Top 3 Software Engineering Programs in Connecticut 2025
University of Connecticut
219 software engineering graduates annually, 88% graduation rate
Wesleyan University
62 software engineering graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Bridgeport
144 software engineering graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Connecticut offers 12+ accredited software 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)
Software Engineering Education in Connecticut: Overview
Connecticut offers 12 accredited software engineering programs, producing approximately 675 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 software engineering 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.
Based on 12 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Software 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 Software 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% | 77.7 |
| 3 | University of Bridgeport | Bridgeport, CT | Private | $32,860 | — | 65.6 |
| 4 | University of New Haven | West Haven, CT | Private | $44,100 | — | 63.2 |
| 5 | Connecticut College | New London, CT | Private | $64,412 | 80% | 60.1 |
| 6 | Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | Private | $55,510 | 69% | 49.8 |
| 7 | Quinnipiac University | Hamden, CT | Private | $50,400 | — | 44.5 |
| 8 | Sacred Heart University | Fairfield, CT | Private | $48,160 | 73% | 43.1 |
| 9 | University of Saint Joseph | West Hartford, CT | Private | $45,608 | 76% | 39.9 |
| 10 | University of Hartford | West Hartford, CT | Private | $44,350 | — | 39.5 |
| 11 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | 35.8 |
| 12 | Western Connecticut State University | Danbury, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | 34.1 |
Top 5 Software Engineering Programs in Connecticut: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Connecticut | Wesleyan | U of Bridgeport | U of New Haven | Connecticut College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $16,332 | $66,716 | $32,860 | $44,100 | $64,412 |
| Graduation Rate | 88% | 97% | N/A% | N/A% | 80% |
| Annual Graduates | 219 | 62 | 144 | 155 | 32 |
| Acceptance Rate | 54% | 17% | 64% | 81% | 38% |
| Type | Public | Private | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 84.6/100 | 77.7/100 | 65.6/100 | 63.2/100 | 60.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Software Engineering in Connecticut
Connecticut offers 10 bachelor's-level software engineering programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Connecticut, Wesleyan University, Connecticut College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,535 in the Connecticut market.
A bachelor's in software engineering typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Connecticut
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Connecticut | $16,332 | 88% | 219 | 84.6 |
| #2 Wesleyan | $66,716 | 97% | 62 | 77.7 |
| #3 Connecticut College | $64,412 | 80% | 32 | 60.1 |
Top Software Engineering Schools for Master's Degrees in Connecticut
For graduate study, Connecticut offers 6 master's-level software engineering 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 Software Engineering Master's Programs in Connecticut
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Bridgeport | $32,860 | N/A% | 144 | 65.6 |
| #2 U of New Haven | $44,100 | N/A% | 155 | 63.2 |
| #3 Wesleyan | $66,716 | 97% | 1 | 58.2 |
Most Affordable Software Engineering Colleges in Connecticut
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable software engineering programs in Connecticut are at Central Connecticut State University ($6,664/year), Western Connecticut State University ($6,664/year), University of Connecticut ($16,332/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 Software Engineering Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Software 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 Western Connecticut State | $6,664 | $26,656 | 0.7 years | Public |
| #3 U of Connecticut | $16,332 | $65,328 | 1.7 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Software Engineering Schools in Connecticut
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 software 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 219 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 54%
- • Ranking Score: 84.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 88% graduation rate
- 219 software engineering graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 84.6 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (88%), program size (219 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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 62 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 17%
- • Ranking Score: 77.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 62 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 77.7 / 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.
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $32,860 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 144 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 64%
- • Ranking Score: 65.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 144 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 65.6 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (144 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (64% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
The Computer Engineering program offers two specialized pathways (software-oriented and hardware-oriented) taught by field experts, with hands-on experience in cutting-edge areas like AI, deep learning, robotics, and IoT. Graduates secure well-paying jobs in diverse fields including chip design, software engineering, robotics, and network security.
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)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 155 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 81%
- • Ranking Score: 63.2 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 155 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 63.2 / 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.
Connecticut College
New London, CT • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $64,412 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 80% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Software Engineering Graduates: 32 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 38%
- • Ranking Score: 60.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 80% graduation rate
- 32 software engineering graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 60.1 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (80%), program size (32 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (38% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Connecticut College offers engineering study opportunities through dual degree programs with top institutions like Washington University and WPI, while providing a liberal arts foundation. Students have access to funded internships up to $4,500 and join a strong alumni network of 25,000+ graduates working at top companies including Goldman Sachs, Microsoft, and OpenAI.
Available Scholarships
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 95% of alumni are employed or in graduate school one year out
- Top Employers: Bank of America, Boston Dynamics, BlackRock, Disney, Fidelity Investments, Goldman Sachs, Meta, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, OpenAI
Career Paths
Software Engineer
SOC 15-1252Software Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
Backend Developer
SOC 15-1252Backend Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
Frontend Developer
SOC 15-1252Frontend Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer 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 12)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
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Software Engineering Programs in Other States
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Software 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.