Centennial 1927-2027

A Century of Purpose, Innovation, and Access

From its origins as Connecticut’s first junior college to an internationally recognized university on Long Island Sound, UB empowers students to transform ambition into career momentum.

Approaching a Century
1927
Founded as the Junior College of Connecticut
Nearly a century of opening doors to higher education, fostering intercultural understanding, and driving regional innovation.
3,900+
Undergraduate & graduate students
80+
Nations represented on campus
96%
Career outcome rate within 6 months
University of Bridgeport Institutional Research & Outcomes
Centennial Milestones

Key Chapters in Our
University History

Discover how a visionary institution in Bridgeport grew into a comprehensive seaside university serving learners from around the world.

1927
Junior College of Connecticut: Chartered as the first junior college in Connecticut, establishing accessible, career-focused higher education in Fairfield County.
1947
Four-Year University Charter: Rechartered by the state legislature as University of Bridgeport, expanding to a full four-year seaside campus along Long Island Sound.
1951
Fones School Merges with UB: The world's first dental hygiene school, established by Dr. Alfred Fones in 1913, merges into the university as a cornerstone of health education.
1997
Pioneering Online Education: UB launches Connecticut's first fully online master's degree program, setting a national benchmark for flexible distance learning.
2021
Goodwin University Alliance: UB joins an innovative educational system partnership, accelerating investments in healthcare programs, STEM labs, and campus facilities.
2027
Centennial Celebration: Approaching 100 years of academic excellence, student empowerment, and enduring commitment to regional workforce development.
Coastal Campus

56 Acres on Long Island Sound

Nestled along the shores of Long Island Sound and adjacent to Frederick Law Olmsted's historic Seaside Park, University of Bridgeport provides an idyllic coastal setting for study, reflection, and community. Our waterfront location inspires environmental research, outdoor recreation, and a peaceful campus environment just an hour from New York City.

56
Waterfront campus acres
1 Hr
Train ride to New York City
1865
Historic Seaside Park established

Our Core Principles

Mission, Vision, and Institutional Values

The foundational commitments guiding our academic curriculum, faculty scholarship, and community partnerships.

Explore UB Governance

Learn how university leadership and the Board of Trustees advance our strategic mission.

Meet University Leadership

Our Mission: Purpose-Driven Higher Education

University of Bridgeport offers career-oriented undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees for learners seeking transformative personal and professional advancement. Distinctive curricula in an international, culturally diverse learning environment prepare graduates for leadership in an interconnected world.

Core Commitments

  • Career-focused degrees aligned with high-growth regional and global industries
  • Active cultivation of personal responsibility, ethics, and civic engagement
  • Supportive, intercultural learning environment with students from 80+ nations

Academic Hallmarks

  • Direct faculty mentorship and collaborative laboratory research
  • Experiential learning through internships, co-ops, and clinical rotations
  • Flexible degree pathways including accelerated, evening, and online delivery

Academic Priorities

Healthcare & Nursing Engineering & AI Business Leadership Education & Social Sciences

Discover your future at University of Bridgeport

Schedule an in-person tour of our seaside campus, meet our faculty and admissions team, or start your free application today.