Best MBA Programs in Connecticut

Yale School of Management (SOM)

Overview

Yale School of Management (SOM) is one of the premier business schools in the world, known for producing socially conscious business leaders who seek to address complex global issues. Located in New Haven, Connecticut, Yale SOM emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, integrating courses across Yale University, including partnerships with Yale Law School and the School of Public Health. The MBA program encourages students to develop innovative solutions to today’s most pressing challenges, making it an ideal choice for those interested in leadership, sustainability, and social responsibility.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #9
  • Number of Students: ~345 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 20%
  • Average GMAT Score: 720
  • Top Hiring Companies: McKinsey & Co., Bain & Co., BCG, Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Google
  • Average Starting Salary: $149,000

Notable Alumni

  • Indra Nooyi: Former CEO of PepsiCo
  • Timothy Collins: Founder of Ripplewood Holdings
  • David Swensen: Chief Investment Officer, Yale Endowment
  • Rono Dutta: CEO of IndiGo Airlines

University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Business

Overview

The University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Business offers a highly respected MBA program with strong ties to the finance, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Located in the state’s capital, Hartford, the UConn MBA combines academic rigor with experiential learning opportunities, including consulting projects, internships, and global immersion trips. The school is particularly noted for its emphasis on business analytics and risk management, reflecting Connecticut’s reputation as a hub for the insurance industry.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #56
  • Number of Students: ~120 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Average GMAT Score: 650
  • Top Hiring Companies: Aetna, Cigna, Travelers, IBM, PwC, Deloitte
  • Average Starting Salary: $110,500

Notable Alumni

  • John W. Rowe: Former CEO of Aetna
  • Katherine A. Lapp: Executive Vice President, Harvard University
  • Jeffrey Garten: Former Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade
  • Kevin Bouley: CEO of Nerac, Inc.

Quinnipiac University School of Business

Overview

Quinnipiac University’s School of Business offers a flexible MBA program designed for working professionals and full-time students. The curriculum is centered on real-world application, leadership development, and innovation. Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Quinnipiac’s MBA program is known for its strong focus on healthcare management, reflecting the university’s ties to the healthcare industry and its proximity to major health systems. The school is also renowned for its emphasis on global business practices, offering international immersion programs.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #93
  • Number of Students: ~85 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average GMAT Score: 600
  • Top Hiring Companies: UnitedHealthcare, Yale New Haven Health, Liberty Mutual, Aetna, IBM
  • Average Starting Salary: $90,000

Notable Alumni

  • William Weldon: Former CEO of Johnson & Johnson
  • Joseph T. Lynch: Senior Vice President, UnitedHealthcare
  • Michael Raimondi: Managing Director, PwC
  • Karyn Polito: Former Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts

University of Hartford – Barney School of Business

Overview

The Barney School of Business at the University of Hartford offers a customizable MBA program that focuses on leadership development and practical business skills. The program is designed to accommodate both full-time and part-time students, providing flexibility for working professionals. Located in West Hartford, Connecticut, the school has strong ties to local businesses, offering numerous networking opportunities and internships. The curriculum emphasizes leadership, innovation, and global business strategies, making it a great choice for students looking to build strong leadership skills.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #107
  • Number of Students: ~75 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 55%
  • Average GMAT Score: 580
  • Top Hiring Companies: Cigna, Aetna, Travelers, Stanley Black & Decker, MassMutual
  • Average Starting Salary: $85,000

Notable Alumni

  • Ward J. Timken Jr.: Chairman of TimkenSteel Corporation
  • Richard Clarke: Former National Security Coordinator
  • Eileen McDonnell: Chairman and CEO of Penn Mutual
  • Robert Forrester: CEO of Verastem Oncology

Sacred Heart University – Jack Welch College of Business & Technology

Overview

Sacred Heart University’s Jack Welch College of Business & Technology, located in Fairfield, Connecticut, offers an MBA program with a strong focus on ethics and leadership. Named after the legendary former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, the program draws inspiration from Welch’s leadership style and integrates his principles into its curriculum. The program emphasizes digital transformation, providing students with a competitive edge in today’s tech-driven business landscape. Sacred Heart’s MBA is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a wide range of industries, with a particular emphasis on healthcare, finance, and technology.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #97
  • Number of Students: ~60 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 60%
  • Average GMAT Score: 590
  • Top Hiring Companies: GE, IBM, Sikorsky, UBS, KPMG, PwC
  • Average Starting Salary: $90,000

Notable Alumni

  • Jack Welch: Former CEO of General Electric
  • Linda McMahon: Co-founder of WWE, Former Administrator of the Small Business Administration
  • Bill Mitchell: President, Arrow Electronics
  • Tom Gentile: CEO of Spirit AeroSystems

Fairfield University – Dolan School of Business

Overview

Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business offers a well-rounded MBA program that focuses on leadership, ethical decision-making, and global business strategies. Located in Fairfield, Connecticut, the school is known for its intimate learning environment and personalized approach to business education. The program offers concentrations in areas such as finance, marketing, business analytics, and accounting. Fairfield’s close proximity to major business centers like New York City and Stamford offers students access to numerous internship and job opportunities.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #103
  • Number of Students: ~80 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • Average GMAT Score: 610
  • Top Hiring Companies: IBM, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, UBS, Morgan Stanley
  • Average Starting Salary: $92,000

Notable Alumni

  • James Keane: CEO of Steelcase
  • Drew Conway: Founder of Alluvium
  • Judy D’Agostino: Senior Vice President, Aon
  • William P. Lauder: Executive Chairman of Estée Lauder Companies

University of New Haven – Pompea College of Business

Overview

The Pompea College of Business at the University of New Haven offers an MBA program that emphasizes experiential learning, innovation, and leadership development. Located in West Haven, Connecticut, the program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in a wide range of industries, with a special focus on business analytics and marketing. The University of New Haven provides numerous opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, consulting projects, and global immersion programs, ensuring students gain practical experience alongside their academic studies.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: #112
  • Number of Students: ~70 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average GMAT Score: 590
  • Top Hiring Companies: Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, Deloitte, Aetna, GE, Travelers
  • Average Starting Salary: $85,500

Notable Alumni

  • Thomas Pompei: Executive at Fortune 500 Companies
  • W. Mark Saltzman: Biomedical Engineer and Entrepreneur
  • Robert Alvine: President of Premier Subaru
  • Vernon W. Hill: Founder of Metro Bank (UK)