Connecticut university campus representing information security education
Updated December 2025

Best Information Security Programs in Connecticut: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 5 top accredited information security programs in Connecticut. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Stamford, Hartford, New Haven.

Programs Ranked5
Median Salary$105,050
Cost of Living111.2%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Information Security Programs in Connecticut 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, CTPublic

20 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$0K
Tuition/yr
57.8
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CTPublic

38 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$7K
Tuition/yr
53.3
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of New Haven

West Haven, CTPrivate

34 information security graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$44K
Tuition/yr
51.1
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Connecticut offers 5+ accredited information security programs across public and private universities
  • 2.United States Coast Guard Academy leads with strong% 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)

Information Security Education in Connecticut: Overview

Connecticut offers 5 accredited information security programs, producing approximately 110 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 information security programs in the state are led by United States Coast Guard Academy, Central Connecticut State University, University of New Haven, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 5 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Information Security 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 Information Security Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1United States Coast Guard AcademyNew London, CTPublic$0โ€”57.8
2Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain, CTPublic$6,664โ€”53.3
3University of New HavenWest Haven, CTPrivate$44,100โ€”51.1
4Fairfield UniversityFairfield, CTPrivate$55,51069%48.8
5Quinnipiac UniversityHamden, CTPrivate$50,400โ€”45.1

Top 5 Information Security Programs in Connecticut: Side-by-Side

SchoolUnited States Coast...Central Connecticut StateU of New HavenFairfieldQuinnipiac
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$0
$6,664
$44,100
$55,510
$50,400
Graduation Rate
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
69%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
20
38
34
3
15
Acceptance Rate
24%
76%
81%
45%
77%
Type
Public
Public
Private
Private
Private
Score
57.8/100
53.3/100
51.1/100
48.8/100
45.1/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Information Security in Connecticut

Connecticut offers 3 bachelor's-level information security programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are United States Coast Guard Academy, Central Connecticut State University, University of New Haven. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,535 in the Connecticut market.

A bachelor's in information security typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Information Security Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Information Security Bachelor's Programs in Connecticut

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 United States Coast...
$0
N/A%
20
57.8
#2 Central Connecticut State
$6,664
N/A%
38
53.3
#3 U of New Haven
$44,100
N/A%
21
46.8

Top Information Security Schools for Master's Degrees in Connecticut

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

Top 3 Information Security Master's Programs in Connecticut

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of New Haven
$44,100
N/A%
34
51.1
#2 Fairfield
$55,510
69%
3
48.8
#3 Quinnipiac
$50,400
N/A%
15
45.1

Most Affordable Information Security Colleges in Connecticut

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable information security programs in Connecticut are at Central Connecticut State University ($6,664/year), University of New Haven ($44,100/year), Quinnipiac University ($50,400/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 Information Security Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Information Security Programs in Connecticut (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Central Connecticut State
$6,664
$26,656
0.7 years
Public
#2 U of New Haven
$44,100
$176,400
4.6 years
Private
#3 Quinnipiac
$50,400
$201,600
5.2 years
Private

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Information Security Schools in Connecticut

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 information security 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.

#12 Designations

United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, CT โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $0 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 20 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 24%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 57.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 20 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 57.8 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (20 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (24% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The program offers state-of-the-art cyber facilities and real-world experience through partnerships with Coast Guard Cyber Command and other federal agencies. Students gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge areas like reverse engineering and malware analysis while preparing to defend critical national infrastructure.

Program Accreditations & Designations
NSA/DHS CAE CDE
ABET
Career Outcomes
  • Top Employers: Coast Guard Cyber Command (CGCYBER), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBER), National Security Agency (NSA), MIT Lincoln Labs, Idaho National Labs
#21 Designation

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CT โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $6,664 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 38 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 53.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 38 information security graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 53.3 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (38 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The BS program provides a strong foundation in both networking and computer science through an interdepartmental approach involving Computer Electronics and Graphics Technology, Computer Science, Political Science, and Criminology departments. Students can choose concentrations aligned with NSA content focus areas and are prepared for careers as cybersecurity experts in identifying system vulnerabilities, detecting cyber-attacks, and securing information assets.

Program Accreditations & Designations
National Security Agency (NSA)
Admission Prerequisites
  • โ€ขBS in an information technology field
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 2.70 for undergraduate, 3.00 for post baccalaureate course work
Program Details
  • Credits: 120 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cyber DefenseCyber Operationsgeneral option
#31 Designation

University of New Haven

West Haven, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $44,100 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 34 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 34 information security graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 51.1 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (34 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (81% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The University of New Haven's Cybersecurity program with Cyber Operations concentration is STEM-designated by the Department of Homeland Security and satisfies NSA Cyber Operations pathway requirements. Students gain hands-on experience in offensive cyber operations, reverse engineering, and forensic investigation with advanced technical skills in assembly programming and system analysis.

Program Accreditations & Designations
NSA Cyber Operations pathway
Available Specializations / Concentrations
Cyber OperationsNetwork Securitygeneral concentration
#4

Fairfield University

Fairfield, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $55,510 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 69% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 48.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 69% graduation rate
  • 3 information security graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 48.8 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (69%), program size (3 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (45% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#5

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $50,400 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Information Security Graduates: 15 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 45.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 15 information security graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 45.1 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (15 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$73,535
Starting Salary
$105,050
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
7,437
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$121,445

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$98,059

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$112,752

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

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

Median Salary:$120,558
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$118,166

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 5)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

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Information Security Programs in Other States

Information Security 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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