Connecticut community colleges includes many certificate and 2-year degree granting schools with exceptional reputations. From the Hartford to Manchester and Farmington to Norwalk, students can find top rated community colleges in Connecticut near them. Community colleges range in size from a thousand to around ten thousand depending on the school and the number of campuses within the system. Notable community colleges in Connecticut include Naugatuck, Gateway, Three Rivers, and Gateway. Students studying at a community college can take their degree or certificate and launch a career or continue studying at a private college or public university to earn additional degrees.

2024 Best Community Colleges in Connecticut

Asnuntuck Community College, located in Enfield, Connecticut, was established in 1972, becoming the twelfth institution in the Connecticut State Community College System. The school had an initial enrollment of just over 250 students, which has grown to nearly 2000 annually. The school was originally known as North Central Connecticut Community College, but was renamed Asnantuck Community College, “Asnantuck” meaning fresh water in the language of the Podunk Tribe and referring to the Connecticut river.  The school is dedicated to providing residents of its service area excellent education and service, and is constantly reviewing programs and offerings in order to ensure they meet the needs of modern students.

Academics

Asnuntuck Community College offers a variety of programs designed to assist in career development or allow for transfer to a four year university. Individuals looking for career training will complete program in a specific field that takes between one and two years to complete and results in certificate or degree demonstrating one's competency and assisting in the search for entry level appointment after graduation. Academic transfer to a four year institution may be pursued after the first two years of one's bachelor's degree are completed at ACC. The student will apply to the desired school or schools, transferring earned credit and completing the final two years.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

As a public, two year, open enrollment institution, any individuals wishing to enroll at Asnuntuck Community College May do so by meeting the minimum admission requirement, supplying a completed application, and paying all accrued fees. Meeting with a counselor is also recommended to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships, and is applied for by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which is used by the school to determine need and aid program eligibility.

Enrollment

1,858

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

About

Pierpont Community and Technical College, located in Fairmont, West Virginia, was founded in 1974 and is one of the ten schools that comprise the West Virginia Community and Technical College System.

PCTC serves thirteen counties as part of its service area and has extension centers in multiple counties to ensure ease of access to resources.  Pierpont was originally known as Fairmont State Community and Technical College and was part of Fairmont State College, though it was renamed in 2006 after Francis H. Piedmont and became an independent institution in 2007.

Academics

Pierpont Community and Technical College offers a number of programs for students to choose from. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education locally followed by transfer to a college or university to complete that education.

Vocationally-focused programs provide education and training in one of several high demand fields for entry into the workforce for the purposes of long term employment as a qualified professional. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or degree.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Pierpont Community and Technical College admits any interested individuals who are at least eighteen years old or have a high school diploma. Individuals must complete the application for admission, pay all fees, and provide transcripts and test scores if available. Students are encouraged to meet with a counselor, participate in orientation and may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. Financial Aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships awarded based on need as determined by the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

1,828

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

About
Middlesex Community College, located in Middletown, Connecticut, was founded in 1966 as a branch campus of Manchester Community College. The school became an independent member of the Connecticut Community College System two years after being established. In 1973 the school moved to its permanent home. Middlesex Community College is in the center of Connecticut and easily accessible through highways that cross the state. The school is dedicated to providing a quality education to its students, updating its curriculums as needed to ensure the programs offered remained relevant.

Academics
Middlesex Community College offers over 50 programs of study that allow for career or transfer opportunities. Career training programs prepare students for a career in a given field, offering the skills and training necessary to enter the workforce as a professional. Career programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a certificate or associate degree. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by transfer to a four year institution to complete their bachelor's degree.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution, any students who meet the minimum requirements for admissions will be enrolled after completing the application for admission and submitting it to the school. Students should submit transcripts and test scores along with the application. Students may be required to take a placement exam prior to the registration. Students are also encouraged to participate in orientation and meet with a counselor.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial aid must obtain a federal PIN as well as submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will be used to determine need, eligibility and awards.

Enrollment

2,547

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Quinebaug Valley Community College, located in Danielson, Connecticut, was established in 1971 as concerted effort to bring a post secondary institution to the region. Attempts at founding an institution began some 25 years prior, but it was the formation of the Connecticut State Community College System that finally allowed for the school to be built. Since its foundation the school has expanded to a second campus as well as seen growth at the main campus through increased enrollment and the expansion and modernization of facilities. QVCC is not just a community college, it is an active participant in bringing the community together through education, culture, the arts and workforce development.

Academics

Quinebaug Valley Community College offers a variety of programs that allow students to either transfer to a four year institution or obtain career and vocational training in pursuit of employment. A transfer track will allow students to complete the first two years of a four year education, primarily through the completion of general education requirements, followed by application to a college or university to transfer earned credits and apply them toward a bachelor's degree.

Career training programs provide the skills and abilities necessary through education and training to become professionals in one's chosen field. Graduates are eligible to enter the workforce at the entry level, having earned a degree or certificate during the one to two years of study it takes to complete a given program.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Quinebaug Valley Community College is an open admissions institution, admitting all students that apply and meet the minimum requirements for admission. Students should supply previous education information, including test scores, and may be required to take a placement exam. Students in need of financial assistance to pay for tuition and books should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will provide the school with the necessary information to determine need and aid program eligibility for grants, loans, and scholarships. Students must reapply for aid prior to each academic year.

Enrollment

1,335

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Northwestern Connecticut Community College, which is also known as NCCC is located in the picturesque area of Winsted, Connecticut. Founded by the local residents in 1965, it started out as a private educational institution that was focused on offering the local youth a quality education. 

The school is public and currently has an open enrollment system with less than 2,000 full time students enrolled. Though the college is listed as being the smallest in the Connecticut community college system, the 24,000 square foot campus has a lot to offer. There is a state of the art Science Center that houses Microbiology, Chemistry, Physics, and General Science laboratories for students to hone their scientific prowess.

NCCC offers a range of degree programs in such fields as business, IT, media design, computer programming, liberal arts and environmental science. Out of state tuition is around $9,000 annually and in state tuition is just under $2,000 which makes is a great option for students of all financial ranges.

Student services are diverse on campus, which extend to after class tutoring, student counseling job placement assistance and much more. There are also special services for the deaf and hard of hearing so that no student who wants to learn is denied the chance. The school places a special focus on nursing and healthcare, and as one of the first three community colleges in the state, they are known for producing high quality health care professionals.

Enrollment

1,299

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Manchester Community College, located in Manchester, Connecticut, is the largest of the 12 community college located in the state. The school began operations in 1963, and currently enrolls over 15,000 students. Due to a variety of programs offered at the school, over 40% of the students enrolled at the school are not from the MCC's primary service area.

Manchester Community College prides itself on offering academic excellence, up to date technology in its classrooms and facilities, small classroom sizes, and a low cost high quality education. To maintain its high standards, the school is constantly looking to revise and update programs and offerings depending on the needs of students and the community.

Academics

Manchester Community College offers a large number of programs. These programs can result in an associate degree or certificate. Students can take programs designed for transfer to a four year institution or they can prepare for a career through technical and vocational training. Certificate programs also prepare individuals for vocational or technical training, but generally lack general education courses, resulting in shorter program lengths. In addition to the programs offered, MCC also provides adult education and continuing education courses for individuals interested in returning to school; or wishing to refresh their education or renew a license or certification.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

Students interested in enrolling at Manchester Community College must be a high school or college graduate, or have a GED. Additionally, students must be a resident of Connecticut for a minimum of one year prior to the start of their first class. If the student meets these requirements, he or she may complete and submit the application for enrollment along with any transcripts, test scores and associated fees.

Manchester Community College offers a variety of financial aid options. Interested students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in a timely manner, to guarantee that their financial aid eligibility will be reviewed and any awards disbursed. The financial aid office is in place for students seeking assistance with the application process or have question pertaining to financial aid.

Athletics

The Manchester Community College Cougars compete in Region XXI of Division III of the National Junior College Athletics Association (NJCAA). Currently the school provides programs in women's soccer and basketball and men's basketball. The school places a high importance on athletics, believing it is an important part of the college experience. Manchester Community College is the only community college in Connecticut to offer intercollegiate athletic programs.

Enrollment

6,003

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Naugatuck Valley Community College located in Waterbury, Connecticut is one of the top public colleges in the system. NVCC is a two year college that offers several associates degrees in a range of disciplines. One honored student is awarded the Ann Margaret-Fabisiak Distinguished Student of the Graduating Class award as opposed to a traditional award for the Valedictorian of the graduating class.  The highlight of the award is that not only does the student need to excel in their studies, but also have high moral character. This award is in keeping with the mission of the school which is creating a well rounded student though moral guidance.

The campus is larger than most community colleges, sitting on 110 acre of lush Connecticut real estate. The NVCC campus is fully equipped with specialized and general use laboratories and classrooms so each student can get the most out of their college experience. The school also offers a wide array of online resources and materials to pair with the robust curriculum so that each student has an ample chance of succeeding in their certificate or degree programs.

The student center offers student a chance to unwind in the game room, or grab a bite in the fully serviced cafeteria. For added enjoyment, NVCC host one of the state three observatories which brings in visitors from all over the area. In state tuition is an affordable $3,500 yearly, while out of state students can expect to pay $10,000 annually.

Enrollment

6,237

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

About Three Rivers Community College, located in Norwich, Connecticut, was established in 1992 through the merger of Mohegan Community College and Thames Valley Community Technical College and is named for the three rivers that flow nearby, the Shetucket, Yantic and Thames. Though originally split between the Mohegan and Thames Valley campuses, funding was approved to consolidate the campuses into the Thames Valley campus, which was accomplished in 2009. In addition the school operated two instructional centers at the Naval Marine Base and the Ella Grasso Technical College in Groton.


Academics Students at Three Rivers Community College may choose between academic transfer and career training programs offered by the school in order to complete their intended goals. Academic transfer is accomplished through the completion of a curriculum that mirrors the first two years of a four year education and allows the student to apply for transfer to four year institutions upon completion. If admitted students will be able to continue their education and eventually earn a bachelor's degree. Agreements with certain schools, particularly public Connecticut institutions, ease transfer requirements and may guarantee admission if certain academic requirements are met.


Career training programs offers an education in a high demand field and industry, allowing the student to enter the workforce and obtain long term employment upon completion. Programs are taught by qualified industry professionals who supervise skill development through practical courses that simulate real work environments. Students will also receive traditional classroom education depending on the program, with general education courses of degree programs following this route. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate upon completion.
Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid Three Rivers Community College is a public, two year, open enrollment institution that allows any interested individual to enroll through the completion and submission of an application for admission and payment of the associated fees. Students are asked to provide transcripts and test scores if available, and may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration due determine one's education level and the courses he or she may be required to take. Participation in orientation and a meeting with a counselor are encouraged for new students to familiarize themselves with the campus and educational options.


Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided by which will be used by the school's financial aid department to determine the extent of a given student's need and their aid program eligibility when constructing his or her financial aid packet. Aid must be applied for prior to each academic year and it is recommended that the application be completed in a timely fashion.

Enrollment

3,997

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

About
Norwalk Community College, located in Norwalk, Connecticut, was founded in 1961 as two institutions, Norwalk Community College and Norwalk State Technical College. The two institutions were merged in 1992, becoming Norwalk Community-Technical College. The “Technical” was removed from the name in 1999 when the Board of Trustees of the Connecticut Community-Technical College voted to refer to all schools in the system as community college. The school is the second largest of the 12 colleges that comprise the system and serves approximately 6000 students annually.

Academics
Norwalk Community College offers a large variety of programs aimed at meeting the needs of its student population. Students interested in academic transfer will complete the first two years of a four year education, followed by submitting applications for transfer to four year institutions in order to complete the final two years and earn one's bachelor's degree. Transfer to a Connecticut public institution is made easier through agreements in place that allow for ease of admission. Individuals interested in transfer to out of state or private institutions should meet with a counselor to develop a curriculum that best meets the varying admissions requirements of such schools.


Career training programs prepare individuals for entry into the workforce as qualified professionals through skill development and education. Individuals will take traditional classroom courses alongside practical courses that help develop skills and perfect methods and techniques used in the field. A program will take between one and two years to complete, resulting a degree or certificate that demonstrates competency, assisting in the pursuit of employment at the entry level.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Norwalk Community College is a public, two year, open enrollment institution that allows any individuals wishing to enroll to do so assuming they meet the minimum requirements for admission (being 18 years of age or older or having a high school diploma or equivalent). Individuals will submit an application, for admissions, supply transcripts and test scores and pay all accrued fees. In addition, students may be required to take a placement exam prior to registration. The school also suggests meeting with a counselor to discuss goals, program enrollment and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used by the school to determine the extent of a student's financial needs and aid program eligibility when constructing a financial aid packet. Aid must be reapplied for prior to each academic year. Students may be chosen at random to provide additional tax and financial information to be compared to the FAFSA prior to the disbursement of funds. Such actions are taken due to new federal regulations that govern the disbursement of financial aid.

Enrollment

5,413

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

About Housatonic Community College, located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was founded 1967 and is a public two year institution. The school is a member of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, which is comprised of 17 schools located throughout the state. The school originally was a branch of Norwalk Community College, but was granted independent status through an act passed by the state legislature.

HCC was given its first permanent campus 1997. Since that time the school has worked to expand its campus to meet the needs of its expanding enrollment, and to remain current and relevant in regards to education.
Academics Housatonic Community College offers a large variety of programs that allows students to choose one that best reflects their goals. Academic transfer programs mirror the curriculum offered during the first two years of a four year education. Once completed, student will apply for  transfer to a four year college or university to complete the final two years and earning a bachelor's degree.

Transfer to public schools in Connecticut are made easier through agreements in place that ease admission requirements. Transfer to private or out of state schools will have varying requirements best approached through the assistance of a counselor in order to formulate a curriculum that best meets the requirements.
Career training programs provide an education in a specific industry or field and assist students in developing the skills and abilities necessary to enter the workforce as a qualified professional upon completion.

Students will take both traditional and practical courses as needed by the specific program, with practical courses providing simulated work environments that allow for training under the supervision of experienced professionals. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in an associate degree or certificate which demonstrates competency to potential employers.
Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid Housatonic Community College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individuals who wished to enroll to do so through the completion and submission of the admissions application and payment of all related fees. Students must be eighteen years of age or have a high school diploma, and are asked to supply transcripts and test scores if available. Prior to registration students are encouraged to participate in orientation, meet with a counselor and may be required to take a placement exam.
Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided by which will be used by the school's financial aid department to determine the extent of need and aid program eligibility when constructing the student's financial aid packet.

Aid must be applied for each academic year in a timely manner. Students may be chosen at random to supply additional tax and financial information which will be compared to the FAFSA in order to verify its accuracy.

Enrollment

5,012

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

About
Tunxis Community College, located in Farmington, Connecticut, was founded in 1969 and is one of the 12 community college located throughout the state as part of the Connecticut Community Colleges System. The school is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The school is named after the Tunxis Native American Tribe that once occupied areas along the Farmington River and the word Tunxis means “The point where the river bends.”

Academics
Tunxis Community College offers a variety of programs that allow students to choose which path is right for them. Individuals pursuing academic transfer will complete a curriculum that mirrors the first two years of a four year program, and then apply for transfer to a four year institution and complete the final two years to complete their bachelor's degree. Career training programs offer  a hands on education in a high demand field or industry and upon completion allows the student to enter the workforce as qualified professional. Programs take between one and two years to complete and result in a degree or certificate.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid
Tunxis Community College is an open enrollment institution that allows any individual who is eighteen years of age or has earned a high school diploma to enroll by submitting an application and paying fees. Providing previous transcripts and test scores is also recommended, as is participating in new student enrollment and meeting with a counselor prior to registration. Students may also be required to take a placement exam prior to their first semester. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships and are awarded based on need as determined by the information provided by the student in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

3,902

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

About Gateway Community College, located in New Haven, Connecticut, is a public two year post secondary education institution founded in 1992 through the merger of two previously existing institutions, South Central Community College and Greater New Haven State Technical College. Gateway Community College has an annual enrollment of over 11,000 students, with nearly 7000 being credit seeking students.
Academics Gateway Community College offers a variety of programs that allows students to pursue academic transfer or career training opportunities. Academic transfer is accomplished by completing a curriculum that mirrors the first two years of a four year education, followed by applying to a college or university to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.

Career training programs are for students seeking to enter the workforce as trained professionals. Individuals will complete a program that prepares students with the skills and abilities necessary to complete tasks and duties specific to the area or industry chosen.
Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid Gateway Community College is an open enrollment institution that admits any individuals who wish to enroll by completing an application, paying all fees and supplying transcripts and tests cores if available. In addition, students may be asked to take a placement exam prior to registration.

Students are also encouraged to meet with a counselor to discuss goals and program enrollment, as well as participate in new student orientation to meet with a counselor. Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and scholarships, awarded based on need as determined through the information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Enrollment

7,016

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Capital Community College was founded in 1967 and is located in the heart of Hartford, Connecticut. Being the only undergraduate institution that is public, the school aims to offer is students a range of programs that are career specific as well a wide ranging. The school was merged with the state technical college in 1992 which allows it to offer students an ever wider range of academic options. Capital Community College is accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and has an average enrolment of 4,500 students every year.

Being one of the most ethnically diverse campuses in the state, Capital Community College is proud to work towards assisting its students obtain a traditional degree in their field of choice, or focus on a program that will allow them to transfer to a regular four year college. For professional minded students, there are also vocational programs. The school is proud to host the largest registered nursed degree program in the state, in which students may pursue an associate’s degree in nursing.

There are a range of student services such as the occupation specific programs and the academic advising team so you can get the most out of your time in at Capital Community College. The campus also offers online courses for those already in the workforce who are interested in expanding their educational portfolio. In keeping with the ideals of the school to provide a quality learning experience affordably, in-state tuition is $4,000 yearly, and out of state tuition is only $11,000 yearly.

Enrollment

3,290

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Best Connecticut Community College Degrees

It is worth noting that community colleges have guaranteed admissions for qualifying candidates. This type of admissions clause is unique to community colleges as it is not a philosophy found at private or public colleges. Having access to a community college allows new and returning students the opportunity to learn a new trade, refine a skill, or remain competitive with additional education. The degree you can earn at a community college will include an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or Associate of Science (AS) degree. Additionally, there are community colleges around the country creating more and more curriculum for bachelor degree programs. Make sure to check out the schools course catalog to determine which degree program is best for you given your unique abilities, strengths, and aspirations.

The following link may provide helpful information about community colleges in Connecticut:

The tuition information displayed is an estimate, which we calculated based on historical data and should be solely used for informational purposes only. Please contact the respective school for information about the current school year.

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

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