1. Yale University
Overview
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Founded in 1701, Yale University is an Ivy League institution and one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Known for its academic excellence, Yale is a leader in fields such as law, business, arts, and humanities. The university is famous for its historic campus, elite graduate programs, and extensive research opportunities. Yale’s influence extends globally, particularly through its Law School and School of Medicine.
Yale is also known for its residential college system, which fosters a strong sense of community among students.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #3 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 13,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Average SAT Score: 1480-1580
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Yale Bulldogs Athletics
- Yale Daily News (student newspaper)
- Political and debate clubs
- Drama and music societies (including the Whiffenpoofs)
- Community service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Bill Clinton – 42nd President of the United States
- Hillary Clinton – Former U.S. Secretary of State
- Meryl Streep – Academy Award-winning actress
- Sonia Sotomayor – U.S. Supreme Court Justice
- Paul Krugman – Nobel Prize-winning economist
Top Employers
- Goldman Sachs
- McKinsey & Company
- Morgan Stanley
- Yale University
2. University of Connecticut (UConn)
Overview
Location: Storrs, Connecticut
The University of Connecticut (UConn), founded in 1881, is Connecticut’s flagship public university. Known for its excellent programs in business, law, engineering, and agriculture, UConn is a leading research institution with a strong emphasis on community engagement. Its athletic teams, particularly basketball, are highly competitive and have won multiple national championships.
UConn is famous for its focus on innovation and sustainability, with state-of-the-art research centers and a vibrant campus life.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #46 National Universities
- Number of Students: Around 32,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Average SAT Score: 1210-1430
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- UConn Huskies Athletics
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Greek life
- Research and innovation clubs
- Community service and volunteering programs
Famous Alumni
- Ray Allen – NBA Hall of Famer
- Meg Ryan – Actress
- Rebecca Lobo – WNBA player and sports analyst
- Scott Burrell – NBA player and coach
- David Lee – CEO of ServiceNow
Top Employers
- ESPN
- Pfizer
- Pratt & Whitney
- Travelers Insurance
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
3. Wesleyan University
Overview
Location: Middletown, Connecticut
Founded in 1831, Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts institution known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus culture. Wesleyan is particularly strong in the arts, sciences, and social sciences. It has a reputation for fostering creative thinking and social activism. The university emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore diverse fields of study.
Wesleyan is known for its strong film program and has produced a number of successful filmmakers and actors.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #18 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 3,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Average SAT Score: 1380-1540
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Wesleyan Cardinals Athletics
- Student activism and political groups
- Film and arts clubs
- Music and a cappella groups
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
Famous Alumni
- Lin-Manuel Miranda – Creator of Hamilton
- Michael Bay – Film director
- Joss Whedon – TV producer and screenwriter
- Matthew Weiner – Creator of Mad Men
- Amanda Palmer – Musician
Top Employers
- NBCUniversal
- J.P. Morgan Chase
- Goldman Sachs
- Yale University
4. Trinity College
Overview
Location: Hartford, Connecticut
Founded in 1823, Trinity College is a private liberal arts college located in Connecticut’s capital city. Trinity is known for its small class sizes and strong academic programs in political science, economics, and the humanities. The college provides students with an intimate learning environment and opportunities for hands-on research and internships in Hartford.
Trinity’s urban location gives students access to internships and cultural experiences, while its strong alumni network supports career growth.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #39 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Approximately 2,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Average SAT Score: 1300-1470
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Bantams Athletics
- Political and debate societies
- Greek life
- Music and theatre groups
- Community service and volunteering programs
Famous Alumni
- George Will – Political commentator
- Edward Albee – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright
- Ari Graynor – Actress
- John Sculley – Former CEO of Apple
- George W. Bush Sr. – 41st President of the United States (attended, but graduated elsewhere)
Top Employers
- Travelers Insurance
- Aetna
- Deloitte
- PwC
- ESPN
5. Fairfield University
Overview
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Founded in 1942, Fairfield University is a private Jesuit institution that emphasizes liberal arts education, business, and nursing. Fairfield offers a balanced academic program with a commitment to ethics, leadership, and social responsibility. The university has a strong reputation for its business and health sciences programs, and its students benefit from internships and job placements in nearby New York City.
Fairfield’s values-based education encourages students to engage in community service and leadership.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #3 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Around 5,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Average SAT Score: 1240-1380
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Fairfield Stags Athletics
- Student Government and Leadership programs
- Jesuit service and mission trips
- Greek life
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
Famous Alumni
- Paul Marcarelli – Actor (Verizon commercials)
- John Brennan – Former CIA Director
- Al DiGuido – Digital marketing pioneer
- Kelley Tuthill – Emmy-winning journalist
- Donald Gibson – Musicologist and author
Top Employers
- Deloitte
- IBM
- JPMorgan Chase
- General Electric
- St. Vincent’s Medical Center
6. Quinnipiac University
Overview
Location: Hamden, Connecticut
Quinnipiac University, founded in 1929, is a private institution known for its programs in law, business, communications, and health sciences. The university is highly regarded for its medical and law schools, and its strong healthcare programs prepare students for successful careers in the rapidly growing medical field.
Quinnipiac is also known for its Quinnipiac Poll, a nationally recognized public opinion research center.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #137 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 10,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1300
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Bobcats Athletics
- Student Government Association (SGA)
- Quinnipiac Poll research groups
- Greek life
- Media and communications clubs
Famous Alumni
- Julius S. Scott – Historian and author
- William C. Weldon – Former CEO of Johnson & Johnson
- Rebecca Lobo – WNBA player and sports analyst
- Dan Orlovsky – Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst
- Logan Pyett – NHL player
Top Employers
- Hartford Healthcare
- ESPN
- Yale New Haven Health
- NBC Sports
- Pfizer
7. Connecticut College
Overview
Location: New London, Connecticut
Founded in 1911, Connecticut College is a private liberal arts college known for its interdisciplinary programs, including environmental studies, arts, and international relations. The college promotes a holistic, experiential education that encourages students to explore global perspectives and engage in social activism.
Connecticut College is particularly strong in environmental science and is recognized for its sustainability efforts on campus.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #55 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: Around 1,800
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 37%
- Average SAT Score: 1330-1480
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Camels Athletics
- Environmental sustainability clubs
- Social justice and activism organizations
- Arts and theatre groups
- Study abroad programs
Famous Alumni
- Tim Armstrong – Former CEO of AOL
- David Haussler – Bioinformatics researcher
- Susan Saint James – Actress
- Joan Wernig Sorensen – Philanthropist
- Kimberly Drew – Art curator and writer
Top Employers
- Connecticut College
- Yale University
- Pfizer
- Mystic Aquarium
- General Dynamics Electric Boat
8. University of Hartford (UHart)
Overview
Location: West Hartford, Connecticut
Founded in 1957, the University of Hartford is a private university that offers a wide range of academic programs across seven schools, including engineering, business, arts, and health sciences. UHart is particularly well-known for its Hartt School, which offers top-tier performing arts programs in music, dance, and theatre.
UHart’s diverse curriculum and commitment to experiential learning prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #234 National Universities
- Number of Students: Approximately 6,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1230
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Hawks Athletics
- Performing arts and theatre productions (Hartt School)
- Greek life
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Community service and outreach programs
Famous Alumni
- Dionne Warwick – Grammy Award-winning singer
- Jasmine Guy – Actress
- Jeff Bagwell – Baseball Hall of Famer
- Susan Collins – U.S. Senator
- Judd Apatow – Film director and producer
Top Employers
- Hartford Healthcare
- ESPN
- The Hartford
- Pratt & Whitney
- Aetna
9. Sacred Heart University
Overview
Location: Fairfield, Connecticut
Sacred Heart University, founded in 1963, is a private Catholic institution that emphasizes liberal arts, health sciences, and business programs. Sacred Heart is known for its strong focus on community service, leadership, and ethical education. The university’s programs in nursing, physical therapy, and business are highly regarded.
Sacred Heart offers students a vibrant campus life, with a focus on student leadership and involvement in social justice initiatives.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #219 National Universities
- Number of Students: Around 9,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average SAT Score: 1130-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Pioneers Athletics
- Campus ministry and service projects
- Greek life
- Business and healthcare clubs
- Performing arts and theatre productions
Famous Alumni
- Kevin Nealon – Comedian and actor
- John Ratzenberger – Actor (Cheers)
- Brian Cashman – General Manager of the New York Yankees
- Brett Yormark – CEO of the Brooklyn Nets
- Chris Russo – Sports radio personality
Top Employers
- Yale New Haven Health
- Hartford Healthcare
- Sacred Heart University
- NBC Sports
- GE Healthcare
10. Eastern Connecticut State University
Overview
Location: Willimantic, Connecticut
Founded in 1889, Eastern Connecticut State University is the state’s designated public liberal arts university. It offers a broad range of undergraduate programs, particularly in business, education, and the arts. Eastern emphasizes experiential learning and community engagement, with a focus on preparing students for successful careers in both public and private sectors.
Eastern Connecticut is known for its close-knit community and its commitment to sustainability and service learning.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #95 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: Around 4,300
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: 990-1180
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Warriors Athletics
- Environmental sustainability programs
- Campus ministry and community service
- Greek life
- Arts and theatre productions
Famous Alumni
- David M. Walker – Former U.S. Comptroller General
- Tom Gorman – Tennis player and coach
- Ellen Langill – Historian and author
- Tim Larson – Connecticut State Senator
- Tony Reno – Yale football coach
Top Employers
- State of Connecticut
- Hartford Public Schools
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Travelers Insurance
- General Dynamics Electric Boat