During the 2020-2021 academic year, business administration was ranked the second most popular major in the United States. Cited by College Factual, over 416,500 business degrees were awarded in that year alone. These statistics are not surprising, given the versatility and value of a business degree.
Business management and administration consistently top the list of the most in-demand college degrees, because employers value the multi-faceted skillsets that business majors possess. Those who study business can go on to work (and excel) in a variety of industries and positions. It’s no wonder that, for 2023, Bold.org ranked business the #1 major with the most job opportunities.
Not only is attending business school a safe choice for college students, but it is also a smart one. Business school graduates are some of the most needed, hirable candidates in the job market today.
Of course, with the number of business schools out there, it can be hard to select an institution. In Connecticut, there are at least 19 schools that offer undergraduate and/or graduate business degrees. If you are seeking a great business school in Connecticut, you’ll want to consider several factors relating to the school’s credibility, as well as your own personal needs.
The best business school for you will be one that fits your needs, aligns with your career aspirations, and offers a quality education. Keep reading to learn how to choose the best business school in Connecticut.
School-Specific Factors to Consider When Researching Business Colleges
When choosing the best business college in Connecticut, there are several factors you’ll want to consider that relate to the school’s offerings. These include, but are not limited to:
School Location:
There are several business schools located in Connecticut. If you are planning to take courses on campus, you will need to find a college or university that is accessible for you. You will not want to spend large amounts of time commuting to campus, so consider seeking a school that is close to where you live or in a central location — somewhere right off the highway, with amenities and internship experiences close by.
School Size:
Some students care about the size of a business school. Smaller business colleges typically offer small class sizes and lower student to professor ratios than larger universities. Some enjoy this, as it allows for more individualized attention during class time. Larger business schools often have more lecture hall style classes, where students may not receive the same attention or support. However, large universities also have their own perks, often including more class offerings, degree program options, and resources for students than smaller schools. Ask each prospective school about their business class sizes, student-teacher ratios, and services for business students in need.
Tuition Costs:
Tuition is an important consideration that must be assessed across business schools. Just remember that higher costs do not always mean higher quality education. In fact, the best business schools will be willing to meet you where you are, offering financial aid options and work study opportunities to help you fund your education. The best business colleges will also be transparent about their costs. We understand that college is expensive, so every student deserves to know the costs before they enroll. This doesn’t just apply to tuition, but also fees for materials, online resources, campus amenities, and more. Be sure to ask each business school about their tuition structure, fees, and potential hidden costs.
Accreditation:
Accreditation is a marker of excellence for colleges and universities. Accreditation means that an institution (or program) has met certain quality standards and been reviewed by a third-party, accrediting organization. It solidifies trust and reputation for colleges and universities. Business schools may be accredited at the institutional level, and/or have programmatic accreditation for their individual degree options. Look for a business college or university that is accredited to some capacity, to ensure you are choosing a credible and trustworthy institution.
Job Placement Rates:
Job placement rates are another factor that can indicate a top-tier business school. This metric shows how many alumni are able to secure jobs after graduating from the college or university. With a high job placement rate, you can assume that a business school is widely recognized by employers, offers a quality, comprehensive program of study, and supports students by helping them into careers they love.
Business Degree Options:
Another factor to consider when choosing the best business school is your degree options. There are various types of business degrees, from the associate to master’s level, as well as many specialized areas of study within business. As you consider your educational path, you will want to ensure that the business school you choose has programs that align with your interests and career goals. It is also important to find a business school that supports your growth, offering a diversity of business-focused programs at each level. So, if you earn an associate degree in Business Administration, you also have the option to go back to school for a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree.
Business Program Formats:
Obtaining a business degree is hard work. However, you should not have to work hard to fit business classes into your schedule. As you research prospective business schools in Connecticut, think about the type of program you need and the level of flexibility you’ll require as a student. Do you need the flexibility of online or hybrid classes? Do you need a part-time format so that you can maintain your career? Does the school allow you to customize your class schedule to meet your needs so that you can balance various obligations as a college student? Research the formats of their business programs and ensure that the class schedules and options offered are realistic for you.
Now that you know the top factors to look for in a great business school, you can begin your research. Here are our top tips for finding the best business school for you in Connecticut.
How to Choose the Best Business School for You
1. Find Your Fit.
The first place to start, as you begin searching for the best business school in Connecticut, is finding one that aligns with your career goals. Are you looking to climb the corporate ladder and become a leader at your company? Do you have an entrepreneurial mindset, and wish to start your own business? It’s important to find a school that offers courses that will help you become a leader and develop the skills you need to succeed. Goodwin University, for example, is a well-respected, career-focused college with business classes specifically targeted for entrepreneurial education, business administration, and organizational leadership.
Some of the skills that employers are looking for today (and therefore skills we focus on) include:
- Communication
- Critical thinking
- Detail-orientated
- Interpersonal skills
- Finance Management
- Problem-solving
- Teamwork
2. Look for Flexibility.
As you consider your options in pursuit of the best business school, consider your own day-to-day life and the kind of program you need. You’ll want to find a program that is flexible and can work with your day job and other obligations. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent or you work two jobs, you will need to find a college that works with your schedule. This means:
- Part-time and full-time options
- Online, on-campus, and hybrid classes
- Multiple class starts per year (so you can begin classes when you’re ready)
- Accelerated program options
- Customizable class schedules
With a program that offers a high level of flexibility, you can continue working and caring for your family while pursuing your degree and, in turn, your career goals.
3. Choose a School with Multiple Business Programs.
Not only will the best business schools promise flexibility, but they will also have a variety of programs from which you can choose. These programs should be offered at varying levels of degrees, as well. Goodwin, for example, offers business administration programs at the bachelor’s, associate, and certificate levels. We also offer a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership for those looking to enhance their business skills and become top-tier managers or executives in their company.
Finding a school with multiple business programs to choose from may not seem like a big deal, but it is helpful to have these varying options as you navigate your way through your education. As you begin your studies, you may decide that you want to earn your bachelor’s degree instead of the associate degree you set out to earn. Or, you may wish to advance your education after completion of your undergraduate degree — so an accessible master’s program is a great perk.
4. Keep Yourself and Your Career in Mind.
While some business colleges may boast big and elite programs, they do not always have the students’ future in mind. For this reason, you will want to choose a school that sets you up for success, that wants you to excel, and that offers you a range of services in order to reach your goals.
Goodwin University, for example, has an entire Career Services Team dedicated to finding students and graduates business careers that they love. Whether you need help writing your resume and cover letter or practice interviewing or making professional connections, the staff at Goodwin can offer an array of services and help make your career dreams come true. Our job isn’t finished until every student finds that job that they love. We support you — not only as a student or recent graduate — but for the many years that follow. All of these services are free to students and alumni.
About Goodwin University’s Business School
As you assess prospective business schools in Connecticut, and check the various factors off your list, let us tell you a bit more about Goodwin University — a reputable business school in Connecticut.
Location:
Goodwin University is located in East Hartford, Connecticut. Our business school is easily accessible to students throughout the Greater Hartford area, as well as to workforce partners in and near the state’s capital. Students benefit from an easy-to-reach location alongside the Connecticut River, as well as the flexibility of online classes when they may not be able to get to class.
School Size:
Our average class size is 18 students, and close to 100 percent of our classes have fewer than 30 students. Despite being a university, we boast the small class sizes and individualized attention and support that our students deserve, with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. Learn more here.
Tuition Costs:
Goodwin University also boasts one of the lowest tuition costs for private, non-profit business schools in Connecticut. Our tuition rarely changes when compared to other business colleges in CT, and the vast majority of our students benefit from financial aid. In fact, in 2022, over 90 percent of our students received financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships. Goodwin also saved students roughly $500,000 in textbook costs in 2022. Our tuition and fees are always transparent and available, so that students know exactly what they will pay before beginning their first day of classes.
Accreditation:
Goodwin University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
Job Placement Rates:
For the class of 2021-2022, Goodwin’s job placement rate was 94 percent. The percentage of graduates to enter the workforce in Connecticut specifically was 91 percent. Our career-focused degree programs are specifically designed to help students find — and secure — great careers after graduation day.
Business Degree Options:
Goodwin University offers a variety of business degree programs at various levels. We encourage students to choose a program that meets their needs and supports their desire to grow and advance their skillsets through advanced degree offerings. At Goodwin, you’ll find the following business degree programs:
- Associate degree in Business Administration
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
- Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership (MSOL)
Business Program Formats:
Goodwin University understands the need for flexibility. All of our business programs are designed for the busy adult student. Classes are offered days, nights, and weekends, too – as well as on-campus and online. Students on a real time crunch may opt to complete their business courses in an accelerated format (just seven weeks) or customize a schedule on a standard 15-week timeline.
Finding the Best Business Schools in Connecticut
Whether you are looking to launch a new career in business, or already working in a business-related role, you will want to choose a business school that aligns with your future goals and personal needs as a college student. All you have to do now is begin your research.
If you would like to learn more about the business programs available at Goodwin University, call 1-800-889-3282, or visit us online to request more information.
Goodwin University is a nonprofit institution of higher education and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), formerly known as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Goodwin University was founded in 1999, with the goal of serving a diverse student population with career-focused degree programs that lead to strong employment outcomes.