Connecticut College vs Trinity College
Trinity College is very selective with a 33.5% acceptance rate, making it harder to get into than Connecticut College (38.3%). Graduates of Trinity College earn $15,778 more per year at the 10-year mark ($90,779 vs $75,001). For families earning $48k–$75k, Trinity College is more affordable at $18,325 net price vs $28,961.
Admissions & Outcomes
Trinity College has a higher yield rate (27.0%), meaning a larger share of admitted students choose to enroll — a strong signal of student preference. Both schools have similar median SAT scores around 1400, so standardized test scores alone won't differentiate applicants.
New London, CT
Hartford, CT
Net Price by Family Income
Net price is what you actually pay after grants and scholarships — often far less than the sticker price. It varies dramatically by family income. For low-income families ($0–$30k), Trinity College is more affordable at $11,054 per year. At higher incomes ($110k+), the gap narrows — $47,031 vs $48,515.
Net price data from College Scorecard. Run each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate based on your family's finances.
Financial Aid
Institutional grants come directly from the school's endowment and don't need to be repaid. A high institutional grant rate means the school is investing its own funds in affordability. Trinity College enrolls more Pell Grant recipients (15%), indicating stronger support for students from lower-income backgrounds.
Highest-Earning Majors
Median earnings within two years of graduation. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on lifetime earnings than the school name on your diploma.
Connecticut College
- 1 Economics$54,522
- 2 Political Science and Government$45,696
- 3 Sociology$42,682
- 4 International Relations and National Security Studies$39,729
- 5 History$39,369
Trinity College
- 1 Economics$61,814
- 2 Public Policy Analysis$47,260
- 3 Psychology, General$43,798
- 4 English Language and Literature, General$43,128
- 5 Political Science and Government$42,235
Most Popular Majors
The most popular majors by number of degrees awarded. This gives you a sense of each school's academic strengths and where students concentrate.
Connecticut College
- 1 Psychology, General
- 2 Economics
- 3 Political Science and Government
- 4 Computer Science
- 5 Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
Trinity College
- 1 Political Science and Government
- 2 Economics
- 3 Research and Experimental Psychology
- 4 Economics
- 5 Public Policy Analysis
Campus & Student Body
Enrollment size, diversity, and retention paint a picture of campus culture. A high retention rate means students are satisfied enough to return after freshman year.
For International Students
Key cost and campus considerations for students coming from outside the US.
Connecticut College
- International students6%
- Tuition (international)$58,660
- Est. total cost/year$75,315
- School typePublic
Trinity College
- International students13%
- Tuition (international)$56,380
- Est. total cost/year$74,350
- School typePublic
What international students should know
- International students pay out-of-state tuition at public universities. Private universities charge the same tuition for all students.
- Most federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) is not available to international students. Look for institutional aid and merit scholarships.
- F-1 visa holders can work on-campus during the school year and use CPT/OPT for internships and post-graduation employment.
- Schools with a higher international student percentage typically have stronger support services — dedicated international offices, visa advising, and cultural programs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Connecticut College or Trinity College?
Trinity College is more selective with a 33.5% acceptance rate, compared to 38.3%. Both are competitive schools that receive tens of thousands of applications each year.
Which school has higher earnings: Connecticut College or Trinity College?
Trinity College graduates earn more at the 10-year mark, with median earnings of $90,779 compared to $75,001. Earnings vary significantly by major — STEM fields typically produce the highest returns at both schools.
Which is cheaper: Connecticut College or Trinity College?
For middle-income families ($48k–$75k), Trinity College has a lower net price at $18,325 per year vs $28,961. Net price varies by family income — use each school's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
What is the graduation rate at Connecticut College vs Trinity College?
Trinity College has a higher 6-year graduation rate at 83.3%, compared to 82.8%. A high graduation rate signals strong academic support, student engagement, and a campus culture where students thrive.
Which school has more international students: Connecticut College or Trinity College?
Trinity College has a larger international student population at 13% of enrollment. A higher international student percentage often means stronger support services for visa holders, including dedicated international student offices, OPT/CPT guidance, and cultural programming.
What are the highest-paying majors at Connecticut College and Trinity College?
At Connecticut College, Economics graduates earn a median of $54,522 within two years. At Trinity College, the top-earning major is Economics at $61,814. Your choice of major often has a bigger impact on earnings than which school you attend.