LOCAL DATA
Colleges & Universities
Greater Bridgeport Area residents and businesses benefit from having four institutions of higher learning within the area:
- CT State Housatonic Community College
- Fairfield University
- Sacred Heart University
- University of Bridgeport
These institutions feed a pipeline of skilled personnel to the area’s corporate and business communities, ensuring a steady stream of talent for our employers.
CT State Housatonic Community College
(Public, 2-year) This public community college in Bridgeport is part of the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system. Housatonic's affordable tuition allows students to pursue associate degree programs in preparation for transfer to four-year institutions, as well as occupationally oriented associate degree and certificate programs. The college also assists local businesses and institutions to train and update the skills of their workers. Top programs are Business, Early Childhood Education, Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician, Criminal Justice, and General Liberal Arts studies. Housatonic is accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE) and the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.
Fairfield University
(Private, 4-year+) With a main campus in Fairfield and a second campus in Bridgeport, Fairfield University is a coeducational liberal arts institution, founded in 1942 by the Catholic Society of Jesus (the Jesuits). Fairfield University’s primary objectives are to develop the creative intellectual potential of students and to foster in them ethical and religious values and a sense of social responsibility. Offering both undergraduate and graduate studies to more than 6,000 students, Fairfield University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Top programs are Finance, Marketing, Registered Nursing, Psychology, and Engineering.
Sacred Heart University
(Private, 4-year+) Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut is an independent Catholic university founded in 1963, consistently earning recognition from U.S. News and World Report as one of the best universities in the U.S. and noted by the Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions. Sacred Heart has also been lauded for its Business School, Nursing programs, and Social Work program. Enrolling more than 11,000 undergraduate and graduate students, Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Top programs are Exercise Physiology, Business Administration, Registered Nursing, and Psychology.
University of Bridgeport
(Private, 4-year+) Founded in 1927, the University of Bridgeport (UB) is a private institution that’s known for its flexible degree options. UB has a storied history of firsts like the world’s first school of dental hygiene and the first master’s degree in nutrition in the country. That spirit of innovation continues today, and UB has expanded its degree programs into fields like engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence to train its approximately 1,400 undergraduates and 2,600 graduate students for careers that are in-demand now and in the future. Top programs are Registered Nursing, Psychology, Engineering, and Business. The University of Bridgeport is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
2022-2023 Relevant Degrees
|
Associate | Bachelors | Masters | Doctoral | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological & Biomedical Sciences (Biology, Marine Biology, Biotech) |
39 | 287 | 20 | - | 346 |
| Business Management (Administration, Accounting, HR) |
684 | 912 | 552 | 1 | 2,149 |
| Computer-Information Sciences (IT, Computer Science, Systems Networking) |
143 | 47 | 364 | - | 554 |
| Engineering & Related Fields (Electrical, Electromechanical, CNC Machining) |
216 | 83 | 79 | 3 | 381 |
| Health Professions (RN, Medical Office Mgmt., Health Information) |
1,025 | 803 | 621 | 174 | 2,623 |
| Mathematics and Statistics | 14 | 26 | 32 | - | 72 |
| Physical Science (Chemistry, Geology, Oceanography) |
9 | 18 | 5 | - | 32 |
| Protective Services | 199 | 77 | 47 | - | 323 |
| Total Graduates (All Degrees) | 2,329 | 2,253 | 1,720 | 178 | 6,480 |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics
Education Attainment
| High School/GED | 20.8% |
|---|---|
| Some College | 12.8% |
| Associate | 6.7% |
| Bachelor | 28.1% |
| Graduate | 23.8% |
Source: Esri 2024