Compare 8 Public Finance. programs in Connecticut. Average earnings: $72,390.
Public Finance programs produce graduates earning between $42,682 and $98,540—a $56K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 8 ranked programs in Connecticut, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Fairfield University's Public Finance program leads with graduates earning $98,540, well above the $72,390 state average. University of Connecticut follows at $87,592, proving that strong outcomes aren't limited to private institutions. Quinnipiac rounds out the top three at $84,583.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University of Connecticut graduates borrow $21,500 and face just a 4.5% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families including parent loans, Central Connecticut State leads with a 13.0% family burden, keeping costs manageable.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Fairfield UniversityPrivate | $98,540 | 168 | $26,000 | Excellent | $50,500 | Manageable |
| #2 | $87,592 | 224 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,324 | Manageable | |
| #3 | Quinnipiac UniversityPrivate | $84,583 | 111 | $26,000 | Excellent | $64,334 | Challenging |
| #4 | Sacred Heart UniversityPrivate | $74,953 | 95 | $25,000 | Excellent | $45,486 | Challenging |
| #5 | $69,769 | 108 | $22,300 | Excellent | $19,642 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $68,063 | 27 | $24,147 | Excellent | $19,000 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $52,941 | 21 | $24,250 | Good | $21,628 | Challenging | |
| #8 | University Of HartfordPrivate | $42,682 | 30 | $27,000 | Challenging | $44,000 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
