University of Connecticut
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public research university and "Public Ivy" located in Storrs, Connecticut, with five additional campuses throughout the state . Founded in 1881, it is one of the top public universities in America, ranked No. 32 among public universities and No. 69 in National Universities by U.S. News & World Report . UConn is classified as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution and is a member of the prestigious Universitas 21 association . The university enrolls approximately 28,300 students, including 20,056 undergraduates and 8,250 graduate students, with an international student population of 14% . UConn is organized across 14 schools and colleges offering over 110 undergraduate majors and 80 graduate programs . It is renowned for its strengths in business, engineering, health professions, social sciences, and biological sciences, with particularly distinguished programs in actuarial science and financial risk management . The 4,104-acre main campus in Storrs features 47 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was recognized as a Level II arboretum in 2024 . Its athletic teams, the Huskies, compete in NCAA Division I and are celebrated for their championship basketball programs. UConn has an acceptance rate of approximately 52% and a strong four-year graduation rate of 73%
University Overview
The institution evolved through several name changes: it became Connecticut Agricultural College in 1899, and in 1933 was renamed Connecticut State College to reflect its expanding academic offerings beyond agriculture . On May 26, 1939, the Connecticut General Assembly officially redesignated it as the University of Connecticut, signaling its transformation into a comprehensive university .
A period of significant expansion followed World War II, driven by the G.I. Bill and the post-war demand for higher education. In 1940, the university merged with the Hartford Junior College, establishing its first branch campus and laying the foundation for its multi-campus system . The School of Law, originally founded in 1921, was formally integrated into the university system in 1942 .
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, UConn grew substantially, adding schools of medicine and dentistry in Farmington and expanding graduate education. In 1995, the state launched "UConn 2000," a landmark $1 billion infrastructure investment program—the largest such investment in public higher education in Connecticut's history—followed by "21st Century UConn" in 2002, which provided an additional $1.3 billion for campus development and academic enhancements . This sustained investment transformed the university's facilities and propelled its rise in national rankings.
The university has continued its trajectory of growth and recognition, achieving R1 research classification and cementing its reputation as a leading public research university. In 2013, the state initiated "Next Generation Connecticut," a $1.5 billion investment to further strengthen UConn's science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs . Dr. Radenka Maric became UConn's first female permanent president in 2022, leading the university into its next chapter of innovation and impact.
Popular Programs
Business, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy, Agriculture
Tuition Fees
$18,000 - $40,000/year
Scholarships
Presidential Scholars Awards, Leadership Scholarships, Diversity Awards, Transfer Merit Scholarships
Admission Requirements
GPA 3.5+, ACT 27-32/SAT 1260-1420, Personal Statement, Letters of Recommendation
