Top 3 Computer Engineering Programs in Connecticut 2025
University of Connecticut
295 computer engineering graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Wesleyan University
62 computer engineering graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Yale University
21 computer engineering graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
- 1.Connecticut offers 13+ accredited computer engineering programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Connecticut leads with 88% graduation rate
- 3.Connecticut software developers earn median $105,050 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Stamford, Hartford, New Haven
- 5.Cost of living index: 111.2% of US average (above average)
Computer Engineering Education in Connecticut: Overview
Connecticut offers 13 accredited computer engineering programs, producing approximately 841 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Stamford, Hartford, New Haven, with major employers including United Technologies, Cigna, Travelers.
With a median software developer salary of $105,050 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 111.2% compared to the US average, Connecticut offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer engineering programs in the state are led by University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, Yale University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 13 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Engineering degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Connecticut-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Connecticut Computer Engineering Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | Public | $16,332 | 88% | 84.6 |
| 2 | Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | Private | $66,716 | 97% | 75 |
| 3 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | Private | $64,700 | 96% | 66.8 |
| 4 | University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | Private | $32,860 | — | 62.4 |
| 5 | University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | Private | $44,100 | — | 61 |
| 6 | Connecticut College | New London, CT | Private | $64,412 | 80% | 58.3 |
| 7 | United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | Public | $0 | — | 50.8 |
| 8 | Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | Private | $55,510 | 69% | 48.8 |
| 9 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | Private | $48,160 | 73% | 43.6 |
| 10 | Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | Private | $50,400 | — | 42.7 |
| 11 | University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | Private | $44,350 | — | 41.5 |
| 12 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | Private | $45,608 | 76% | 39.5 |
| 13 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | 35.2 |
Top 5 Computer Engineering Programs in Connecticut: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Connecticut | Wesleyan | Yale | U of Bridgeport | U of New Haven |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,332 | $66,716 | $64,700 | $32,860 | $44,100 |
| Graduation Rate | 88% | 97% | 96% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 295 | 62 | 21 | 154 | 181 |
| Acceptance Rate | 54% | 17% | 5% | 64% | 81% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 84.6/100 | 75.0/100 | 66.8/100 | 62.4/100 | 61.0/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Engineering in Connecticut
Connecticut offers 12 bachelor's-level computer engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, Yale University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,535 in the Connecticut market.
A bachelor's in computer engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Connecticut
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Connecticut | $16,332 | 88% | 295 | 84.6 |
| #2 Wesleyan | $66,716 | 97% | 62 | 75.0 |
| #3 Yale | $64,700 | 96% | 4 | 61.5 |
Top Computer Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Connecticut
For graduate study, Connecticut offers 8 master's-level computer engineering programs. Leading institutions include University of Bridgeport, Yale University, University of New Haven. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Connecticut reaching $136,565 or more.
Top 3 Computer Engineering Master's Programs in Connecticut
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Bridgeport | $32,860 | N/A% | 154 | 62.4 |
| #2 Yale | $64,700 | 96% | 21 | 66.8 |
| #3 U of New Haven | $44,100 | N/A% | 181 | 61.0 |
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Colleges in Connecticut
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer engineering programs in Connecticut are at Central Connecticut State University ($6,664/year), University of Connecticut ($16,332/year), University of Bridgeport ($32,860/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Connecticut's competitive tech salaries.
At Central Connecticut State University, a 4-year degree costs approximately $26,656 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $73,535, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.7 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Engineering Programs in Connecticut (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Central Connecticut State | $6,664 | $26,656 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #2 U of Connecticut | $16,332 | $65,328 | 1.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Bridgeport | $32,860 | $131,440 | 3.4 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Engineering Schools in Connecticut
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer engineering programs in Connecticut, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 295 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 84.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 295 computer engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (295 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,716 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 17%
- • Ranking Score: 75.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 62 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 75.0 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (62 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (17% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Wesleyan's Computer Science program spans between mathematics and engineering, helping students develop rigorous logical and mathematical thinking while applying foundations to topics including robotics, privacy, networks, and computational science. Graduates pursue diverse paths in advanced study and professional roles across technology, finance, healthcare, and entertainment industries.
Admission Prerequisites
- •COMP211
- •COMP212
- •MATH228 or MATH261
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Program Details
- Credits: 10 courses
Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,700 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 21 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 5%
- • Ranking Score: 66.8 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 21 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 66.8 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (21 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science major is an interdepartmental program that integrates work in both fields, covering discrete and continuous mathematics, algorithm analysis and design, digital and analog circuits, signals and systems, systems programming, and computer engineering. Students interested in ABET accreditation should consider the B.S. program in Electrical Engineering.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •MATH 1120
- •MATH 1150
- •ENAS 1510 or MATH 1200
- •CPSC 1001 (for students without previous programming experience)
- •PHYS 1800 and 1810, or PHYS 2000 and 2010
Program Details
- Credits: fifteen term courses beyond the prerequisites
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,860 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 154 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 62.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 154 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 62.4 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (154 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (64% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The program offers two specialized pathways (software-oriented and hardware-oriented) with hands-on experience and is taught by industry experts. Students develop deep understanding of engineering mathematics, digital and analog electronics, and computer architecture while gaining skills in emerging technologies like AI, robotics, and IoT.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Algebra II minimum mathematics in high school
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.5
- Transfer Friendly
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $44,100 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Engineering Graduates: 181 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 61.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 181 computer engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 61.0 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (181 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051Data Scientist opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
AI/ML Engineer
SOC 15-1299AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Analyst
SOC 15-1212Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Stamford, Hartford, New Haven
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($105,050 median)
- You want to work at companies like United Technologies or Cigna
- You prefer Connecticut's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Connecticut's 13)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
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Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Illinois
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Massachusetts
Computer Engineering in Connecticut FAQ
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Connecticut salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.