Non-Profit Private
Accredited · New England Commission on Higher Education
New London, Connecticut
38.3% Acceptance Rate
Connecticut College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
38.3%Acceptance Rate
3.7Avg GPA
1412Avg SAT
32Avg ACT
$82,219Annual Cost
$75,001Grad Salary
14.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
38.3%
Avg GPA
3.7
Avg SAT
1412
Avg ACT
32
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education
SAT Middle 50%
1340–1470
ACT Middle 50%
31–33
Need-Based Aid
14.3% receive Pell
Connecticut College, established in 1911 in New London, is a highly selective liberal arts college known for its interdisciplinary approach and waterfront campus. The college's 750-acre arboretum campus features modern facilities like the $30 million Science Center and the newly renovated Shain Library. Connecticut College's innovative Connections curriculum allows students to integrate academic interests with hands-on learning through internships, research, and study away. The college excels in environmental studies, dance, and international relations, with particular strengths in maritime studies through its proximity to Long Island Sound. With a 9:1 student-faculty ratio and no graduate teaching assistants, students receive personalized attention from faculty. Recent initiatives include the $50 million campaign for financial aid and the establishment of the Walter Commons for Global Study and Engagement.
Connecticut College Acceptance Rate
Connecticut College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of Connecticut College is 38.3%. This means that 38 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.
Admissions Guidelines
- Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
- Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.
Selectivity at a Glance
Selective
Selectivity scale: Selective — 38.3% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.25
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Connecticut College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of the admitted students at Connecticut College is 3.7. Connecticut College is highly selective.
Mostly A's with a few B's will keep you competitive. Taking AP/IB courses related to your field will improve your chances.
Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.90-4.10 for this same academic profile.If your GPA is between 3.40 and 3.7, a strong SAT or ACT score is recommended.
Connecticut College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: Highly selective; GPA is within the typical admitted range.
Recommended Strategy: Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT) in the top 5th percentile.
Admissions at Connecticut College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.7, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.70 – 4.00
Competitive Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.50 – 3.69
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.30 – 3.49
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.29
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics
- Connecticut College's Connections Program - its signature four-year integrative framework that connects academic coursework with internships, community engagement, research, and career development from the first semester - is genuinely one of the most distinctive and coherent undergraduate educational models at any liberal arts college in New England, and applicants who research and reference the Connections Program specifically in their application (through an interview, an optional activity note, or a Common App additional information section) demonstrate the kind of institutional knowledge that differentiates a genuinely committed applicant from one who is applying to a list of similarly ranked New England liberal arts colleges without meaningful differentiation between them.
- Connecticut College accepts 4s and 5s on certain AP exams and 5s, 6s, and 7s on certain IB Higher Level exams for credit - a credit policy that is particularly relevant for students with strong AP or IB records who want to accelerate into advanced coursework, pursue a double major, or free up course slots for interdisciplinary exploration; prospective students should review Conn's specific credit policies before enrolling to understand exactly which examinations will generate college credit and how to plan their academic trajectory accordingly.
- Connecticut College's need-blind admissions policy for U.S. students and its commitment to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans - combined with a campus location in New London, Connecticut, adjacent to the Thames River and the Long Island Sound - creates an environment where the financial barriers to accessing a rigorous, residential liberal arts education are lower than at many peer institutions with similar academic profiles; families who evaluate Conn's affordability based on sticker price without running the Net Price Calculator are consistently and significantly overestimating what a Connecticut College education would actually cost their family.
- The Rigor Metric: At Connecticut College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
- The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.
Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Connecticut College
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Connecticut College's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Connecticut College Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into Connecticut College Without SAT or ACT?
Connecticut College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.
Connecticut College Average SAT Score: 1412
The average SAT score of the admitted students at Connecticut College is 1412 on the 1600 SAT scale.
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1412 — Very Competitive
This score makes it very Competitive for SAT test scores. You need to do very well to score 1412 on the SAT.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1470 SAT or 33 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. Connecticut College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.
If your score is below 1340, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at Connecticut College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 695 | 660 | 730 |
| SAT Reading | 710 | 680 | 740 |
| SAT Composite | 1412 | 1340 | 1470 |
It means that if you have scored less than 1340 then you are below most of the admitted students at Connecticut College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1470 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1400
Can I get into Connecticut College with a 1450 SAT?
With a 1450 SAT Score, your chances of admission at Connecticut College are good but the admission staff at Connecticut College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.
Connecticut College ACT Requirements
The average ACT Score at Connecticut College is 32.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 32 — Very Competitive
This score makes Connecticut College very Competitive for ACT scores. You need to do very well to score 32 on the ACT.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 30 | 28 | 31 |
| ACT English | 34 | 32 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 32 | 31 | 33 |
Can I get into Connecticut College with a 33 ACT?
A 33 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at Connecticut College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at Connecticut College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.
Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.
One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that Connecticut College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether Connecticut College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.
Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 33 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Connecticut College
Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning
At Connecticut College, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.
Apply Early Decision and Understand the Structural Advantage of ED at Connecticut College
Connecticut College enrolls just under 50% of each class through Early Decision - meaning that nearly half of every incoming class has already been assembled before the Regular Decision pool is even reviewed. Connecticut College offers Early Decision I (November 15 deadline, mid-December decisions), Early Action (November 1 deadline, also mid-December), and Early Decision II, with Regular Decision deadline of January 15. ED I carries the strongest statistical advantage, and the college's own FAQ confirms the admissions committee's genuine preference for students who identify Conn as a primary choice. Early Action provides a non-binding early decision without requiring commitment to enroll - allowing students to receive a December decision while keeping other options open. ED II provides an additional binding option for students who need more time to finalize their decision. The regular acceptance rate is approximately 37% overall, but the ED acceptance rate has historically reached close to 50%, making the strategic choice of application round one of the most consequential decisions in the Conn College admissions process.
Pursue the Optional Admissions Interview - Connecticut College Explicitly Endorses It as a Meaningful Tool
Connecticut College offers optional interviews with admissions representatives - in-person on campus, at select locations when counselors are traveling, or online - and the college explicitly states that the interview is an excellent opportunity to add depth to your application. At an institution with no required supplemental essays beyond the Common App personal statement, the admissions interview is the single most effective additional tool available to any applicant for demonstrating intellectual character, community fit, and genuine institutional knowledge beyond what the written application can convey. Come prepared to discuss your intellectual interests with specificity, articulate why Connecticut College's particular combination of its need-blind admissions model, its Connections Program integrating academic and student life, and its New London coastal campus resonate with your own academic and personal development goals. Conn College states it is actively looking for students who would most benefit from a Connecticut College education and see the College as one of their primary choices - and an interview in which you can demonstrate this genuine alignment is among the most powerful tools available to achieve this goal.
Write Two Strong Teacher Recommendations From the Teachers Who Know You Best - Not the Teachers in Whose Class You Got the Highest Grade
Connecticut College requires two teacher recommendations from academic subjects and one from your counselor - and its own published guidance explicitly states: "Ask teachers who know you the best, not necessarily the teachers in whose class you earned the highest grade." As an example, the college cites a student who may not be a particularly gifted math student but who went after class for weeks to get help and finished with a well-earned but lower grade than usual - and asks whether the math teacher might know the kind of student you are better than the AP English teacher in whose class you received an A. This guidance is not merely a diplomatic hedge - it is a genuine statement of what Connecticut College's committee values: character, persistence, intellectual engagement, and authentic investment in learning, not just a track record of high grades. Choose recommenders who can tell a specific story about you as a learner and community member - a story that the transcript, test scores, and personal essay cannot tell on their own.
Build an Academic Profile Anchored by Depth, Integrity, and Community Contribution
The average GPA for admitted Connecticut College students is 3.7 on an unweighted 4.0 scale, with 54% of the Class of 2024 (among those reporting class rank) in the top 10% of their high school graduating class. Connecticut College is test-optional, with approximately 42% of students choosing to submit scores. Among those who submit scores, the middle 50% ranges from 1350 to 1500 SAT and 30 to 33 ACT - submit scores if they fall within or above this range; omit them if they would introduce a data point that underrepresents your academic preparation. Connecticut College values smart, interesting students with diverse perspectives and the ability to excel academically, and emphasizes personal qualities such as integrity, empathy, and intellectual curiosity. The extracurricular profile that resonates most at Conn is one that reflects genuine depth, sustained community service or leadership, and meaningful engagement with issues beyond the self - qualities that align with the college's Holleran Center for Community Action and its emphasis on engaged citizenship as a core educational outcome.
Expert Insight: Applying to Connecticut College without demonstrating genuine knowledge of and interest in its specific academic identity - particularly its Connections Program, which integrates academic study with student employment, community engagement, and career preparation across all four years - or submitting a Common App personal essay that could be addressed to any liberal arts college on the Thames River without substantive revision, will consistently underperform in a committee that is actively looking for students who would most benefit from a Connecticut College education and see the College as one of their primary choices for post-secondary education, and that has access to interview feedback, demonstrated interest data, and counselor letters that collectively illuminate whether an applicant's Conn application reflects genuine research and intentional choice or a list addition.
Connecticut College Profile
Full Name
Connecticut College
City
New London
State
Connecticut
ZIP Code
06320-4196
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
Is a Connecticut College Degree Worth It?
Getting into Connecticut College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. Connecticut College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at Connecticut College is $83,700 and the graduate unemployment rate is 3.05%.
How much does a degree from Connecticut College Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Connecticut College is $82,219. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Connecticut College is much less than this.
14.3% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 36 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to Connecticut College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Connecticut College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist Connecticut College as your choice in the form.
How much does a Connecticut College Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $75,001. An average Connecticut College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Connecticut College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
| Trinity College | Hartford, CT | 1396 | 32 |
| American University | Washington, DC | 1392 | 31 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1397 | 31 |
| Wheaton College | Wheaton, IL | 1363 | 30 |
| Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | Terre Haute, IN | 1389 | 32 |
| St. John's College | Annapolis, MD | 1381 | 31 |
| University of Massachusetts-Amherst | Amherst, MA | 1393 | 31 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Connecticut College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Clara University | Santa Clara, CA | 1417 | 32 |
| Colorado School of Mines | Golden, CO | 1403 | 31 |
| University of Miami | Coral Gables, FL | 1416 | 32 |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | 1418 | 32 |
| Simpson College | Indianola, IA | 1410 | 32 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Connecticut College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University Oakland | Oakland, CA | 1472 | 32 |
| Occidental College | Los Angeles, CA | 1461 | 33 |
| Scripps College | Claremont, CA | 1480 | 33 |
| Colorado College | Colorado Springs, CO | 1445 | 33 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | Atlanta, GA | 1447 | 31 |
Degree Programs at Connecticut College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Full list of all degree programs offered by Connecticut College →
Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut College Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $75,001 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.
The tuition fee at this university is quite high, approximately $82,219 or more per year, so it is important to consider additional funding options.
14.3% of students receive a Pell Grant here, which is below the national average of around 35%. This institution serves a higher proportion of higher-income students. Merit-based scholarships may still be available regardless of financial need — check the official financial aid page of the institute for details.
The acceptance rate of Connecticut College is 38.3% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.
The average GPA of admitted students is 3.7. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.
While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.4, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.4, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.
If your GPA is 3.3 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.
While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.7, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.
Admission to Connecticut College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 1412 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 1340–1470.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.
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