At $22,886/yr net price, University of Connecticut 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) | $22,886 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $91,544 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,997/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$39,997/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.8% |
| 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 | $13,936/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,656/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,705/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $26,945/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,886/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
83.8% of students at University of Connecticut graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
University of Connecticut delivers solid financial returns with median earnings of $74,000 ten years after graduation, well above the national average for public universities. Your $22,886 annual net price positions UConn as competitively affordable among flagship state schools.
Pharmacy stands out as UConn's financial winner, generating $115,000 in median earnings despite carrying $79,000 in debt. Business administration and nursing also deliver strong returns at over $105,000 annually. Management sciences offers an appealing balance with $90,000 earnings and only $39,000 in debt. Dentistry presents a mixed picture with solid $95,000 earnings but crushing $144,000 debt loads that may take decades to justify.
UConn's main financial risk lies in its relatively low financial aid coverage, with only 24% of students receiving aid compared to typical public flagships. This means you'll likely pay closer to sticker price than at peer institutions. The $21,500 median debt figure reflects this limited aid availability.
You're a strong financial fit for UConn if you're a Connecticut resident targeting business, healthcare, or STEM fields where the school's regional employer connections pay dividends. Out-of-state students face steeper costs that may not justify the premium unless you're entering high-earning programs like pharmacy or business.
Focus on merit scholarships through UConn's Honors Program or departmental awards, as need-based aid remains scarce. The 83% graduation rate means most students complete their degrees, reducing the risk of debt without a diploma that plagues lower-performing schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Connecticut worth the cost compared to other state schools?
UConn offers solid value with a net price of $22,886 and 10-year earnings of $73,997, giving graduates decent earning power relative to cost. The 84% graduation rate is strong for a public university, though the ROI depends heavily on your major.
What University of Connecticut programs have the best return on investment?
Pharmacy leads with $115,339 median earnings, followed by business ($106,249) and nursing ($105,392). Liberal arts and education majors typically see much lower returns that may not justify the full cost of attendance.
How much debt do University of Connecticut graduates typically have?
The median debt is $21,500, which is manageable for high-earning majors like pharmacy or business. However, graduates in lower-paying fields may struggle with loan payments relative to their starting salaries.
Does University of Connecticut provide good financial aid to reduce costs?
The $22,886 net price suggests decent aid for a flagship state university, though out-of-state students pay significantly more. In-state students generally get better value, while out-of-state students should carefully compare costs to other options.