19 Best Universities In Connecticut For International Students 2025

Connecticut is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in United States. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 19 universities and colleges in Connecticut, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 19 universities in Connecticut, Yale University and University of Connecticut are the top-performing schools in Connecticut. This list covers both public and private institutions in Connecticut.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Connecticut. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Connecticut.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Connecticut?

Applying to the universities in Connecticut involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Connecticut to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Connecticut?

Tuition fees at Connecticut’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 19,400 USD to 97,000 USD , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 9,578 USD to 69,100 USD. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Connecticut!

As we cover the best universities in Connecticut for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Connecticut for International Students

Yale University is one of the most recognizable names in academia. For over 300 years, the university has upheld the highest standards of teaching and research and has established itself as one of the most prestigious universities in the world. As such, Yale’s admissions for all study levels are considered to be highly selective. It is best known for its programs in the arts, but programs in social science and computer science are seeing an increase in popularity as well.

The University of Connecticut is one of the leading public research universities in the country. It continually seeks innovation to enhance the students’ mental skills and solve societal problems. The university aims to be at the forefront of providing a better community, which is why it strives to create a productive environment where like-minded individuals worldwide can come all together and share their passion for education.

Named after the father of Methodism, Wesleyan University stands tall in the peaceful state of Connecticut. It offers nearly 50 degree programs, with a concentration in liberal arts. Wesleyan University is the Alma Mater of Pulitzer prize winners, politicians, and Fortune 500 CEOs.

Quinnipiac University is a private institution that has trained and cultivated numerous local and international students. With over 150 academic programs offered at all levels, prospective students have various options on what area of study would best be suitable to pursue. Additionally, all its multidisciplinary programs are well-structured and highly innovative. Some of the academic disciplines offered at the university include programs in arts, sciences, engineering, education, law, and medicine.

Founded almost two centuries ago, Trinity College is one of the oldest colleges in the US. Its main campus is located in Connecticut, but it also has buildings in Rome. It offers 41 undergraduate programs and gives students the flexibility to design their own major. It also offers three master’s degree programs and two dual degree programs, with which you can get a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in just five years. The college gives students the opportunity of being in small-sized classes and offers assistance in case they want to do a research project or an internship.

As it is based in West Haven, the University of New Haven’s main campus is in the city. But it also has three satellite campuses: two in Connecticut and one in Italy. Five colleges comprise the university, dedicated to the arts and sciences; business; health sciences; criminal justice and forensic sciences; and engineering. The university is placed 251st in the US by QS rankings.

Connecticut College, or Conn, offers a one-of-a-kind liberal arts curriculum, allowing students to pursue their passions through an interdisciplinary approach. As an undergraduate institution, Conn boasts of small class sizes and a 9:1 student-faculty ratio. This allows students to have better opportunities for academic excellence.

The University of Hartford started as a commuter school during post-World War II, established for the education of returning soldiers. It started to offer programs in engineering, electronics, technology, and education along with other liberal arts studies. Over the years, the university also opened its gates for health sciences programs such as nursing and health professions.

Central Connecticut State University was established in 1849 and is known as the oldest and largest public university in the state. It offers top-notch programs in a wide range of disciplines including engineering, business, education, and liberal arts. The university is also known for its high graduate employability and significant contributions to Connecticuts’ intellectual, social, and technological development. 

Fairfield University is a private institution founded by the Jesuits in Fairfield, Connecticut. It welcomes students from all corners of the globe, with more than a hundred degree programs to offer. Fairfield University nurtures creativity and critical thinking across different fields of concentration like engineering and technology, health studies, education, and business.

Southern Connecticut State University or SCSU is part of the state’s most extensive university system, the Connecticut State University System. The university started as a teacher training two-year college known as New Haven State Normal School. It has now expanded to training students in the sciences, business, and other fields. It has a low and optimal student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. As per rankings, it was placed 501st in the Times Higher Education US College Rankings 2022.

Sacred Heart University is a Catholic university that offers more than 80 programs from undergraduate to postgraduate courses. It has numerous academic facilities that help students, especially those that do laboratory activities often. Sacred Heart University is considered the second-largest university in the region.

The University of Bridgeport values excellence, responsibility, and commitment to service. This private institution in Connecticut offers a wide range of online and onsite programs. It has bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, associate, and doctorate programs in different disciplines. You can choose courses in the arts, sciences, health, business, engineering, and more.

Western Connecticut State University is one of the finest public universities in Connecticut. It offers an outstanding education in arts and professional programs, which is why it continues to attract students worldwide. The university has vast affinities, especially in the entertainment industry, where students can showcase their creativity and interact with future employers.

Eastern Connecticut State University offers 41 bachelor’s degree programs in different areas of study and 6 master’s degree programs in accounting and education. Education here is focused on providing real-life experiences with undergraduate research in all majors, mandatory internships, community service, and modern facilities that include state-of-the-art laboratories, a TV studio, and a radio station. The university is also known for being committed to sustainability since it has a green campus and an Institute for Sustainable Energy that generates its own electricity.

United States Coast Guard Academy was established in 1876 and was first called the Revenue Cutter School of Instruction. The school has no tuition fee for their domestic students but will require students from abroad to pay an amount depending on their home country. Their goal is to produce competent individuals capable of being part of the sea-specialized military in the United States. As a fun fact, it was only until 1900 that an on-ground campus was created, and its location of education before was onboard a ship.

Established in 1890, Post University is a thriving private institution that provides good quality higher education programs. Since its inception, the university has prioritized students’ needs, from educating students the traditional way to offering online programs. These changes have made it easier for students to learn and complete their education. The university currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various areas of study, such as health sciences, education, business, and arts and sciences.

Located in East Hartford, Connecticut, Goodwin University is a private institution that has been servicing students since 1999. With the high employability rate of its graduates, you can expect that the university provides excellent quality of education and numerous relevant opportunities for its students. It offers career-oriented study programs where students have the option to study on-campus, hybrid, or can be fully completed online. Additionally, most of its graduate programs are designed to be entirely taught online in support of accommodating busy professionals and students.

University of Saint Joseph (USJ) was initially established to educate women. Over the years, it has expanded and has since become a coeducational private institution. USJ adheres to its Christian values and traditions, and so far, it has produced well-respected and committed leaders and professionals who have served and significantly contributed to society.