Eastern Connecticut State University is a “College of Distinction” for the 2023-24 academic year, a designation given by an organization of the same name that evaluates undergraduate institutions based on their commitment to hands-on learning, student-teacher relationships, campus life and successful student outcomes.

Eastern was additionally cited for its success in the areas of business, education, career development, military support and equity and inclusion.

Colleges of Distinction has been evaluating colleges since 2000 and maintains a website of college profiles that look at factors for student success that are not included in college ranking surveys based on other metrics. Eastern has been cited as a College of Distinction for the past several years.

In the specialty areas, Colleges of Distinction evaluates schools based on qualities such as stability, accreditation, multidisciplinary offerings, and high-impact practices such as capstone projects, undergraduate research and writing-intensive courses. In business, it also looks at factors such as collaborative learning, internship opportunities and prioritizing business ethics. In education, it evaluates opportunities to graduate with a subject minor, career advising and specializing in distinct disciplines, such as early childhood, elementary or secondary education.

In career development, College of Distinction designation is awarded to institutions that help students through integrating career resources in classrooms and offering counseling and access to resources and workshops that enhance job search skills. For military support, the citation awards colleges that help mitigate barriers and provide guidance to service members and veterans. The “equity and inclusion” award is based on making special efforts to ensure fair treatment and accessibility and offering resources and support programs to underserved communities of students, staff and faculty.

Eastern’s profile as a College of Distinction for 2023-24 can be found here.