Eastern Connecticut State University

Eastern Connecticut State University prides itself on being a public liberal arts university with the feel of a private liberal arts college. Its 4,300 undergrads and 1,000 graduate students hail largely from Connecticut, the rest come from 20 U.S. states and 63 foreign countries. Students from New England can attend ECSU for significantly less than the out-of-state costs. There are 35 undergrad majors, including liberal arts concentrations, business, performing and fine arts, education, health sciences, and social work. Noteworthy minor concentrations include coaching (school and community sports), sustainable energy management, and fashion design. One unusual feature: ESCU has its own high-tech planetarium and offers an undergrad minor in astronomy education for K-12 and public audiences. Within 10 months of leaving school, 70% of recent graduates found jobs in Connecticut. Most freshmen and about half of all undergrads live on its 180-acre campus. The student run Campus Activity Board is the chief creator of campus fun, with events that include concerts, trips, lectures, film, comedy and more.