Migrants to Connecticut, whether from abroad or other states, tend to have higher levels of education compared to Connecticut and the nation as a whole, U.S. Census data show.
An estimated 55% of migrants from abroad and 54% of those from other states hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Nationally, only 35.6% of individuals have reached this level of education.
Of all residents 25 and older in Connecticut, about 42% have bachelor’s or advanced degrees.
About 34% of migrants from abroad and 25% of domestic migrants to Connecticut have only a high school diploma or less, compared to the national average of 28.1%. About 11% of international migrants and 21% of domestic migrants have some college experience or an associate’s degree, higher than the national average of 8.8%.
“We are one of the oldest states in the country with minimal population growth. Immigration is critical to supporting Connecticut’s economy and meeting our workforce needs,” said William Villano, CEO of Workforce Alliance in New Haven.
Population moving from other States to Connecticut
Less than High School
High School Graduate
Some College or Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
Percentage of people by educational level in each planning region
This information is based on 2022 Census data. It shows how people 25 and over moved within the U.S. in 2022 based on their education level. These figures are estimates and come with margins of error.
Population moving from other countries to Connecticut
Less than High School
High School Graduate
Some College or Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
Percentage of people by educational level in each planning region
The region that sees the most migrants from abroad with bachelor’s or advanced degrees is the Capitol Region Council of Governments — broadly, the greater Hartford area — with an estimate of 2,532 new residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. For migrants from other states, the Western Connecticut Council of Governments around Fairfield County leads, with 13,767 new residents with bachelor’s or advanced degrees — accounting for nearly 70% of all migrants from other states to the area.
These highly educated migrants often work in public administration, finance, health care and education.
In Northeastern Connecticut, approximately 88% of migrants from abroad hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, while around 39% of domestic migrants to the area have the same level of education.
Total Population Based on Academic Level
Less than High School
High School Graduate
Some College or Associate’s Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Graduate or Professional Degree
Percentage of the CT population
The total population numbers include people from Connecticut and those who moved into the state.