Connecticut university campus representing computer programming education
Updated December 2025

Best Computer Programming Programs in Connecticut: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 9 top accredited computer programming programs in Connecticut. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Stamford, Hartford, New Haven.

Programs Ranked9
Median Salary$105,050
Cost of Living111.2%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Computer Programming Programs in Connecticut 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CTPublic

142 computer programming graduates annually, 88% graduation rate

$16K
Tuition/yr
88%
Grad Rate
83.1
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CTPrivate

62 computer programming graduates annually, 97% graduation rate

$67K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
81.4
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CTPrivate

143 computer programming graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$33K
Tuition/yr
71.1
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Connecticut offers 9+ accredited computer programming 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 Programming Education in Connecticut: Overview

Connecticut offers 9 accredited computer programming programs, producing approximately 575 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 programming programs in the state are led by University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, University of Bridgeport, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 9 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Computer Programming degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

Connecticut-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024

Connecticut Computer Programming Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of ConnecticutStorrs, CTPublic$16,33288%83.1
2Wesleyan UniversityMiddletown, CTPrivate$66,71697%81.4
3University of BridgeportBridgeport, CTPrivate$32,860โ€”71.1
4University of New HavenWest Haven, CTPrivate$44,100โ€”69
5Yale UniversityNew Haven, CTPrivate$64,70096%68.4
6Connecticut CollegeNew London, CTPrivate$64,41280%62.7
7Quinnipiac UniversityHamden, CTPrivate$50,400โ€”45
8University of Saint JosephWest Hartford, CTPrivate$45,60876%40.3
9Western Connecticut State UniversityDanbury, CTPublic$6,664โ€”34.7

Top 5 Computer Programming Programs in Connecticut: Side-by-Side

SchoolU of ConnecticutWesleyanU of BridgeportU of New HavenYale
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$16,332
$66,716
$32,860
$44,100
$64,700
Graduation Rate
88%
97%
N/A%
N/A%
96%
Annual Graduates
142
62
143
155
15
Acceptance Rate
54%
17%
64%
81%
5%
Type
Public
Private
Private
Private
Private
Score
83.1/100
81.4/100
71.1/100
69.0/100
68.4/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Programming in Connecticut

Connecticut offers 9 bachelor's-level computer programming 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 programming typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Computer Programming Bachelor's Programs in Connecticut

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Connecticut
$16,332
88%
142
83.1
#2 Wesleyan
$66,716
97%
62
81.4
#3 Yale
$64,700
96%
15
68.4

Top Computer Programming Schools for Master's Degrees in Connecticut

For graduate study, Connecticut offers 3 master's-level computer programming programs. Leading institutions include University of Bridgeport, University of New Haven, Wesleyan University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Connecticut reaching $136,565 or more.

Top 3 Computer Programming Master's Programs in Connecticut

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Bridgeport
$32,860
N/A%
143
71.1
#2 U of New Haven
$44,100
N/A%
155
69.0
#3 Wesleyan
$66,716
97%
1
58.2

Most Affordable Computer Programming Colleges in Connecticut

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer programming programs in Connecticut are at Western 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 Western 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 Programming Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Computer Programming Programs in Connecticut (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Western 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 Programming Schools in Connecticut

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer programming 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.

#1

University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $16,332 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 142 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 54%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 83.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 88% graduation rate
  • 142 computer programming graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 83.1 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (142 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (54% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#2

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $66,716 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 62 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 17%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 81.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 62 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 81.4 / 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.

#3

University of Bridgeport

Bridgeport, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $32,860 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 143 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 64%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 71.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 143 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 71.1 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (143 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (64% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

University of New Haven

West Haven, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $44,100 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 155 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 69.0 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 155 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 69.0 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (155 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Yale University

New Haven, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $64,700 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Computer Programming Graduates: 15 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 68.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 96% graduation rate
  • 15 computer programming graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 68.4 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (5% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Yale's Computer Science program offers both B.S. and B.A. degrees with four combined major options, allowing students to integrate computer science with other disciplines as part of a liberal arts education. The program features a mandatory senior research project and maintains a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio with most courses enrolling fewer than twenty students.

Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขbiology
  • โ€ขchemistry at least through organic chemistry
  • โ€ขphysics
  • โ€ขcalculus
Program Details
  • Credits: thirty-six courses
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Computer Science and EconomicsComputer Science and MathematicsComputer Science and PsychologyElectrical Engineering and Computer Science
$73,535
Starting Salary
$105,050
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
6,228
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$104,187

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$114,965

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$103,684

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

AI/ML Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$99,320
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$110,483

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Connecticut if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
  • You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Connecticut's 9)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

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Computer Programming Programs in Other States

Computer Programming 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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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