Connecticut university campus representing network administration education
Updated December 2025

Best Network Administration Programs in Connecticut: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 5 top accredited network administration 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 Network Administration Programs in Connecticut 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

United States Coast Guard Academy

New London, CTPublic

20 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$0K
Tuition/yr
57.8
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CTPublic

38 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$7K
Tuition/yr
53.3
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

University of New Haven

West Haven, CTPrivate

34 network administration graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$44K
Tuition/yr
51.1
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Connecticut offers 5+ accredited network administration 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)

Network Administration Education in Connecticut: Overview

Connecticut offers 5 accredited network administration 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 network administration 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%

Network Administration 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 Network Administration 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 Network Administration 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 Network Administration in Connecticut

Connecticut offers 3 bachelor's-level network administration 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 network administration typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Network Administration Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Network Administration 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 Network Administration Schools for Master's Degrees in Connecticut

For graduate study, Connecticut offers 3 master's-level network administration 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 Network Administration 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 Network Administration Colleges in Connecticut

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable network administration 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 Network Administration Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Network Administration 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 Network Administration Schools in Connecticut

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 network administration 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 Network Administration Graduates: 20 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 24%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 57.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 20 network administration 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 Cyber Systems program offers state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated research enclaves and provides unique internship opportunities at elite organizations like NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, and federally funded national labs. The program is designed around NSA and DHS criteria for cybersecurity excellence and includes hands-on experience in cutting-edge areas like malware analysis and network defense.

Program Accreditations & Designations
NSA/DHS CAE CDE
ABET
Admissions
  • Acceptance Rate: 24.3%
Career Outcomes
  • Top Employers: Coast Guard Cyber Command (CGCYBER), U.S. Cyber Command (USCYBER), National Security Agency (NSA), MIT Lincoln Labs, Idaho National Labs
#2

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 Network Administration Graduates: 38 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 53.3 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 38 network administration 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 Networking Information Technology program at CCSU prepares graduates to design, implement, and support networked systems in both standard and enterprise settings with a comprehensive curriculum covering network security, enterprise messaging systems, and advanced networking technologies. The program builds expertise in network management, security technologies, and business plan development including marketing and implementation.

#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 Network Administration Graduates: 34 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 81%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 51.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 34 network administration 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 and Networks program is NSA-designated as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations and STEM-designated by the Department of Homeland Security. The program offers three specialized focus areas including network administration and security, preparing students for careers as network security analysts, network designers, and network security technicians.

Program Accreditations & Designations
NSA CAE
Available Specializations / Concentrations
cyber forensics and securitynetwork administration and securitywireless networking
#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 Network Administration Graduates: 3 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 45%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 48.8 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 69% graduation rate
  • 3 network administration 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 Network Administration Graduates: 15 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 45.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 15 network administration 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
5,534
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$118,946

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$108,172

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$123,890

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

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

Median Salary:$120,469
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$121,114

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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Network Administration Programs in Other States

Network Administration 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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