University of Hartford vs University of Connecticut

University of Hartford vs University of Connecticut

Karia Kiritbhai logo

Karia Kiritbhai Study Abroad Course Expert

Study Abroad Course Expert

The University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut, has around 6,000 students and is a private university with moderately selective admissions to around 83% acceptance rate. Its stronger programs are Business, Engineering, Performing Arts, and Health Sciences. The graduation rate is around 55–60%, and graduates report starting salaries of around INR 28–32 lakhs (or $34,000–39,000) in their careers. 
 
The University of Connecticut with its main campus at Storrs and regional campuses including Hartford, is a large public research university with a total enrollment of approximately 32,000 students system-wide. It is more selective to attend and has an acceptance rate of approximately 54%. The flagship programs to note are Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, Law, and Agriculture. Overall graduation rate is high at approximately 80–83%, and graduates report early career salaries of around INR 34–38 lakhs (or $41,000–46,000) in their careers.

Overview Comparison
University of HartfordUniversity of Connecticut
ranking (overall)# 304 US News 2024
# 801 QS World University 2023
# 801 QS World University 2022
# 351 Times Higher Education 2026
# 534 QS World University 2026
# 207 Center for World University Rankings 2025
ProgramsUG Programs -82
PG Programs -19
UG Programs -90
PG Programs -64
Doctorate Programs -6
Acceptance Rate83.0 %53.9 %
Exam ScoreIELTS-6.5
SAT-1030
TOEFL-80
IELTS-6.5
SAT-1210
TOEFL-79
Cost to StudyAverage Tuition Fees   37802
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  15300
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 27498 Per Year
Average Tuition Fees   45348
[For UG Program]
Average Tuition Fees  40746
[For PG Program]
Hostel + Meal - 27628 Per Year
Campuses and B-SchoolsNASchool of Business, University of Connecticut
CollegeDunia Reviews9.3/10 Read 1 reviews7.4/10 Read 10 reviews

Top Courses Comparison

Top Courses Comparison

exam scoresDuolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 58/90TOEFL - 80/120Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 60/90TOEFL - 79/120
cost to studyTotal Cost (Tuition + Living) -16002Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -
documents required#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose#Letter of Recommendation + Statement of Purpose
General Facts Comparison
General FactsUniversity of HartfordUniversity of Connecticut
Type of UniversityUniversity
University
Established1957
1881
Student:Faculty Ratio9:1:1
13:1
Male:Female48.9% Male, 51.1% Female50% Male, 50% Female
Hostel#On campus - $12346
#Off campus (not with family) - $12346
#Off campus (with family) - $2806
#On campus - $12514
#Off campus (not with family) - $12514
#Off campus (with family) - $2600
Weather-
Comparison Notes

University of Hartford vs University of Connecticut

Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is generally recognized in the range of the global top 300–400, with specific strengths in Business, Engineering, Pharmacy, Education, and Agriculture. The University of Hartford (UHart) does not rank in the global top 500 but has respectable regional recognition in the Visual & Performing Arts, Music (Hartt School), Business and Health Professions. UConn has a more readily recognized overall academic and research prestige, while Hartford is regarded as a recognized institution in the arts and professional training. 

General Information

Founded in 1881, UConn is the state’s flagship public research university with more than 32,000 students at multiple campuses, with the main campus in Storrs. The University of Hartford, established in 1957, is a smaller private university around 6,000 students based in West Hartford. UConn offers more programs, Division I athletics, and a wider variety of programming options, whereas UHart offers a more personal, career-based education.

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

UConn has a moderately selective acceptance rate, approximately 54% for all admitted students but with more acute selectivity for the programs of Business, Nursing, and Engineering. UHart has a greater acceptance rate (83%) and regional focus on accessibility and personal admissions decisions, specifically for students in the arts, business, and applied sciences. UConn generally has a more competitive overall acceptance rate and program interest for international students due to the school’s overall reputation and considering demand.

Research Impact & Facilities

UConn is a Carnegie R1 research institution with considerable funding, and is recognized internationally for research in the health sciences, materials, and energy. It operates a large medical center and is home to innovation centers. UHart is more teaching-oriented, although it engages in some applied research in health care, the arts, and business. However, its scale of research is not comparable to UConn. UHart's strength is in training students through applied and professional curriculum.

Cost & Financial Aid

The tuition for international students at UConn is about $39,000–42,000 per year, while at UHart it is approximately $46,000–48,000. Living costs are comparable throughout Connecticut, but Hartford has a slightly lower cost of housing in comparison to Storrs. Both universities offer merit scholarships. UHart often offers financial aid in order to recruit high-level students. However, UConn also offers scholarships for in-state students and institutional awards based on academic merit.

Career Destinations & Graduates' Success

UConn graduates often take jobs in health care, business, engineering, and education, are employable, and have a large and successful alumni across the United States. UHart graduates find careers in the arts, design, health professions, and business. UHart prepares all students well for arts, design, health professions, and business careers and often has the support of the Hartt School of Music and professional programs. UConn encompasses a broader recognition on a global scale and offers research-based experiences, while Hartford offers a more holistic and personal experience into careers.