Best Value Economics Colleges in Connecticut

Yale University economics graduates earn $86,621 annually while University of Connecticut-Waterbury students pay just $8,896 net cost, creating a $77,725 gap that reflects Connecticut's economic divide. The state's 18 economics programs span from ultra-affordable regional campuses to elite private institutions, with earnings ranging from $33,993 to $86,621. Connecticut's insurance and finance sectors, anchored by Hartford Financial and other major employers, create strong demand for economics talent. Public university options dominate the affordable end, with four UConn regional campuses offering identical $48,243 earning potential at vastly different price points. Private colleges like Trinity and Connecticut College command higher costs but deliver solid mid-range outcomes around $54,000-$62,000 in graduate earnings.

Programs

$8,896 – $46,274

Net Price Range

$52,990

Avg. Program Earnings

68.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

18 Economics Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury, Connecticut	$8,896	$48,243	$17,462	59.5%	97.9%
2	University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton, Connecticut	$11,504	$48,243	$17,462	56.7%	97.4%
3	University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford, Connecticut	$13,339	$48,243	$17,452	65.4%	97.3%
4	University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford, Connecticut	$14,059	$48,243	$17,472	56.9%	92.2%
5	Yale University New Haven, Connecticut	$27,818	$86,621	$64,700	96.3%	4.6%
6	Central Connecticut State University New Britain, Connecticut	$16,435	$45,794	$12,460	49.3%	76.7%
7	University of Connecticut Storrs, Connecticut	$22,886	$48,243	$20,366	83.8%	54.5%
8	Trinity College Hartford, Connecticut	$35,009	$61,814	$67,420	82.8%	36.1%
9	Eastern Connecticut State University Willimantic, Connecticut	$20,480	$33,993	$13,292	58.1%	73.8%
10	Connecticut College New London, Connecticut	$33,998	$54,522	$64,812	83.7%	40.4%
11	Quinnipiac University Hamden, Connecticut	$39,207	$53,358	$53,090	77.3%	83.8%
12	Sacred Heart University Fairfield, Connecticut	$45,459	$58,943	$48,460	74.5%	65.7%
13	Fairfield University Fairfield, Connecticut	$46,274	$52,607	$56,360	83.8%	52.2%
14	Southern Connecticut State University New Haven, Connecticut	$20,877		$12,828	47.8%	82.9%
15	Wesleyan University Middletown, Connecticut	$27,888		$67,316	91.6%	14.4%
16	Western Connecticut State University Danbury, Connecticut	$18,617		$12,763	50.2%	83.5%
17	University of New Haven West Haven, Connecticut	$34,089		$45,730	59.2%	91.2%
18	University of Hartford West Hartford, Connecticut	$29,558		$47,647	58.3%	82.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Yale's economics program worth nearly triple the cost of other Connecticut options?

Yale economics graduates earn $86,621 annually, significantly outpacing the $48,243-$62,000 range of other programs. The university maintains a 96.3% graduation rate and produces graduates with just $12,562 in debt. Yale's elite network and rigorous academics justify the $27,818 net cost for many students seeking top-tier finance and consulting careers.

How do UConn's regional campuses compare for economics value?

All UConn campuses offer identical $48,243 earning potential with the same $21,125 debt levels. Waterbury provides the lowest net cost at $8,896, while Hartford costs $13,339 and maintains the highest graduation rate at 65.4%. Students can access the same UConn degree and outcomes while saving thousands by choosing strategic campus locations.

Is Central Connecticut State University a good economics value despite lower earnings?

Central Connecticut delivers $45,794 graduate earnings at just $16,435 net cost, creating solid return on investment. The 49.3% graduation rate reflects the school's open access mission with 76.7% acceptance. Students seeking affordable economics education with reasonable career prospects find strong value despite earnings trailing UConn by $2,449.

Where do Connecticut's mid-tier private colleges fit in the economics market?

Schools like Trinity College and Connecticut College charge $33,998-$35,009 net costs while delivering $54,522-$61,814 earnings. These colleges maintain 82-83% graduation rates and provide strong liberal arts foundations for economics study. Students gain smaller class sizes and alumni networks while paying significantly less than comparable programs in neighboring states.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.