Connecticut’s Top Three Research Universities: Yale, UConn, Southern

In its 2026 Best Colleges report, Research.com placed Southern Connecticut State University just behind Yale and the University of Connecticut as the leading research institutions in the state. The ranking also identifies SCSU as a top two Best Value College and Most Affordable College in the state, highlighting what officials describe as the university’s strong return on investment and its commitment to accessible excellence. 

This latest national recognition builds on a year of major research and academic achievements that underscore SCSU’s progress into the ranks of the leading research-driven regional universities.  

In the national rankings, Yale was #7, UConn landed at #94 and Southern at #255.  More than 1,650 colleges and universities were ranked in the analysis by Research.com

Rounding out the top 10 in Connecticut:  Central Connecticut State University was #4, Eastern Connecticut State University ranked #5, Trinity College was #6, followed by Mitchell College, Quinnipiac University, University of Bridgeport and Fairfield University.  They were followed in the rankings by Sacred Heart University, Albertus Magnus College, University of Hartford, Wesleyan University, University of New Haven, Connecticut College, University of Saint Joseph Western Connecticut State University and Goodwin University. 

A year ago, in February 2025, SCSU earned the prestigious Carnegie Classification “R2: High Research Activity” designation, becoming the first institution in Connecticut outside of Yale and UConn to be recognized nationally for research. The classification formally positioned SCSU among just 139 research universities nationwide and affirmed the university’s expanding research infrastructure, growing doctoral profile, and significant increase in faculty scholarly output. 

Following the R2 milestone, the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program recognized SCSU as a top producing institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the 2024–25 academic year — once again placing SCSU in elite company, second only to Yale and UConn within the state.  

In October 2025, SCSU secured a $398,176 National Science Foundation (NSF) EPIIC grant to strengthen Connecticut’s research and innovation capacity in critical and emerging technologies including biotechnology, nanotechnology, quantum technology, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.

SCSU also advanced its role in the state’s quantum ecosystem as Physics Professor and Executive Director of Research and Innovation Dr. Christine Broadbridge, co-PI and QuantumCT leadership team member, presented a workforce plan to NSF for the NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program. NSF Engines envisions supporting multiple flourishing regional innovation ecosystems across the United States. If funded, the initiative could bring up to $160 million to Connecticut over 10 years, with SCSU collaborating alongside Yale and UConn.  Funding decisions have yet to be announced.

“I’m proud to lead Southern during this time of rapid innovation and tremendous faculty prestige,” said Interim President Sandy Bulmer. “This recognition affirms Southern’s transformation into a research-intensive institution that delivers both excellence and access, holding true to our age-old mission. We are proud to stand among Connecticut’s top universities and to expand the opportunities available to our students, faculty, and community.”