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Connecticut College

New London, CT

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

Tanquam lignum quod plantatum est secus decursus aquarum

1911
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
750 acres
Campus
1,990
Undergrad
$511M
Endowment
(2025)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Connecticut College

Connecticut College: A pioneering liberal arts college founded for women, now a vibrant coed community.

Nestled adjacent to the Thames River in New London, Connecticut College stands as a distinguished private liberal arts institution with a vibrant residential community of approximately 1,990 undergraduate students. As a proud member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), Conn College athletes compete fiercely in NCAA Division III, fostering a spirited campus environment.

Connecticut College boasts a remarkable founding story, established in 1911 as the state's only women's college. This bold move was a direct response to Wesleyan University's decision to exclude female students in 1909. Initially chartered as Thames College, it quickly evolved into Connecticut College for Women before embracing coeducation in 1969 and adopting its current, inclusive name.

Academically, Connecticut College offers a rich landscape of opportunities across 41 diverse programs, including innovative interdisciplinary pathways and centers. Students are encouraged to broaden their horizons, with a majority choosing to study abroad, reflecting the college's commitment to global engagement and experiential learning. The institution continues to evolve under new leadership, with Andrea Chapdelaine recently inaugurated as its 12th president.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1911 as Connecticut's sole women's college, becoming coeducational in 1969.
  • A private liberal arts institution with approximately 1,990 undergraduate students.
  • Offers 41 diverse academic programs, including interdisciplinary pathways, with a majority of students choosing to study abroad.
  • Member of the highly competitive NCAA Division III New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
  • Sits on a beautiful 750-acre suburban campus adjacent to the Thames River.
  • Boasts an endowment of $510.9 million (as of 2025).
  • Guided by its inspiring motto: "Like a tree planted by rivers of water that bringeth forth its fruit in its season."

Timeline

1911
Chartered as Thames College, quickly renamed Connecticut College for Women in response to Wesleyan University closing its doors to female students.
1915
Officially opened its doors to the first class of 151 students.
1969
Became coeducational, adopting its current name, Connecticut College.
1982
Inducted as a member of the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC).
2023
President Katherine Bergeron resigned; Leslie Wong began as interim president in July.
2024
Andrea Chapdelaine officially began her term as the College's 12th president.
2025
Andrea Chapdelaine was inaugurated as president.
🏛️
115 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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