About University of Bridgeport
The University of Bridgeport draws 1,450 students to its midsize city campus, building a reputation around engineering, business, and health sciences programs. The school attracts a diverse international student body, creating a multicultural learning environment that sets it apart from typical New England colleges. With an acceptance rate of 81.5%, UB welcomes students who might not find spots at more selective institutions but are serious about technical and professional fields.
Students pay an average net price of $24,786 after aid, substantially less than the sticker price of $52,110. Graduates earn a median of $50,323 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,750 manageable with monthly payments around $273. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking upward mobility through higher education.
Women make up 70.5% of the student body, while the racial composition reflects true diversity with 32.6% Black students, 30.6% Hispanic students, and 25.3% White students. The Purple Knights compete in NCAA Division II with 277 student athletes across 12 sports. However, the 48.1% six-year graduation rate suggests students should be prepared to work hard and seek support to reach the finish line.
Students pay an average net price of $24,786 after aid, substantially less than the sticker price of $52,110. Graduates earn a median of $50,323 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $25,750 manageable with monthly payments around $273. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families seeking upward mobility through higher education.
Women make up 70.5% of the student body, while the racial composition reflects true diversity with 32.6% Black students, 30.6% Hispanic students, and 25.3% White students. The Purple Knights compete in NCAA Division II with 277 student athletes across 12 sports. However, the 48.1% six-year graduation rate suggests students should be prepared to work hard and seek support to reach the finish line.
Academics & Faculty
The University of Bridgeport built its reputation around engineering, business, and health sciences programs that attract students from around the world. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides more individual attention than most universities, though the 48% six-year graduation rate suggests students face academic challenges. The school's engineering programs have historically been its strongest draw, particularly for international students seeking technical degrees. Business and health science majors also benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities. With 70% of students being women, the campus has transformed from its traditional engineering focus to embrace diverse academic interests while maintaining its technical strengths.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 33.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.1%
- Retention Rate
- 62.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,323
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $115,020 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $81,702 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $66,045 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $63,005 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $60,161 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $59,576 |
| Chiropractic. | Doctoral | $49,019 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $47,129 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $45,584 |
Campus Life
The University of Bridgeport sits on a compact waterfront campus in Connecticut's largest city, just 60 miles from New York City. With only 833 housing spots for 1,450 students, about 57% live on campus in a tight-knit community. You'll need that winter coat for Connecticut's snowy seasons, but spring and fall offer beautiful weather along Long Island Sound.
The student body reflects remarkable diversity with 32.6% Black students, 30.6% Hispanic students, and a strong international presence that gives campus a global feel. Women make up 70.5% of enrollment, creating a female-majority environment. The Purple Knights compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 277 total athletes. Students often head to nearby Seaside Park for outdoor activities or take weekend trips to New York City via Metro-North trains. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the engineering and business programs create study groups that often extend into lasting friendships. Campus life revolves around small classes and close connections rather than big party scenes.
The student body reflects remarkable diversity with 32.6% Black students, 30.6% Hispanic students, and a strong international presence that gives campus a global feel. Women make up 70.5% of enrollment, creating a female-majority environment. The Purple Knights compete in 12 NCAA Division II sports with 277 total athletes. Students often head to nearby Seaside Park for outdoor activities or take weekend trips to New York City via Metro-North trains. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name, and the engineering and business programs create study groups that often extend into lasting friendships. Campus life revolves around small classes and close connections rather than big party scenes.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 833 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1927
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–38°F
- July Avg
- 67°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.6"
Student Demographics
The University of Bridgeport draws a predominantly female student body, reflecting its strong health sciences and education programs. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to serving working-class families in Connecticut and beyond. The campus reflects remarkable diversity with significant Black and Hispanic populations alongside international students. Most students come from Connecticut, giving UB deep roots in the local community. This mix creates a pragmatic atmosphere where first-generation college students pursue career-focused degrees in nursing, engineering, and business.
- Men
- 29.5%
- Women
- 70.5%
- White
- 25.3%
- Black
- 32.6%
- Hispanic
- 30.6%
- Asian
- 4.5%
- In-State Students
- 54.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 51.7%
Location
Bridgeport sits along Connecticut's coast about 60 miles northeast of New York City. The city of 148,000 offers an urban environment with easy access to both Boston and Manhattan by train. Students live in Connecticut's largest city, where the campus overlooks Long Island Sound. The waterfront location provides beaches and sailing opportunities just minutes from campus. Bridgeport's post-industrial landscape includes revitalization efforts downtown, though the city faces economic challenges. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio creates close relationships in this compact urban setting. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare University of Bridgeport with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bridgeport, Connecticut 06604-5620
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,323
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $57,301
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $273/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Bridgeport?
University of Bridgeport accepts 81.51% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The average SAT score is 1048, with admitted students typically scoring between 935 and 1160.
How much does University of Bridgeport cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Bridgeport is $24,786 annually, lower than the sticker price of $52,110. Over half of students (51.68%) receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's commitment to serving low-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Bridgeport?
University of Bridgeport maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio with only 1,450 enrolled students. The university is known for its strong engineering, business, and health sciences programs that benefit from this smaller class environment.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of Bridgeport?
University of Bridgeport has a 48.10% six-year graduation rate, and graduates earn a median salary of $50,323 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.0%, indicating strong job placement despite the modest graduation rates.
Where do University of Bridgeport students live on campus?
University of Bridgeport houses 833 students in on-campus facilities, serving about 57% of the total enrollment. The campus sits in midsize Bridgeport, Connecticut, providing an urban setting for the diverse student body.
How diverse is the student body at University of Bridgeport?
University of Bridgeport enrolls a remarkably diverse student population with 32.62% Black students, 30.55% Hispanic students, and 25.31% White students. Women comprise 70.48% of enrollment, reflecting the university's strength in health sciences and other female-dominated fields.
