Connecticut university campus representing ux design education
Updated December 2025

Best UX Design Programs in Connecticut: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 4 top accredited ux design programs in Connecticut. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Stamford, Hartford, New Haven.

Programs Ranked4
Median Salary$105,050
Cost of Living111.2%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 UX Design Programs in Connecticut 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CTPrivate

28 ux design graduates annually, 73% graduation rate

$48K
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad Rate
57.6
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

Central Connecticut State University

New Britain, CTPublic

43 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$7K
Tuition/yr
54.7
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Quinnipiac University

Hamden, CTPrivate

11 ux design graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$50K
Tuition/yr
43.1
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Connecticut offers 4+ accredited ux design programs across public and private universities
  • 2.Sacred Heart University leads with 73% 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)

UX Design Education in Connecticut: Overview

Connecticut offers 4 accredited ux design programs, producing approximately 94 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 ux design programs in the state are led by Sacred Heart University, Central Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Ranking Methodology

Based on 4 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

UX Design 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 UX Design Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1Sacred Heart UniversityFairfield, CTPrivate$48,16073%57.6
2Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain, CTPublic$6,664โ€”54.7
3Quinnipiac UniversityHamden, CTPrivate$50,400โ€”43.1
4University of HartfordWest Hartford, CTPrivate$44,350โ€”42.4

Top 5 UX Design Programs in Connecticut: Side-by-Side

SchoolSacred HeartCentral Connecticut StateQuinnipiacU of Hartford
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
In-State Tuition
$48,160
$6,664
$50,400
$44,350
Graduation Rate
73%
N/A%
N/A%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
28
43
11
12
Acceptance Rate
68%
76%
77%
83%
Type
Private
Public
Private
Private
Score
57.6/100
54.7/100
43.1/100
42.4/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in UX Design in Connecticut

Connecticut offers 4 bachelor's-level ux design programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Central Connecticut State University, Sacred Heart University, Quinnipiac University. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $73,535 in the Connecticut market.

A bachelor's in ux design typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Connecticut

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Central Connecticut State
$6,664
N/A%
43
54.7
#2 Sacred Heart
$48,160
73%
9
49.5
#3 Quinnipiac
$50,400
N/A%
11
43.1

Top UX Design Schools for Master's Degrees in Connecticut

For graduate study, Connecticut offers 2 master's-level ux design programs. Leading institutions include Sacred Heart University, Central Connecticut State University. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Connecticut reaching $136,565 or more.

Top 3 UX Design Master's Programs in Connecticut

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 Sacred Heart
$48,160
73%
28
57.6
#2 Central Connecticut State
$6,664
N/A%
6
40.3

Most Affordable UX Design Colleges in Connecticut

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable ux design programs in Connecticut are at Central Connecticut State University ($6,664/year), University of Hartford ($44,350/year), Sacred Heart University ($48,160/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 UX Design Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable UX Design 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 Hartford
$44,350
$177,400
4.6 years
Private
#3 Sacred Heart
$48,160
$192,640
5 years
Private

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 UX Design Schools in Connecticut

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 ux design 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.

#11 Designation

Sacred Heart University

Fairfield, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $48,160 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 73% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข UX Design Graduates: 28 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 68%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 57.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 73% graduation rate
  • 28 ux design graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 57.6 / 100

Why Ranked #1

Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (73%), program size (28 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's digital marketing program offers a 4+1 dual degree option allowing students to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees in five years, with STEM designation and hands-on projects for real companies. The program is taught by accomplished faculty in small classes with a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Program Accreditations & Designations
AACSB International
Admissions
  • Min GPA: 3.0
Career Outcomes
  • Starting Salary: $156,580
  • Top Employers: Starcom Worldwide, Zero Gravity Marketing, Infosys, Philips, Microsoft, NBC Universal, Prudential Financial, Lowe's Companies
#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 UX Design Graduates: 43 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 76%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 54.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 43 ux design graduates annually
  • Public institution
  • Overall score: 54.7 / 100

Why Ranked #2

Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (43 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (76% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

Central's Undergraduate Certificate in UX Design offers a structured, interdisciplinary curriculum that integrates visual design, marketing, statistics, and computer science with hands-on training in user-centered design principles. The program is open to both design majors and non-majors with no prior UX experience required, providing real world experience through state-of-the-art computer labs.

Program Details
  • Credits: 12 credits
#3

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 UX Design Graduates: 11 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 43.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 11 ux design graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 43.1 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (11 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

#4

University of Hartford

West Hartford, CT โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus
Visit Program

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $44,350 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข UX Design Graduates: 12 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 42.4 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 12 ux design graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 42.4 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (12 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,050), and selectivity (83% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

Why Choose This Program

The University of Hartford offers a unique interdisciplinary Human-Computer Interaction Design program that combines computer science and design with liberal arts, plus an accelerated 4+1 option and STEM-designated MS in Computer Science with thesis, capstone, and coursework options. Note that the BA in HCID program is no longer accepting new applications.

Available Scholarships
$Hawk Alumni Scholarship
Program Details
  • Credits: 30 credits
Available Specializations / Concentrations
data sciencecybersecurity
$73,535
Starting Salary
$105,050
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
5,210
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$104,236

Data Scientist

SOC 15-2051
+35%

Data Scientist opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$116,212

DevOps Engineer

SOC 15-1244
+22%

DevOps Engineer opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$114,033

AI/ML Engineer

SOC 15-1299
+23%

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

Median Salary:$101,813
+33%

Cybersecurity Analyst opportunities in Connecticut with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$109,888

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 4)
  • You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)

Other Tech Degree Programs in Connecticut

Explore artificial intelligence programs in Connecticut

Explore machine learning programs in Connecticut

Explore data science programs in Connecticut

Explore data analytics programs in Connecticut

Explore cybersecurity programs in Connecticut

Explore information security programs in Connecticut

Explore software engineering programs in Connecticut

Explore computer science programs in Connecticut

Explore computer engineering programs in Connecticut

Ux Design Programs in Other States

UX Design 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

Taylor Rupe

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.