Students at the University of Connecticut achieve substantially higher earnings than similar students at other institutions, reflecting one of the strongest financial advantages among public universities nationwide.
Graduates consistently outperform expectations across income levels, with particularly strong outcomes for both typical students and those from low-income backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks the University of Connecticut 23rd out of approximately 700 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the top 3% for overall value. UConn stands out as a flagship research university that consistently delivers exceptional long-term earnings outcomes while maintaining the academic breadth and campus experience students expect from a premier state institution. With graduates earning a median of $73,997 ten years after enrollment and achieving earnings beyond expectations that rank in the top tier nationally, UConn demonstrates how a selective public university can translate academic excellence into measurable financial success.
What makes UConn particularly compelling is its ability to deliver strong outcomes across a diverse range of programs. From Applied Economics, which combines high enrollment with solid earnings, to Industrial Engineering, where graduates earn over $82,000 early in their careers, the university offers pathways to financial success in multiple fields. The institution serves as Connecticut's flagship, providing the scale and resources of a major research university while maintaining graduation rates above 83% and loan repayment performance that exceeds national benchmarks.
For families willing to invest in a premium public education, UConn represents one of the strongest value propositions in New England. It combines the prestige and outcomes of a top-tier institution with the relative affordability of public education, making it an attractive option for students seeking both academic excellence and long-term financial security.
The University of Connecticut offers a comprehensive range of programs with particularly strong outcomes in technical and professional fields. Applied Economics leads in aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment of 434 graduates with solid median earnings of $48,243, making it a key economic engine for the university. Psychology represents the largest single program with 387 graduates, while Industrial Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $82,440 for its smaller cohort of 42 students.
Engineering programs consistently deliver strong financial outcomes, with Industrial Engineering graduates earning over $82,000 early in their careers. Business and economics fields also perform well, reflecting UConn's strength in preparing students for professional careers in finance, consulting, and management. Even liberal arts programs like Psychology, while showing more moderate early earnings, benefit from UConn's strong alumni network and employer relationships that support long-term career development.
The university's program mix reflects its comprehensive research university mission, offering pathways to success across multiple disciplines. From high-earning technical fields to foundational liberal arts programs, UConn provides academic breadth while maintaining quality standards that translate into strong employment outcomes. This diversity allows students to pursue their interests while still benefiting from the university's overall reputation and career services infrastructure.
The University of Connecticut delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for its graduates. With a median 10-year earnings figure of $73,997, UConn graduates significantly outperform typical expectations, earning about $5,266 more annually than similar students at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage places UConn in the top 10% nationally for both absolute earnings and earnings beyond expectations, reflecting the university's ability to translate academic quality into measurable career success.
Program-level outcomes show particular strength in technical and professional fields. Applied Economics stands out as UConn's highest aggregate-return major, combining substantial enrollment of 434 graduates with solid median earnings of $48,243. Industrial Engineering delivers the strongest individual earnings at $82,440 for its 42 graduates, while Psychology represents the largest program footprint with 387 graduates earning a median of $33,184. This mix reflects UConn's comprehensive academic portfolio, with strong performance across business, engineering, and liberal arts disciplines that prepare students for diverse career paths.
The university's return on investment extends beyond just starting salaries. UConn graduates demonstrate exceptional loan repayment performance, with borrowers paying down balances faster than peers at most institutions nationwide. By year four after graduation, UConn borrowers have paid off nearly 17% of their original loan balances, ranking in the top 7% nationally for repayment speed. This combination of strong earnings and responsible debt management creates a sustainable financial foundation that serves graduates well throughout their careers.
Decomposes the earnings-above-expectation score into program mix, labor market alignment, and the remaining institutional residual.
Negative program contribution values reflect how the school's mix compares with the model, not that the school is weak in that field.
Affordability at the University of Connecticut varies significantly by family income, reflecting the institution's position as a flagship public university. Low-income students pay approximately $13,936 annually after aid, which sits near the national average for similar institutions. Middle-income families face net costs around $18,705 per year, while high-income families pay about $31,886 annually. These price points reflect UConn's premium positioning within public higher education, where families pay somewhat more upfront but receive correspondingly strong long-term value.
Debt levels at UConn are manageable relative to the earnings outcomes graduates achieve. Typical federal student loan debt of $21,500 represents a reasonable investment given median earnings approaching $74,000 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $30,417, which is higher than many public institutions but reflects the university's appeal to middle- and upper-middle-income families who view UConn as worth the additional investment. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes UConn's pricing sustainable is the strong earning power graduates achieve after graduation. With loan repayment rates exceeding 87% and borrowers consistently paying down balances faster than national averages, the university demonstrates that its higher net prices translate into financial outcomes that justify the investment. For families who can manage the upfront costs, UConn offers a clear path to long-term financial success that makes the initial expense worthwhile.
University Of Connecticut Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
