College Profile: Connecticut College

Mar 24
2 min read

I recently had a chance to visit Connecticut College on a lovely, snowy day, and I was very impressed by the students, faculty, and administration. I often tell my students that choosing a college is about more than academics; it’s about finding a place where you’ll grow, explore, and belong. Located in scenic New London, Connecticut College (often called “Conn”) is a small liberal arts school with big opportunities, rich traditions, and a close-knit community. This is a place where I witnessed students who consider the campus “home.”

History:

Connecticut College was founded in 1911 during a pivotal moment in U.S. history when women were pushing for greater access to higher education. The school originally opened as a women’s college, created after another Connecticut institution stopped admitting women.

The city of New London rallied behind the idea, raising more than the required funds to bring the college to life. One early benefactor, Morton Plant, donated $1 million, helping secure the school’s future.

In 1969, the college became coeducational, welcoming all students and expanding its reach.

Today, Conn is known for reimagining liberal arts education through its interdisciplinary “Connections” curriculum, encouraging students to link their academic interests with real-world experiences.

Fun Facts:

The campus includes a 750-acre arboretum, blending academics with nature.
The mascot is the Camel; chosen in 1969 and inspired by a Navy team name.
Conn offers 100+ academic programs, from arts to environmental studies.
Students come from 45 states and 46 countries, creating a diverse, global community.
About 94% of graduates are employed or in grad school within a year.

Traditions:

Batch Blast - A welcome celebration for first-year students with performances, food, and social events to kick off college life.

Floralia - A spring festival featuring music, dancing, and one of the most anticipated campus parties of the year.

Moonlight Breakfast - During finals, faculty and staff serve students a late-night breakfast, boosting morale before exams.

Honor Code Signing - New students formally commit to academic integrity and community values which is an important part of Conn culture.

Founders Day - Celebrated each April 5, marking the college’s founding and honoring its history.

Lilypad Dance - A unique senior-week tradition held outdoors in the arboretum. It is equal parts elegant and nostalgic.

Numbers:

Here’s a snapshot of Connecticut College’s student body and academics:

~1,995 undergraduate students
9:1 student-to-faculty ratio
Average class size: 19 students
24% domestic students of color
Gender distribution: ~63% women / 37% men
94% career/grad school placement within 1 year

At its core, Connecticut College offers a personalized, interdisciplinary education. Students have the chance to build pathways that connect their interests across disciplines, internships, and global experiences.

With small classes, strong faculty relationships, and a tight-knit campus community, Conn is ideal for students who want to be actively engaged in their education and campus life.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, I recommend visiting the campus in person. It is beautiful! Also, explore the website at https://www.conncoll.edu/.