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Branford College at Yale University

  • Albertus Magnus College 203-773-8550 or 800-578-9160
  • Gateway Community College 800-390-7723
  • Quinnipiac University 203-582-8200
  • Southern Connecticut State University 203-392-SCSU or 888-500-SCSU
  • University of New Haven 203-932-7000 or 800-DIAL-UNH
  • Yale University Directory Assistance 203-432-4771

HIGHER EDUCATION

Home to Six Colleges & Universities

The Greater New Haven area is home to six major institutions of higher learning: Yale University, Quinnipiac University, University of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), Albertus Magnus College, and CT State Community College Gateway. These institutions play a vital role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and equipping the workforce with critical skills. Their impact extends beyond academics, encompassing infrastructure investments, research advancements, and job creation across multiple industries.

Yale and Quinnipiac’s expansion projects continue to revitalize the region’s construction sector, create jobs, and attract substantial capital investment. Faculty and student-led research initiatives fuel technological innovation and entrepreneurship, drawing in external funding and enhancing Greater New Haven’s reputation as a hub for biotech and advanced industries.

While most private institutions have maintained stable enrollment levels, Yale University plans to increase its undergraduate class size by 100 students. In contrast, SCSU, Connecticut State Community College Gateway, and Albertus Magnus College have seen declining enrollment compared to 2019, although their numbers have improved over the past year. Since these three institutions serve a significant percentage of Connecticut residents, they play a crucial role in retaining local talent and strengthening the regional workforce.

As industries adapt to economic shifts and technological advancements, Greater New Haven’s higher education institutions remain key drivers of workforce readiness, economic stability, and innovation. However, addressing enrollment challenges and strengthening ties between education and local employers will be critical for sustaining long-term growth and regional competitiveness.

2025 Report Milestones & Accomplishments

  • Enrollment across the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system increased 4.2 percent this fall.
  • A recent study by Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, determined Connecticut's community colleges contribute approximately $3 billion to the economy.

Yale University

  • For the third year, ConnCAT has partnered with Yale to train New Haven residents without college degrees in the biotech industry. BioLaunch aims to create local, well-paying technical jobs that require no college degree or out-of-pocket training costs.
  • New Haven’s City Plan Commission approved Yale’s proposal for a seven-story building to house the Yale Repertory Theater, the David Geffen School of Drama, and the undergraduate Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies department. The construction is expected to be completed in 2029.
  • Yale University's Living Village, opening in June 2025, will be the largest living-building residential complex on a university campus. It is part of Yale's Planetary Solutions initiative and aims to meet the rigorous Living Building Challenge standard.
  • Yale University is enhancing its high-performance computing and AI research capabilities by joining the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) consortium and partnering in a new regional AI hub in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Quinnipiac University

  • Quinnipiac University's new LEED-certified School of Business, which opened in May 2025, is part of the South Quad project that also includes a residence hall and an academic building.

University of New Haven

  • The University of New Haven is a leader in cybersecurity education, offering hands-on undergraduate and graduate programs in ethical hacking, digital forensics, cryptography, and enterprise security, as well as flexible online options for professionals.
  • The University of New Haven has acquired a 130,000-sq. ft. building and 12-acre lot to create a pioneering Manufacturing Innovation Center. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between higher education and Connecticut’s advanced manufacturing industries, focusing on research, innovation, and workforce development.
  • The SCSU Innovation Hub and Boehringer Ingelheim have partnered to enhance opportunities for all students in STEM.
  • SCSU has launched a new Bachelor of Science degree program in Behavioral Neuroscience.

Enrollment

    • Yale University
      15,081
    • University of New Haven
      9,830
    • Quinnipiac University
      8,918
    • Southern Connecticut State University
      8,820
    • Connecticut Community College Gateway
      5,703
    • Albertus Magnus
      1,161
Total Enrollment

49,513

Updated December 2024