools in the region.

Address: New London, Connecticut 06320-4196

Cynthia Enloe at Franklin & Marshall College

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $75,001
Median Earnings (5 years): $66,752
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $44,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 90.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $249/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $23,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Connecticut College?

Connecticut College accepts 40.40% of applicants, making it moderately selective among liberal arts colleges. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1360 and 1490 on the SAT, reflecting the college's academic standards.

How much does Connecticut College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Connecticut College is $33,998, lower than the full cost of attendance of $83,697. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $13,666, while those from higher-income families pay progressively more.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Connecticut College?

Connecticut College maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,960 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for close mentoring relationships and supports the college's tradition of self-scheduled exams under its honor code system.

What do Connecticut College graduates earn after graduation?

Connecticut College graduates earn a median salary of $75,001 ten years after graduation. The college boasts an 83.70% six-year graduation rate and a 93.6% employment rate, reflecting strong career outcomes for its liberal arts graduates.

Where is Connecticut College located and what is campus life like?

Connecticut College sits in New London, Connecticut, a small city setting that houses nearly all of its 1,960 students on campus. The college fields 28 varsity sports teams called the Camels in NCAA Division III competition, with 691 student-athletes representing over one-third of the student body.

Does Connecticut College have an honor code system?

Connecticut College operates under a distinctive honor code that allows students to self-schedule their final exams. This system of academic integrity has been central to the college's identity since its founding in 1911 and reflects the high level of trust between students and faculty.