15 Cheapest Universities in Connecticut for International Students

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In Connecticut, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Connecticut, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 19 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Connecticut, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Connecticut for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Connecticut ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Southern Connecticut State University 19,400 USD 53%
Western Connecticut State University 19,400 USD 53%
Eastern Connecticut State University 19,400 USD 53%
Goodwin University 20,000 USD 51%
United States Coast Guard Academy 24,000 USD - 97,000 USD 41%
Central Connecticut State University 25,000 USD 39%
Post University 28,300 USD 31%
University of Bridgeport 32,900 USD 19%
University of Connecticut 38,400 USD 6%
University of Saint Joseph 42,100 USD -3%
University of New Haven 42,700 USD - 44,600 USD -5%
University of Hartford 42,900 USD -5%
Sacred Heart University 46,400 USD -14%
Quinnipiac University 49,200 USD -21%
Fairfield University 53,700 USD -32%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 40,600 USD for universities in Connecticut.

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1. Southern Connecticut State University

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.

2. Western Connecticut State University

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.

3. Eastern Connecticut State University

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.

4. Goodwin University

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.

5. United States Coast Guard Academy

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.

6. Central Connecticut State University

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. 

7. Post University

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.

8. University of Bridgeport

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.

9. University of Connecticut

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.

10. University of Saint Joseph

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.

11. University of New Haven

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.

12. University of Hartford

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.

13. Sacred Heart University

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.

14. Quinnipiac University

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.

15. Fairfield University

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.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Connecticut for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Connecticut ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Southern Connecticut State University 9,578 USD - 22,200 USD 47%
Sacred Heart University 10,100 USD - 15,000 USD 44%
University of Hartford 10,600 USD - 16,900 USD 42%
Fairfield University 12,900 USD - 20,100 USD 29%
Post University 13,900 USD 23%
University of Saint Joseph 14,100 USD - 29,600 USD 22%
University of Bridgeport 14,100 USD 22%
Quinnipiac University 14,700 USD - 16,500 USD 19%
Trinity College 15,700 USD 13%
Wesleyan University 16,500 USD 8%
University of New Haven 18,400 USD - 46,200 USD -2%
Western Connecticut State University 20,800 USD - 24,700 USD -15%
Eastern Connecticut State University 20,800 USD -15%
Central Connecticut State University 26,200 USD -46%
Yale University 28,900 USD - 69,100 USD -60%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 18,000 USD for universities in Connecticut.

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1. Southern Connecticut State University

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.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Southern Connecticut State University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 9,578 USD to 22,104 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Sacred Heart University

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Sacred Heart University. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Sacred Heart University is 10,080 USD to 15,000 USD.

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.

3. University of Hartford

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.

The tuition fee at University of Hartford for incoming international master’s students is 10,575 USD to 16,845 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Fairfield University

Another affordable university to consider in Connecticut is Fairfield University.

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.

The tuition fee in Fairfield University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 12,870 USD.

5. Post University

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Post University has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 13,870 USD yearly.

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.

6. University of Saint Joseph

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.

7. University of Bridgeport

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.

8. Quinnipiac University

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.

9. Trinity College

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.

10. Wesleyan University

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.

11. University of New Haven

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.

12. Western Connecticut State University

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.

13. Eastern Connecticut State University

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.

14. Central Connecticut State University

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. 

15. Yale University

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Connecticut?

Applying to cheap universities in Connecticut requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Connecticut?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Connecticut. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Connecticut is the Central Connecticut State University, which offers Sociology, Psychological Science, and Political Science to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Central Connecticut State University offers Technology Management, Strategic Communication, and Psychology.

It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Connecticut, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Connecticut as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Connecticut for international students was helpful!