University of Hartford

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The University of Hartford (UHart) is a private university in West Hartford, Connecticut. Its 350-acre campus spills into Hartford and Bloomfield, about 2 miles west of downtown Hartford. It was founded in 1957 when the Hartford Art School, Hillyer College, and The Hartt School joined together. Today, UHart serves about 6,000 students (roughly 4,200 undergraduates and 1,800 graduate students) and is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Academics and programs
UHart offers 82 bachelor’s degrees, 10 associate degrees, 28 graduate programs, and 7 certificates or diplomas. The university is organized into seven schools and colleges and has a 9:1 student‑to‑faculty ratio.

Campus life and facilities
Key on‑campus facilities include the Gengras Student Union, which houses student government, The Informer student newspaper, the Student Television Network (STN), dining options, and bookstores. The Harry Jack Gray Center contains Mortensen Library and Allen Memorial Library, as well as the Joseloff Gallery, the Hartt School spaces, WWUH radio, and the Gray Conference Center.

The Hartt School Complex and the Handel Performing Arts Center support theatre, music, and dance programs. Auerbach Hall houses the Barney School of Business, and Millard Auditorium serves arts and events. Hillyer Hall hosts the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, and Hillyer College. The Shaw Center provides additional classrooms and offices for Hillyer College. The University High School of Science and Engineering (a magnet high school) is on the east side of campus.

Student life also includes a campus newspaper, a student-run radio station, and various clubs and activities. The university has a strong arts and communications presence and hosts regular performances and concerts, often drawing from students and the surrounding community.

Athletics
UHart competes in NCAA Division III as part of the Conference of New England, with about 20 varsity sports. The university has historically competed at the Division I level in the America East Conference, but began moving to Division III in 2021, with completion targeted for 2025.

Administration and alumni
The university’s president is Lawrence P. Ward. UHart’s endowment was about $194 million in 2024, and the campus supports more than 94,000 alumni worldwide.