The University of Bridgeport

About University of Bridgeport

• UB was founded in 1927 as a private, non-sectarian institution located in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

• It positions itself as a career-focused university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programmes designed for “in-demand” fields and flexible formats.

• The university emphasises small class sizes, personal attention (they cite a 15:1 student-faculty ratio) and a relatively global student body.

• The campus is located in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and UB highlights its proximity to New York City (approx. 1.5 hours away) as a benefit for internships and employment.

Why University of Bridgeport? (What makes it a considered choice)

For international students in particular, here are some of the strengths:

• Global environment: UB states that more than 30% of its student population is international (Fall 2024 data).

• Flexible learning options: UB offers programmes on-campus, online and hybrid (accelerated) formats. This helps international students who require flexibility.

• Broad programme choice in career?oriented fields: UB offers programs in business, engineering, health sciences, dental hygiene, education, and more — many of them emphasising practical skills and career readiness.

• Scholarship opportunities: The university offers a range of scholarships for international and domestic students, which can ease the financial burden.

• Support for international students: UB has an “International Student Orientation” process, airport pick-up, check-in sessions, and an International Center for Students and Scholars (IC) offering immigration advising and cultural support.

University Ranking & Reputation

• UB is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

• The site notes over 120 programs and concentrations, which reflects breadth rather than an elite ranking.

• UB promotes its student-faculty ratio and global student population as part of its appeal. While I did not find a major global ranking (e.g., QS or THE) where UB is listed in the top tier, the university emphasises its career-focus and flexible learning rather than being positioned as a “top-10” research institution.

• For an international student, the recognition of the degree in your home country, accreditation, and alignment with your career goals may matter more than absolute ranking.

Campus Locations

• Main campus: Bridgeport, Connecticut — this is the primary location for many undergraduate and graduate programmes.

• Additional site: UB has a “Waterbury Center” which offers undergraduate, graduate and accelerated degree-completion programmes closer to I-84 in Connecticut.

• Online/hybrid locations: UB’s “UB Online” offers full online programmes and allows students to study remotely from other locations.

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

UB offers a wide range of study levels:

• Associate degrees: For some programmes (e.g., dental hygiene associate) and accelerated tracks.

• Bachelor’s degrees (Undergraduate): Many fields (Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, etc.).

• Master’s (Graduate) degrees: Many MS, MBA and similar programmes. For example, MS in Artificial Intelligence, STEM MBA etc.

• Doctoral & professional degrees: Some doctoral level programmes are available.

• Certificates & accelerated options: UB offers certificate programmes, accelerated tracks, online/hybrid options.

Mode of Learning (On-Campus / E-Learning / Blended)

• On-campus: Many traditional programmes delivered fully in-person at Bridgeport campus.

• Fully online: UB Online offers fully online programmes, some of which are synchronous and designed for flexibility (“100% synchronous online” e.g., their Master’s in Medical Sciences).

• Hybrid / accelerated / blended: Many programmes allow a blend (online + in-person) or accelerated formats so students can finish faster or mix modalities.

Number of Programs Offered

• UB’s “Academic Programs” page states that they offer over 80 in-demand programmes and majors across different levels.

• The International FAQ page states “over 120 programs of study and concentrations.”

• So, you can expect a wide choice: undergraduate majors, graduate programmes, certificate tracks. If you have a specific field in mind (Engineering, Business, Health Sciences), check how many concentrations and how many specialisations are available in that field.

Highlights

• International welcome & services: Mandatory two-day International Student Orientation, airport-pick up, health forms, dedicated check-in, housing deposit support.

• Global community: Over 1,200 international students from 80+ countries (per FAQ) are part of the UB community.

• Flexible delivery & online legacy: UB claims to have offered online programmes since 1997 and emphasises its online / hybrid modes (“UB Online”).

• STEM & data-driven programmes: Example: UB offers a STEM-MBA and a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence in Connecticut.

• Career oriented majors: Many programmes emphasise applied skills, labs, internships, etc. For example, the dental hygiene programme was the first of its kind in CT and the world.

Latest Updates / Things to Note

• UB’s website (homepage) is currently inviting applications for 2026 and emphasises “free to apply” for first-year students, showing they are open for new admissions.

• In online delivery, UB shows newer programmes and flexible formats (100% online master’s in Medical Sciences, etc.).

• The International FAQ page confirms approximately 1,200 international students and 80+ countries represent the campus as of recent data.

• On the scholarship front: their financial aid page lists the updated merit scholarship amounts and that international students are automatically considered once they submit all required materials.

Considerations & Advice for International Students

• Visa & residency: If you’re studying from abroad or remotely, check whether the programme mode (online/hybrid) qualifies for the F-1 visa or other student visa status. On-campus attendance typically matters.

• Accreditation and recognition: UB is accredited by NECHE; always check that your degree programme is recognized in your home country or for future employment.

• Cost vs scholarship: While the scholarship opportunities are substantial, you should calculate the full cost of tuition + living in Bridgeport / Connecticut plus international student fees. A scholarship may only cover part of that.

• Programme fit & career goals: If you choose a major (for example engineering, AI, business, health sciences) check the specific curriculum, faculty, labs, internship opportunities and whether the modality (in-person vs online) suits your situation.

• Campus and community life: As an international student you’ll want to ask about housing (on-campus vs off-campus), local transport (Bridgeport to NYC), safety of the area and how active the international student community is.

• Online vs on-campus: If you expect to study remotely or partially online, ensure you understand the difference in experience, resources offered online, and whether there are any on-site requirements (especially for labs/health programmes).

• Graduation & immigration options: If your goal is to stay in the U.S. after graduation (for OPT, STEM-OPT etc.), check whether your chosen programme qualifies (e.g., STEM designation) and what support the international office provides in visa, employment, CPT/OPT.

• Reputation & reviews: While UB offers many programmes, you should check alumni outcomes in your field, the reputation of the specific school/department you’re entering, and speak (if possible) with current international students.

Scholarship

Here are the main scholarship offerings for international students at UB, with approximate amounts and conditions.

Undergraduate international student scholarships

• For incoming first-year undergraduates (outside U.S.), UB lists academic scholarships automatically considered: amounts ranging from about USD $5,000 to USD $20,000 per year based on academic merit and English proficiency.

• Specific named merit scholarships (which also include international students) include: Trustee Scholarship ($25,000), Presidential Scholarship ($20,000), Provost’s Scholarship ($17,500) and Dean’s Achievement Scholarship ($15,000) for first-year undergraduates.

• Sample figure: UB’s international admissions viewbook states “Undergraduate scholarships range from $5,000-$20,000 and are based on academic performance … awarded at time of acceptance … renewable as long as students maintain minimum GPA.”

• Transfer undergraduate international students (12+ prior credits) also may be eligible for scholarships, with ranges between ~$10,000 and ~$18,000 per year.

Graduate international student scholarships

• UB indicates that for incoming international graduate students in the Trefz School of Business, School of Public & International Affairs, and School of Engineering, there are awards of approximately $3,000 to $4,000 (some sources mention up to $5,000) for the student’s first year of study (split across the first two semesters) and automatic consideration when all admissions materials are submitted.

Eligibility requirements — what you must meet

Here are the main eligibility criteria you’ll need to satisfy if you want to be considered for these scholarships.

For undergraduate international scholarships

• You must be a new incoming student, matriculating in an undergraduate associate or bachelor degree programme.

• You must apply for admission and submit all required application materials (transcripts, English proficiency, etc.). The scholarships are awarded once your admission file is complete.

• Academic merit: Good prior academic record and strong English proficiency (for example, TOEFL/IELTS or other measures) are required.

• Full-time enrolment is required (you must be enrolled as a full-time student each semester).

• For renewal: You must maintain a cumulative GPA (often 3.0 or higher) and remain in good standing each year to renew the award.

For graduate international scholarships

• Must be a new international graduate student in eligible programmes (business, engineering, public & international affairs) at UB.

• Must meet admissions criteria and submit all required materials (transcripts, test scores if required, etc.). The scholarship is awarded for the first year of study (first two semesters) and may not be renewable after.

• Must enrol full-time (often minimum number of credits each semester) and maintain good academic standing.

Important details & things to verify

• The awards listed are partial scholarships (reduce tuition) — UB states explicitly that “Students who receive partial scholarships are required to pay the remaining costs not covered by their scholarships.”

• For graduate international scholarships, they may only cover the first year (first two semesters) and may not be renewable — you’ll need to budget accordingly for later years.

• Eligibility rules may vary by programme — for example engineering or business may have specific requirements. Always check the specific programme you’re applying to within UB.

• The exact amounts (scholarship ranges, named scholarships) may change from year to year — the best strategy is to check the International Admissions / Scholarships page on UB’s official site for the year you apply.

• Being awarded a scholarship does not replace the need to show sufficient funds for your visa/I-20. Even if you receive a scholarship, you must show you can cover the remaining cost of attendance.

What this means for you (as an international student)

• If you have strong academic credentials (good grades, good English proficiency) you have a real chance at receiving a merit-based scholarship at UB — which can significantly reduce tuition.

• However, you should still plan your finances for the portion of tuition not covered, plus housing, food, travel, insurance, etc. These scholarships do not appear to cover full cost in most cases.

• If you’re applying for a graduate programme, know that the scholarship might only apply for the first year — so you’ll want to budget accordingly.

• Since UB is located in Connecticut (near New York City), you also benefit from a location that may offer internships and opportunities (which help your profile).

• It’s wise to apply early, ensure your admissions materials are complete, and maintain good academic standing (GPA, credit load) to keep the scholarship in subsequent years.