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University of Bridgeport

Accept Rate
64.31%
Grad Rate
47.5%
Enrollment
1,450
Avg SAT
985
Tuition
$35,760
Median Salary
$50,323
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C+
Aid

The Vibe Check

University of Bridgeport offers an intimate, hands-on learning environment where students are known by name, not just a student ID. With a small enrollment and a diverse student body, the campus feels tight-knit and supportive, fostering a community where personal attention from professors is the norm. It's a place for students who are self-starters and ready to take advantage of real-world opportunities in a bustling urban setting.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

64.31%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 98575th Pctl
8801115
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Admissions Tips

1. Highlight your interest in career-oriented fields: In your application essays and extracurriculars, emphasize your passion for practical, hands-on learning in areas like health professions or business, as this aligns perfectly with UB's strengths. 2. Showcase resilience and a 'go-getter' attitude: Given the moderate acceptance rate and the urban setting, the admissions team looks for students who are motivated and adaptable. Let your personal story demonstrate your drive and readiness to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
985
40080012001600
School range: 880โ€“1115

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

The university's academic strengths lie in its professional-focused programs, particularly in Health Professions, Business, and Engineering. Teaching quality is a priority, with small class sizes that encourage direct interaction with faculty who bring real-world experience into the classroom. While research opportunities exist, especially in collaboration with faculty, the curriculum is heavily geared toward practical skills and career readiness.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
51%
Business & Marketing
9.1%
Psychology
7.9%
Criminal Justice
5.7%
Engineering
4.2%
Public Administration
4.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
2.1%
Computer Science
1.7%
Biology & Biomedical
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

47.5%
Graduation Rate
62.9%
Retention Rate
1,450
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$35,760
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$24,786
After financial aid
Total Cost
$52,786
Cost of attendance/year
51.7%
Receive Pell Grants
72.5%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Bridgeport

Located on the coast of Connecticut, Bridgeport offers students a mix of city life and beachside relaxation. Students can enjoy concerts at the Total Mortgage Arena, explore the Discovery Museum, or take a short trip to the nearby Seaside Park for a study break or a run. For nightlife and diverse dining, downtown Bridgeport and the nearby Black Rock neighborhood provide a variety of options just a short ride from campus.

Local Rent Check

$1,591 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Bridgeport
Explore Bridgeport

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$143,040
$0Est. 4 Years: $143,040

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($50,323):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in an urban environment, and while the university has its own campus safety department, students should always be aware of their surroundings. It's crucial to utilize campus safety resources like the escort service and to be vigilant, especially when traveling off-campus into the city of Bridgeport.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, career-focused programs in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Engineering.
  • โœ“ Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from faculty and a supportive learning environment.
  • โœ“ Diverse student body and a location in a major city provide networking and internship opportunities.

Cons

  • โœ— The 47.5% graduation rate is significantly below the national average, which can be a concern for student success.
  • โœ— The 62.9% retention rate suggests a notable portion of first-year students do not return for their sophomore year.
  • โœ— The urban setting of Bridgeport may not be ideal for students seeking a traditional, secluded college town experience.

Notable Alumni

John G. Rowland
Former Governor of Connecticut.
John H. Gabel
President and COO of Box, Inc.
Sonia D. Goolsby
Founder of the Goolsby Leadership Academy and a prominent educational leader.

Frequently Asked Questions

University of Bridgeport is particularly known for its strong programs in Health Professions, such as nursing and dental hygiene, as well as its career-oriented degrees in Business, Engineering, and Criminal Justice. The university emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.

With an acceptance rate of 64.31%, University of Bridgeport has a moderately selective admissions process. This means that while many applicants are admitted, a strong academic record is still important. The average SAT score for admitted students is around 985, so applicants should aim to be near or above this range to be competitive.

Campus life at UB is intimate and community-focused due to its small enrollment of around 1,450 students. Students appreciate the close-knit feel and the personal relationships they build with professors and peers. The urban location means students can easily access off-campus entertainment and opportunities in Bridgeport, though many campus clubs and organizations also provide on-campus activities.

The value of a degree from UB depends heavily on the student's major and financial situation. While the sticker price is high, the average net price of $24,786 is more reasonable. The ROI, measured by 10-year median earnings of $50,323, is modest. However, for students in high-demand fields like healthcare or engineering who graduate on time and secure relevant jobs, the investment can pay off. Prospective students should carefully consider their intended major and potential debt load.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Stamford Hospital Bridgeport Hospital People's United Bank ESPN UTC Aerospace Systems
Smart Start Score
52

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 2,421
  • In-State Tuition $35,760
  • Zip Code 06604

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 29.5% โ™€ 70.5%

The Money Talk

With a sticker price of over $35,000, the financial investment is significant, but the average net price of $24,786 is more manageable for many families, especially with over half the student body receiving Pell Grants. The 10-year median earnings of $50,323 for graduates suggest a modest return on investment, which may be a concern for students taking on substantial debt. However, for those pursuing high-demand fields like healthcare or engineering, the value can increase significantly, making it a worthwhile choice if you graduate on time and leverage the career-focused curriculum.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $35,760
Housing (12 mo) $19,092
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $62,052
With avg financial aid:
$24,786/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.