College Costs in Bridgeport, CT 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 11 colleges in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,201
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$35,160
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,763
per month
Colleges & Universities
11
institutions
Bridgeport Overview
Population
148,529
Student Population
9,946 (6.7%)
Cost of Living Index
141 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
44/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Bridgeport
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$132,152
Total After Financial Aid
$132,152
Annual Cost
$33,038
Annual After Aid
$33,038
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $132,152 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,501 |
| Total Interest | $47,915 |
| Total Loan Cost | $180,067 |
Universities in Bridgeport
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bridgeport | Private | $35,160 |
| Housatonic Community College | Community | $4,920 |
Bridgeport has 11 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bridgeport vs. National Average
| Category | Bridgeport | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,201 | $10,940 | +$2,261 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,763 | $1,050 | +$713 |
| Cost of Living Index | 141 | 100 | +41 |
Bridgeport's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Bridgeport
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
9,946 students
Bridgeport has a total population of 148,529, with approximately 9,946 college students (6.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bridgeport offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bridgeport
$56,935
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bridgeport earn a median starting salary of $56,935, which is $21,935 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $132,152 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,621 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Connecticut
Stamford
7 colleges · Avg tuition $17,226
New Haven
10 colleges · Avg tuition $11,538
Hartford
10 colleges · Avg tuition $15,491
Waterbury
8 colleges · Avg tuition $10,980
New London
2 colleges · Avg tuition $17,500
Norwalk
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Danbury
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
New Britain
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
West Hartford
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Greenwich
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Fairfield
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Hamden
3 colleges · Avg tuition $15,100
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Bridgeport
How we compile Bridgeport college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Bridgeport institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Bridgeport's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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