Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State University is a public university located in New Britain, Connecticut, and part of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system. Founded in 1849, it is the oldest publicly funded institution of higher education in the state. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs across schools of liberal arts and social sciences, business, engineering and technology, education, and health sciences. As a comprehensive regional university, it serves a largely in-state student population and provides both residential and commuter options. Central Connecticut State University is known for its historical roots in teacher education and its continued emphasis on professional studies and public service.

Central Connecticut State University was founded in 1849 in New Britain, Connecticut, as the New Britain Normal School, established to train teachers for the state’s public schools. It was among the earliest normal schools in the United States and became the oldest publicly funded university in Connecticut. After temporarily closing from 1867 to 1869 due to funding challenges, the institution resumed operations and expanded its academic offerings. In 1933, it began granting four-year degrees and was renamed Teachers College of Connecticut. Continued growth led to another name change in 1959 to Central Connecticut State College. In 1983, the institution achieved university status and became Central Connecticut State University. In 2011, governance shifted to the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education. Today, Central Connecticut State University remains a comprehensive public university serving students from across the state.