2024 Best Colleges for Public Policy in the Hartford Area

• Hartford, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.32 out of 5  758 reviews

Alum: Gorgeous campus! Newly renovated dining halls. Extremely generous financial aid. Intimate classes and professors who genuinely care about you. As a liberal arts college, the job search may be difficult at first but your learning, research skills, curiosity, and analysis will all pay off eventually.... Read 758 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $29,789

• SAT range 1300-1480

• West Hartford, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  381 reviews

Niche User: This University is a breath of fresh air. The support is incredible. Every single item on my checklist was checked off when we visited this school. The campus is beautiful, the academic support is second to none and the people genuinely want to help the students grow. They have many hands on options for the students to get true life experience. Every time we have attended events at this school, we meet wonderful individuals who are committed to my goals. I cannot wait to attend this school!... Read 381 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $26,328

• SAT range 970-1230

• New Britain, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  1,362 reviews

Alum: I was an undergrad at Central as computer science major, got my BS in 2019. I had a great experience, both academically and socially. I had an internship right after graduation, but pandemic hit and did not get full-time. I got another job elsewhere as web programmer, working remote. I wanted to get a grad degree, so I enrolled in fall of 2021 in the Data Science master's program. I just graduated in May of 2023, and finished all my credits in July. I am writing this review because I just got a job in Boston, and wanted to show a success story and share my experiences at Central. I am grateful to Central, as I had amazing experiences, got my BS in computer science and MS in data science. The best value for my education. I felt like I owed it to Central to write this review. I was not the best student in high school or freshmen year at Central, but I got serious, worked hard and got my degrees. It has paid off, and I owe much less than my friends. Great value, totally worth it!... Read 1,362 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 75%

• Net price $14,425

• SAT range 950-1180

• East Hartford, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  607 reviews

Alum: I graduated from Goodwin University when they were known as, "Goodwin College" in 2014. My experience taking courses within their nursing program was outstanding. I was enrolled in the program 3/4 of the time, then mandatory part-time once taking my core nursing courses. The nursing curriculum was rigorous and the examinations were in alignment with the resources provided, that challenged students critical thinking and decision making skills, while promoting higher level thinking skills that help prepare for the NCLEX-RN examination. I strongly believe the rigor, the curriculum delivery model, testing procedures, structure, and clinical experiences more than prepared me for my boards, it had significantly modeled me to be a competent safe practicing registered nurse.... Read 607 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,382

• SAT range —

• West Hartford, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.46 out of 5  1,712 reviews

Sophomore: I’m currently in my second semester of sophomore year and after completing all of my academic courses, I’m finally able to start working towards my illustration major and animation minor. In my freshman year alone, I’ve noticed just how much my art has improved! I’ve learned to pay attention to lighting in a 3D space and how to correct my proportions when it comes to drawing anatomy. I’m focusing on character design for video games and animated movies, and the Hartford Art School offers so many introduction courses that helps to introduce the subject in a matter that’s not overwhelming. I’ve already taken Drawing 1, Intro to Animation, Drawing 2 and an Intro to Illustration, which all align with my major. I love that despite having required classes, the school still offers courses to give you a taste of the different majors that they offer. With each passing semester, I’m getting more and more excited working towards my desired career. Overall, I’ve had a good experience attending HAS... Read 1,712 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $29,987

• SAT range 1080-1270

• Manchester, CT•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  559 reviews

Junior: My time at CT State Manchester has been amazing. The staff at the school is truly exceptional, going above and beyond to support students in their academic and personal growth. From professors who are passionate about their subjects to advisors who genuinely care about our success, the staff creates a nurturing and inspiring environment. The community at CT State Manchester is incredible. One of the things that sets CT State Manchester apart is the abundance of resources and opportunities available to students. The school provides a wide range of academic support services, such as tutoring and writing centers, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to excel. Additionally, there are numerous clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests, allowing students to explore their passions and develop valuable skills outside the classroom.... Read 559 reviews

• grade C+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $7,578

• SAT range —

• Farmington, CT•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  184 reviews

Sophomore: Tunxis is truly full of amazing staff! The professors are attentive, caring, and always looking to help boost students up. They are also very understanding when it comes to needing extra help or extra resources. The advisors are very helpful and provide resources that save students money and time. The school itself is clean and well maintained with an abundance of clubs and organizations that provide resources for mental health, such as the human services club. The students are welcoming and it was easy to make friends and breach out of my social comfort zone. The school has many parking spots available, and two main entrances that make it easier so you don't have to walk 15 minutes to your class if you're running late. The classes are well-paced so that they do not become overwhelming, even as a full-time student I still have plenty of free time and time to work a part-time job as well. There are many events with free food or gift bags that encourage students to come to campus.... Read 184 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,099

• SAT range —

• Middletown, CT•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  180 reviews

Sophomore: Professors were very helpful and really cared about their students success. Class sizes were perfect, too. A great way to start your college education.... Read 180 reviews

• grade C

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $3,300

• SAT range —

• Hartford, CT•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  212 reviews

Other: The campus is easy to get to, and the staff has been helpful with transcripts and transfer credits to apply to the nursing program. The clinical sites I have attended and the Clinical Instructors have all been helpful and attentive. The only downside would be the book expense. Having to pay for something that is not used is not only stressful because it is expensive, but seems unnecessary.... Read 212 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,414

• SAT range —