Students at the University of Hartford, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, achieve stronger earnings outcomes than peers at similar institutions nationwide.
The university's focus on career-oriented programs in engineering and health fields helps explain these above-average financial results for graduates.
The University of Hartford is a mid-sized private nonprofit institution in West Hartford, Connecticut, serving about 30% Pell Grant recipients and 29% first-generation college students. While net prices run higher than typical public options, the university delivers above-average long-term earnings outcomes, with graduates earning a median of $60,823 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution at the 56th percentile nationally for earnings performance.
The university's strength lies in its technical and health-focused programs, particularly mechanical engineering and allied health fields, which consistently produce graduates with strong earning potential. With a 58% six-year graduation rate, the University of Hartford provides a solid foundation for career advancement, especially for students who can navigate the higher costs associated with private education.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, the University of Hartford demonstrates strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited compared to public alternatives. The combination of specialized program offerings, personalized attention typical of mid-sized private universities, and Connecticut's proximity to major metropolitan job markets creates opportunities for graduates to achieve meaningful career success.
The University of Hartford's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that provide clear pathways to employment and strong earning potential. Mechanical Engineering leads in aggregate return, combining solid enrollment of 48 graduates with strong earnings of $65,615, making it a key economic driver for the institution. The program's success reflects both the quality of Hartford's engineering curriculum and the strong demand for mechanical engineers in Connecticut's manufacturing and technology sectors.
Health programs represent the university's largest enrollment area, with Health Services graduating 72 students annually, though earnings outcomes vary significantly within the field. Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions, while smaller with 22 graduates, delivers some of the strongest individual earnings at $58,673, demonstrating the value of specialized health credentials. These programs benefit from Connecticut's robust healthcare sector and the university's clinical partnerships.
Psychology remains popular with 68 graduates but shows more modest earnings at $22,572, typical for a field where many students pursue graduate education or use their degree as preparation for other careers. The contrast between engineering and psychology outcomes highlights the importance of program choice at Hartford, where technical and health-focused fields consistently deliver stronger financial returns than liberal arts programs.
Graduates of the University of Hartford achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $60,823 ten years after enrollment. The university performs above average nationally, ranking at the 56th percentile for earnings outcomes, and graduates earn about $6,358 more than similar students at comparable institutions, demonstrating meaningful earnings beyond expectations. This earnings advantage reflects the institution's focus on career-oriented programs that translate directly into workplace value.
Mechanical Engineering stands out as the highest aggregate-return program, combining strong enrollment of 48 graduates with solid earnings of $65,615 ten years out. Health Services represents the largest program by enrollment with 72 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $30,228, while Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions delivers some of the strongest individual earnings at $58,673 for its 22 graduates. Psychology, with 68 graduates earning $22,572, represents the lower end of the earnings spectrum but remains a popular choice for students planning graduate school or career pivots.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused fields that provide clear pathways to employment. Engineering and health programs form the core of the institution's value proposition, offering graduates the technical skills and professional credentials that employers actively seek in Connecticut's diverse economy.
The University of Hartford's affordability profile reflects its status as a private institution, with net prices that are higher than typical public alternatives but include substantial financial aid for many families. Low-income students pay about $25,641 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $26,720, and high-income students face net prices of $33,759. These figures place the university at the 12th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning costs run higher than most comparable institutions.
Despite the higher sticker price, the university provides meaningful financial aid that helps bridge the gap between published tuition and what families actually pay. The relatively small difference between low-income and middle-income net prices suggests that the institution's aid formula works to keep costs manageable for families across a range of income levels, though the private premium remains evident when compared to in-state public options.
For families who can manage the higher upfront investment, the university's specialized programs and smaller class sizes may justify the additional cost. The key consideration is whether the career outcomes in a student's chosen field align with the financial commitment required, particularly given the institution's strength in engineering and health fields where graduates typically see stronger earning potential.
University Of Hartford Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
