At $8,896/yr net price, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduates earn $73,997/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $39,997/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $8,896 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $35,584 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,997/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,997/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 0.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 59.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,695/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,649/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,414/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,850/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,325/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $115,339 | $78,910 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $106,249 | $48,368 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,392 | $42,717 |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $95,473 | $143,655 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $89,859 | $39,217 |
| Engineering, General. | Master | $89,144 | |
| Applied Mathematics. | Master | $86,689 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $86,621 | $44,704 |
| Industrial Engineering. | Bachelor | $82,440 | $24,889 |
| Civil Engineering. | Master | $80,124 |
The Risk Factor
59.5% of students at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus offers solid financial returns for most students, with median earnings reaching nearly $74,000 ten years after graduation while keeping costs manageable at under $9,000 annually after aid.
Your program choice makes a massive difference in financial outcomes here. Pharmacy graduates earn $115,000 but carry nearly $79,000 in debt, creating a longer payback period despite high salaries. Business administration and nursing provide the sweet spot with strong earnings over $105,000 and more reasonable debt loads around $40,000-$48,000. Management sciences delivers nearly $90,000 in earnings with debt below $40,000, making it another financially smart pick.
The dentistry program presents a financial red flag with debt exceeding $143,000 against $95,000 in earnings. This creates a problematic debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years after graduation.
UConn-Waterbury works best financially if you can secure in-state tuition and plan to work in Connecticut's healthcare or business sectors, where the school's regional connections pay off. The 79% retention rate suggests students stick around, though the 59% graduation rate means nearly half don't finish their programs.
Only half of students receive financial aid, suggesting merit opportunities may be limited. If you need substantial aid beyond federal grants, this campus might not offer the support packages available at other UConn locations. The low net price already factors in typical aid, so expect to pay close to the stated amount unless you qualify for significant need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus worth the cost?
With a net price of $8,896 and median earnings of $73,997 after 10 years, UConn Waterbury offers solid value for in-state students. However, the 59.5% graduation rate means four out of ten students don't finish, which significantly hurts ROI.
What are the best paying majors at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
Pharmacy leads with $115,339 median earnings, followed by business administration at $106,249 and nursing at $105,392. These programs justify the investment, while other majors may not provide the same return.
How much student debt do University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduates have?
Graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given the relatively low annual cost. The debt-to-income ratio works out favorably for top-paying programs but could be problematic for lower-earning majors.
Does University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus have good financial aid?
The $8,896 net price suggests decent financial aid for many students, making it affordable compared to private colleges. However, outcomes depend heavily on choosing the right program and actually graduating.