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Urban Colleges in Connecticut

21 schools in Connecticut. See our methodology.

Yale University stands as Connecticut's most selective urban institution, accepting just 4.57% of applicants while delivering median earnings of $100,533 ten years after graduation. The contrast across Connecticut's 21 urban colleges proves striking, with acceptance rates spanning from Yale's exclusivity to the University of Connecticut-Waterbury's 97.91% acceptance rate. Net costs range dramatically from $8,865 at Connecticut State Community College to $35,009 at Trinity College in Hartford. Connecticut's urban campuses align closely with the state's economic strengths in insurance, finance, and defense manufacturing. Major employers like United Technologies and Yale-New Haven Health create direct pathways for graduates, particularly those from UConn's regional campuses in Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury. The state's community college system serves over 32,000 students at just $8,865 annually, though graduation rates remain challenging at 18.9%. Meanwhile, specialized institutions like the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London maintain an 87.9% graduation rate with full federal funding. Connecticut's urban college market reflects the state's dual nature, balancing elite private institutions with accessible public options that serve varied student populations across major cities.
21
Schools
$24,074
Avg. Net Price
$65,131
Avg. Earnings
60.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

Urban Colleges in Connecticut

College listings
# School Setting Enrollment Net Price Graduation Rate
1 City-Midsize 6,811 $27,818 96.3%
2 City-Small 2,973 $27,888 91.6%
3 City-Midsize 2,193 $35,009 82.8%
4 City-Small 1,960 $33,998 83.7%
5 City-Midsize 1,473 $13,339 65.4%
6 City-Midsize 2,177 $14,059 56.9%
7 City-Midsize 746 $8,896 59.5%
8 City-Small 2,761 $28,544 58.3%
9 City-Small 3,434 $18,617 50.2%
10 City-Midsize 6,180 $20,877 47.8%
11 City-Small 825 $27,375 69.7%
12 City-Midsize 18,975 $19,196 35.3%
13 City-Midsize 32,292 $8,865 18.9%
14 City-Small 1,081 87.9%
15 City-Midsize
16 City-Midsize 4,032 $29,558 58.3%
17 City-Midsize 882 $32,681 46.1%
18 City-Midsize 1,450 $24,786 48.1%
19 City-Small 421 $30,841 44.1%
20 City-Midsize 183 $30,982 57.1%
21 City-Midsize

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yale University different from other Connecticut urban colleges?

Yale accepts only 4.57% of applicants compared to most other urban Connecticut colleges that accept 70-90% of students. With 6,811 enrolled students and graduates earning $100,533 ten years later, Yale operates at a completely different selectivity and outcomes level than institutions like Southern Connecticut State University, which accepts 82.92% of applicants.

How affordable are University of Connecticut's urban campuses?

UConn's three urban campuses offer remarkable value with net costs between $8,896-$14,059 annually. The Waterbury campus costs just $8,896 with a 59.5% graduation rate, while Hartford charges $13,339 and Stamford $14,059. All three campuses share the same earning potential of $73,997, making them among Connecticut's best educational investments.

Is there a wide range in graduation rates among these schools?

Graduation rates vary dramatically from 18.9% at Connecticut State Community College to 96.3% at Yale University. Trinity College achieves 82.8% despite accepting 36.14% of applicants, while Western Connecticut State University graduates 50.2% of students. This 77.4 percentage point spread reflects different institutional missions and student populations.

Does Post University offer good value despite its large enrollment?

Post University enrolls 18,975 students at a net cost of $19,196, but graduates only 35.3% of students who earn $38,696 ten years later. This combination of low graduation rates and below-average earnings makes it less attractive compared to UConn's regional campuses or even Western Connecticut State University.

Where can students find the most expensive urban college experience in Connecticut?

Trinity College in Hartford charges the highest net price at $35,009 annually for its 2,193 students. Despite this cost, graduates earn $90,779 ten years later and 82.8% complete their degrees. Trinity accepts 36.14% of applicants, making it more accessible than Yale while maintaining strong academic standards and outcomes.

What earning potential exists at Connecticut's urban colleges?

Graduates earn between $38,696 at Post University and $102,051 at Rensselaer at Hartford. Yale leads full universities at $100,533, while UConn regional campuses all produce $73,997 earners. Even Connecticut College graduates average $75,001, reflecting the state's strong job market in finance, insurance, and healthcare sectors.

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See our methodology for details on rankings and data sources.