Students at the University of Bridgeport benefit from exceptional access to higher education, with the institution ranking among the most accessible private universities for first-generation and Pell-eligible students.
This broad access translates into meaningful economic mobility, particularly for low-income students who achieve above-average earnings compared with similar populations nationwide.
The University of Bridgeport is a small private nonprofit institution in Connecticut that serves a highly diverse student body with strong access credentials. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, and over 40% are first-generation college students, reflecting the university's commitment to educational opportunity. As a designated "Mobility Engine," UB combines broad access with meaningful outcomes for low-income students, though overall earnings performance ranks in the lower quartile nationally.
Graduates earn a median of $50,323 ten years after enrollment, which places the university below typical earnings levels for similar institutions. However, the university's strength lies in its accessibility and support for underserved populations. Low-income students at UB earn $41,900 at the ten-year mark, performing better than the national average for this population and demonstrating the institution's ability to create pathways to economic stability.
As a small private university in Bridgeport, UB offers the intimate learning environment and personalized attention that many students seek, combined with program offerings in health sciences, business, and liberal arts. For families prioritizing access and community over maximum financial returns, UB provides a supportive pathway to degree completion and career entry.
University of Bridgeport's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused fields that provide direct pathways to employment. General Studies emerges as the strongest performer in aggregate terms, combining substantial enrollment with solid earnings outcomes that reflect the program's flexibility in preparing students for diverse career paths. This broad-based program serves students exploring multiple interests or preparing for graduate study while maintaining strong employment prospects.
Health sciences programs demonstrate particular market strength, with Dental Assisting leading earnings outcomes at nearly $60,000 annually. This reflects strong regional demand for healthcare support professionals and the university's effective preparation in technical health fields. Psychology, while popular with 53 graduates, shows more modest earnings typical of social science fields that often require additional training or graduate education for maximum earning potential.
The university's program mix reflects its mission of serving diverse student populations with varying career goals. From technical health programs that provide immediate workforce entry to liberal arts fields that emphasize critical thinking and communication skills, UB offers pathways suited to different learning styles and career aspirations. This diversity allows the institution to serve its broad access mission while maintaining programs that align with regional workforce needs.
University of Bridgeport graduates achieve moderate long-term earnings, with a median of $50,323 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university in the lower quartile nationally for earnings outcomes, reflecting both the institution's focus on access over selectivity and its program mix. While overall earnings trail national averages, the university demonstrates particular strength in supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds toward economic stability.
Program outcomes vary significantly across fields of study. General Studies, the university's largest program with 78 graduates, produces the highest aggregate return with median earnings of $47,260. Dental Assisting stands out as the highest-earning individual program, with graduates earning $59,576 early in their careers, demonstrating strong market demand for health-focused technical skills. Psychology, one of the most popular majors with 53 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $35,671, while Commercial Photography graduates earn around $28,598, reflecting the challenges in creative fields.
The university's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that prepare students for direct workforce entry. Health sciences programs like Dental Assisting provide clear pathways to stable, well-compensated careers, while liberal arts and general studies programs offer flexibility for students exploring multiple career directions or planning graduate school.
University of Bridgeport maintains relatively accessible pricing across income levels, though costs remain substantial as a private institution. Low-income students pay approximately $21,943 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net prices around $25,830, and higher-income families pay about $27,063. These figures place the university in the lower quintile nationally for affordability, meaning costs are higher than at most comparable institutions.
Debt levels reflect the university's private status and student demographics. Typical graduates leave with $25,750 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with national patterns for private institutions. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $21,000, indicating that many families supplement student aid with additional borrowing to cover educational costs. The university reports a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that despite moderate debt levels, graduates generally manage their repayment obligations successfully.
For families considering UB, the key affordability question centers on whether the university's access mission and small-college experience justify the higher costs compared to public alternatives. The institution's strong support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students, combined with reasonable debt levels and successful repayment patterns, suggests that many families find the investment manageable despite the premium pricing typical of private education.
University Of Bridgeport Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
