About University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
UConn Waterbury serves as an accessible entry point into the University of Connecticut system for students who want a smaller campus experience. With just 746 students, this regional campus offers the intimacy of a small college while maintaining connections to UConn's broader academic resources. The campus draws entirely from Connecticut residents and operates on a commuter-friendly model that works well for students balancing work and family responsibilities. Nearly 98% of applicants gain admission, making it one of the most accessible pathways to a UConn degree.
The financial picture looks promising for most students. Families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $4,695 annually, while those making $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $3,649. Graduates typically leave with $21,500 in debt but earn a median salary of $73,997 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average $228, which becomes manageable given the strong employment outcomes. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the campus's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income students.
The student body reflects Connecticut's diversity, with 40% white students, 28% Hispanic, and 11% each Black and Asian students. A 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical small colleges, but the 95% employment rate suggests employers value UConn credentials regardless of campus location.
The financial picture looks promising for most students. Families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $4,695 annually, while those making $30,000-$48,000 pay even less at $3,649. Graduates typically leave with $21,500 in debt but earn a median salary of $73,997 ten years after graduation. Monthly loan payments average $228, which becomes manageable given the strong employment outcomes. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the campus's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income students.
The student body reflects Connecticut's diversity, with 40% white students, 28% Hispanic, and 11% each Black and Asian students. A 20:1 student-faculty ratio means larger class sizes than typical small colleges, but the 95% employment rate suggests employers value UConn credentials regardless of campus location.
Academics & Faculty
UConn Waterbury serves as an accessible entry point to the University of Connecticut system, offering undergraduate programs designed for commuter students in Connecticut's fifth-largest city. The campus maintains a 20:1 student-faculty ratio across its 746 students, providing more personal attention than many larger universities. However, the 59.5% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many working and part-time students face in completing their degrees. Students can pursue foundational coursework in business, liberal arts, and sciences before potentially transferring to the main Storrs campus. The regional campus model allows Connecticut residents to access UConn's academic reputation while staying close to home and work obligations in the greater Waterbury area.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 20:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 65.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 59.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 59.5%
- Retention Rate
- 79.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,997
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,339 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,249 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,392 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $95,473 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $89,859 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $89,144 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Master | $86,689 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $86,621 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $82,440 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $80,124 |
Campus Life
The Waterbury campus serves 746 students in Connecticut's fifth-largest city, about 30 miles southwest of Hartford and 80 miles from New York City. With 100% in-state enrollment and no residential facilities, this is purely a commuter campus where students drive in for classes and return home afterward. The student-faculty ratio of 20:1 means you'll find moderately-sized classes in a practical, no-frills academic environment.
Winters here require heavy coats and snow boots, as Connecticut's cold season stretches from December through March with frequent snowfall. The diverse student body is 28% Hispanic, 11% Asian, and 11% Black, reflecting Waterbury's multicultural population. Weekend social life centers around the broader Waterbury area rather than campus events, since students typically head home after classes. With a 79% retention rate, most students stick with the program despite the commuter setup. This campus appeals to students seeking UConn credentials while staying close to home and family obligations in central Connecticut.
Winters here require heavy coats and snow boots, as Connecticut's cold season stretches from December through March with frequent snowfall. The diverse student body is 28% Hispanic, 11% Asian, and 11% Black, reflecting Waterbury's multicultural population. Weekend social life centers around the broader Waterbury area rather than campus events, since students typically head home after classes. With a 79% retention rate, most students stick with the program despite the commuter setup. This campus appeals to students seeking UConn credentials while staying close to home and family obligations in central Connecticut.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–37°F
- July Avg
- 62°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 46.8"
Student Demographics
UConn Waterbury draws exclusively from Connecticut, reflecting its role as an accessible local option for students who want a UConn degree close to home. Half of students receive Pell Grants, making this campus a gateway for first-generation and working-class families in the greater Waterbury area. The student body is 56% women and diverse, with 40% white students alongside significant Hispanic, Black, and Asian populations. This mix reflects the demographics of central Connecticut's cities and suburbs. Most students commute to campus while working part-time jobs.
- Men
- 43.7%
- Women
- 56.3%
- White
- 40.2%
- Black
- 10.9%
- Hispanic
- 28.4%
- Asian
- 11.3%
- In-State Students
- 100.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 50.0%
Location
Waterbury sits in central Connecticut, about 20 miles southwest of Hartford and 80 miles northeast of New York City. The city serves as a former industrial center in the Naugatuck River Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and small New England towns. With a population around 108,000, Waterbury offers an urban environment without the overwhelming scale of major metropolitan areas. The campus draws entirely from Connecticut residents, reflecting its role as an accessible commuter option for local students. Downtown Waterbury features a mix of historic architecture and modern development, including the Palace Theater and various cultural venues. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Waterbury, Connecticut 06702
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $73,997
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $76,632
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $49,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
The acceptance rate is 97.91%, making this one of the most accessible campuses in the UConn system. Students with a 990-1230 SAT range typically gain admission to this commuter-friendly regional campus.
How much does University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $8,896 annually, with low-income families paying as little as $4,695. Half of all students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the campus's mission to serve working-class families in the Waterbury area.
What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
The student-faculty ratio is 20:1 with just 746 total students enrolled. This smaller scale allows for more personalized attention than the main Storrs campus while maintaining UConn's academic standards.
What are the graduation outcomes at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
The four-year graduation rate is 59.67%, with graduates earning a median salary of $73,997 after ten years. The 95.4% employment rate demonstrates strong career preparation for this commuter student body.
Where do University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus students come from?
All students are Connecticut residents, with 56.3% female and 43.7% male enrollment. The diverse student body is 40.21% white, 28.42% Hispanic, 11.26% Asian, and 10.86% Black, reflecting Waterbury's multicultural community.
Does University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus offer a traditional college experience?
This regional campus operates on a semester system and serves primarily commuter students in Connecticut's fifth-largest city. The 79.49% retention rate shows students value the UConn degree credentials in a more accessible, local setting.
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