Best Community Colleges in New Haven: Transfer, Tuition & Programs for 2026
GradeToGrad Editorial Team
February 18, 2026
Compare New Haven community colleges with real tuition, earnings, and program data.
Why Community College in New Haven?
New Haven's community colleges offer an affordable launchpad for higher education and career training. With tuition well below four-year university rates and transfer agreements with state universities, the 2+2 path (2 years at CC, 2 at university) can save thousands while putting you on the same career trajectory.
Community Colleges in New Haven
Porter & Chester Institute (Bridgeport)
Tuition: $14,349/year | Enrollment: 1,405 | 6-year earnings: $37,807
New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT-Bridgeport (Bridgeport)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 517 | 6-year earnings: $46,838
Porter & Chester Institute of Hamden (Hamden)
Tuition: $14,337/year | Enrollment: 333 | 6-year earnings: $41,103
Branford Academy of Hair & Cosmetology-Bridgeport (Bridgeport)
Tuition: N/A/year | Enrollment: 36
Porter and Chester Institute - New London (New London)
Tuition: $15,856/year | 6-year earnings: $37,807
Porter and Chester Institute - New London 2 (New London)
Tuition: $15,856/year | 6-year earnings: $37,807
How to Choose
| Priority | Best Fit |
|---|---|
| Lowest tuition | Porter & Chester Institute of Hamden ($14,337/yr) |
| Best earnings outcome | New England Tractor Trailer Training School of CT-Bridgeport ($46,838 at 6yrs) |
| Nursing | Check which schools offer ADN programs with clinical rotations |
| Transfer | Look for schools with articulation agreements to your target university |
Transfer Pathways
Check with your target university for specific transfer agreements. Most Connecticut public universities accept credits from in-state community colleges through statewide articulation agreements. Complete your general education core at a CC and transfer as a junior to save significantly on your bachelor's degree.
Financial Aid
- Federal Pell Grant — up to $7,395/year, often exceeds full CC tuition
- Connecticut state grants — check your state's financial aid office for resident programs
- Institutional scholarships — many CCs offer merit and need-based scholarships
- Workforce development grants — available for high-demand programs like nursing and skilled trades
Next Steps
Compare New Haven community colleges on GradeToGrad — see tuition, programs, and transfer rates.
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