Students at the University of New Haven consistently achieve higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's strength in career-focused education.
Graduates benefit from solid long-term financial outcomes that place UNH well above average nationally for return on investment.
The University of New Haven is a mid-sized private nonprofit institution in Connecticut that delivers notably strong return on investment despite higher net prices typical of private universities. What distinguishes UNH is its focus on career-oriented programs that translate directly into solid earnings outcomes. Graduates earn a median of $60,126 ten years after enrollment, placing the university well above average nationally for long-term financial returns.
The university's strength lies in its professional program mix, with particular depth in criminal justice, engineering, and applied sciences. Students benefit from hands-on learning environments and industry connections that help explain why UNH graduates consistently earn more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions. The earnings advantage of roughly $3,200 above expectations reflects the university's ability to prepare students for in-demand career paths.
As a "Selective Achievers" institution, UNH combines solid academic outcomes with more limited access for low-income students. The university serves about 27% Pell Grant recipients and 29% first-generation students, focusing on delivering strong results for the students it enrolls. For families who can navigate the higher private university costs, UNH offers a compelling combination of personalized education and reliable career preparation that pays off in measurable long-term earnings.
The University of New Haven's program portfolio reflects its mission as a career-focused institution with particular strength in criminal justice and applied sciences. Criminal justice programs dominate enrollment, with Corrections Administration graduating 244 students and representing the highest aggregate return due to its scale, while Criminalistics and Criminal Science adds another 101 graduates to this professional pathway. These programs prepare students for stable careers in law enforcement, corrections, and forensic science with early-career earnings in the mid-$30,000s.
Mechanical Engineering stands out for individual earning potential, with 27 graduates achieving median earnings of $63,997 ten years out, demonstrating the value of UNH's technical programs. Psychology rounds out the major program areas with 65 graduates, though at more modest earnings levels around $27,822, reflecting the broader career preparation typical of liberal arts fields.
What makes UNH distinctive is how its specialized curriculum translates directly into career readiness. The university's emphasis on hands-on learning, industry partnerships, and professional preparation helps explain why graduates across different fields consistently achieve earnings beyond expectations. This practical approach to education creates reliable pathways from classroom to career, particularly in the criminal justice and engineering fields where UNH has developed strong reputations with employers.
University of New Haven graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that consistently exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $60,126, with the university delivering earnings beyond expectations of approximately $3,200 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage places UNH well above average nationally, reflecting the institution's focus on career-oriented programs that translate directly into workplace success.
The university's program portfolio drives much of this financial strength. Mechanical Engineering leads in earnings potential with graduates earning around $63,997 ten years out, demonstrating the value of UNH's technical programs. Criminal justice programs, including Corrections Administration and Criminalistics, represent the university's largest enrollment areas with 244 and 101 graduates respectively, offering solid career pathways with earnings in the mid-$30,000s early in career. Psychology rounds out the major program areas with 65 graduates, though at more modest earnings levels around $27,822.
What makes UNH particularly valuable is how its specialized, professionally-focused curriculum consistently delivers results across different fields. The university's emphasis on practical skills and industry connections helps explain why graduates outperform earnings expectations by such a meaningful margin, creating reliable return on investment for families willing to invest in private education.
Affordability at the University of New Haven reflects the typical private university cost structure, with net prices that require careful family planning but remain predictable across income levels. Low-income students pay about $28,133 annually after aid, while middle-income families see costs around $32,749, and higher-income families pay approximately $36,975. These prices place UNH in the lower tier nationally for affordability, consistent with private nonprofit institutions that rely heavily on tuition revenue.
Debt levels require attention but remain within manageable ranges given the university's strong earnings outcomes. Typical graduates leave with about $27,000 in federal student loan debt, while families who choose Parent PLUS loans average around $39,045. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully. With median earnings of $60,126 ten years out, most borrowers can handle standard repayment terms, though the combination of student and parent debt means families should plan carefully for the total borrowing picture.
The key to UNH's affordability story is the long-term payoff that justifies the higher upfront investment. While net prices exceed those at public universities, the earnings beyond expectations and strong career preparation help graduates build the financial foundation needed to service their educational investments while achieving meaningful economic progress.
University Of New Haven Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
