When I first came to Hartford, I honestly didn't think there would be so many good colleges here.

With Harvard and MIT nearby in Boston and many famous schools in New York, I thought of Hartford as just a quiet state capital.

However, as I started to look into colleges for my child, my perspective changed.

Hartford and its surroundings have universities with completely different characteristics, allowing for choices based on finances and majors.

First is Trinity College. Founded in 1823, it is a liberal arts college that has been around for over 200 years.

Rather than a large comprehensive university, think of it as a traditional small private college where the distance between students and professors is close.

However, the issue is tuition. For the 2026-27 academic year, the undergraduate tuition alone is $72,820 per year.

When you add in general fees, student activity fees, dormitory costs, and freshman meal plans, the total annual cost presented by the school is $96,480. That's almost $100,000.

"Oh my, sending a child to college for four years will cost as much as a house," is a common reaction. However, the actual amount a student pays can be quite different from the listed tuition at such private colleges. You must also consider how much in scholarships and need-based financial aid you will receive.

The second is the University of Hartford. Some may think it's a public university because of its name, but it is a private comprehensive university. It offers a variety of options in business, engineering, health, and arts, and especially The Hartt School is well-known for music and performing arts.

For the 2026-27 academic year, the full-time undergraduate tuition is $48,464 per year.

Including dormitory and meal costs, the direct costs are about $67,416, and the total estimated costs, including books, transportation, and personal expenses, are about $72,414. While lower than Trinity, it is still not a small amount for a private university.

The third is UConn Hartford, which will catch parents' attention due to its tuition.

This is the Hartford campus of the University of Connecticut, and being downtown makes it convenient to utilize nearby businesses, government agencies, and cultural facilities. Some students may start their college life in Hartford and then transfer to the Storrs main campus to complete their degree.

The biggest advantage is the tuition for Connecticut residents. For the 2026-27 academic year, the basic tuition for CT residents is $17,010, and even with various school costs combined, it is about $19,008 per year. In contrast, out-of-state students pay about $41,676 under the same criteria, so the difference between residents and non-residents is significant.

If you live in a dorm in Hartford, the costs will increase. The direct costs calculated by UConn for CT residents at the Hartford campus are about $30,554, combining tuition, school costs, and average Hartford housing costs. The total Cost of Attendance, including estimated living expenses like food, books, and transportation, is about $43,024.

Looking at these three schools, their characteristics are really different.

If you want a traditional small liberal arts education and are willing to actively seek financial aid, Trinity College is a good choice. For students interested in music, arts, or various professional majors, the University of Hartford is suitable. If you are a Connecticut resident looking to reduce tuition costs while considering a UConn degree, UConn Hartford could be a realistic option.

So, for Korean parents looking into colleges for their children, don't just decide based on the school names. Visit all three campuses, compare majors, and make sure to get the actual amount you will be responsible for after applying financial aid.

In the U.S., the tuition listed on the sign can be very different from the actual amount we pay at home. Even in a small city like Hartford, the annual college costs can range from around $20,000 to nearly $100,000, so it's important to start by understanding this difference when choosing a college.