Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Connecticut 2025
Yale University
164 computer science graduates annually, 96% graduation rate
University of Connecticut
142 computer science graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Wesleyan University
62 computer science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
- 1.Connecticut offers 17+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.Yale University leads with 96% 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 Science Education in Connecticut: Overview
Connecticut offers 17 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 1,192 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 science programs in the state are led by Yale University, University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Based on 17 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science 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 Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | Private | $64,700 | 96% | 95.4 |
| 2 | University of Connecticut | Storrs, CT | Public | $16,332 | 88% | 80.5 |
| 3 | Wesleyan University | Middletown, CT | Private | $66,716 | 97% | 79.7 |
| 4 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | Private | $48,160 | 73% | 77.7 |
| 5 | University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | Private | $32,860 | — | 68.6 |
| 6 | University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | Private | $44,100 | — | 66.4 |
| 7 | Connecticut College | New London, CT | Private | $64,412 | 80% | 61.5 |
| 8 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | 56.7 |
| 9 | Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | Private | $55,510 | 69% | 56.5 |
| 10 | Post University | Waterbury, CT | For-Profit | $15,834 | 28% | 54.8 |
| 11 | Southern Connecticut State University | New Haven, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | 51.6 |
| 12 | Trinity College | Hartford, CT | Private | $64,430 | — | 49.2 |
| 13 | Eastern Connecticut State University | Willimantic, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | 46.8 |
| 14 | Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | Private | $50,400 | — | 44 |
| 15 | University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | Private | $44,350 | — | 41.1 |
| 16 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | Private | $45,608 | 76% | 40.1 |
| 17 | Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | 38.5 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Connecticut: Side-by-Side
| School | Yale | U of Connecticut | Wesleyan | Sacred Heart | U of Bridgeport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $64,700 | $16,332 | $66,716 | $48,160 | $32,860 |
| Graduation Rate | 96% | 88% | 97% | 73% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 164 | 142 | 62 | 180 | 143 |
| Acceptance Rate | 5% | 54% | 17% | 68% | 64% |
| Type | Private | Public | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 95.4/100 | 80.5/100 | 79.7/100 | 77.7/100 | 68.6/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Connecticut
Connecticut offers 17 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Yale University, University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,535 in the Connecticut market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Connecticut
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Yale | $64,700 | 96% | 164 | 95.4 |
| #2 U of Connecticut | $16,332 | 88% | 142 | 80.5 |
| #3 Wesleyan | $66,716 | 97% | 62 | 79.7 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Connecticut
For graduate study, Connecticut offers 6 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include Yale University, Sacred Heart University, University of Bridgeport. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Connecticut reaching $136,565 or more.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Connecticut
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Yale | $64,700 | 96% | 68 | 82.9 |
| #2 Sacred Heart | $48,160 | 73% | 180 | 77.7 |
| #3 U of Bridgeport | $32,860 | N/A% | 143 | 68.6 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Connecticut
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Connecticut are at Central Connecticut State University ($6,664/year), Southern Connecticut State University ($6,664/year), Eastern Connecticut State University ($6,664/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 Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science 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 Southern Connecticut State | $6,664 | $26,656 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 Eastern Connecticut State | $6,664 | $26,656 | 0.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Connecticut
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science 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.
Yale University
New Haven, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,700 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 96% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 164 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 5%
- • Ranking Score: 95.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 164 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 95.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (96%), program size (164 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, emphasizing a solid technical education in computer science core while allowing broad liberal arts coursework. The program culminates in original research through a required senior project under faculty guidance.
Available Specializations / Concentrations
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $16,332 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 88% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 142 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 80.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 142 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 80.5 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 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.
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $66,716 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 17%
- • Ranking Score: 79.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 62 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 79.7 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 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.
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $48,160 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 180 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 68%
- • Ranking Score: 77.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 73% graduation rate
- 180 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.7 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (180 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (68% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Sacred Heart University's Computer Science program is ABET-accredited and recognized as one of the nation's best universities by U.S. News & World Report. Students gain hands-on experience through mandatory internships with top employers like IBM, Lockheed Martin, and Dell Technologies while completing a comprehensive senior capstone project.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Program Details
- Internship Required
Career Outcomes
- Top Employers: IBM, Vineyard Vines, Lockheed Martin: Sikorsky, NBCUniversal, OWL Cyber Defense, Prudential, MetLife, Eversource, Dell Technologies, Flagship Networks, UBS
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,860 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 143 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 68.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 143 computer science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 68.6 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 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.
Why Choose This Program
University of Bridgeport offers the first and only master's in Artificial Intelligence in Connecticut and provides a BS-to-MS accelerated program for students seeking expedited graduate study. The program bridges electrical engineering and computer science disciplines with comprehensive support services.
Admission Prerequisites
- •Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related STEM field
Admissions
- Min GPA: 2.90
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 17)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Other Tech Degree Programs in Connecticut
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Computer Science Programs in Other States
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Computer Science 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.