University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus at a Glance
The University of Connecticut (UConn) is a public land-grant research university system with its main campus in Storrs, Connecticut, United States. It was founded in 1881 as the Storrs Agricultural School, named after two benefactors. In 1893, the school became a public land grant college, then took its current name in 1939. Over the following decade, social work, nursing, and graduate programs were established. During the 1960s, UConn Health was established for new medical and dental schools. U…
1881
145 years old
$669M
$668.6 million (2025)
33,554
25,304 undergrad · 8,250 grad
5,422
4,400 acres
Identity
Is University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Worth It?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus is one of the strongest value propositions in higher education. At $10,875/year net price and $73,997 median earnings, graduates earn 6.8× their annual cost within a decade of enrolling.
The investment pays for itself in just 0.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus delivers strong financial returns that justify the investment for most students.
How University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #1 of 10 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | 95 | $10,875 | $73,997 |
| #2 | University of New Hampshire at Manchester | 93 | $9,992 | $66,479 |
| #3 | University of Connecticut-Avery Point | 79 | $13,807 | $73,997 |
| #4 | University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | 49 | $15,350 | $66,125 |
| #5 | Potomac State College of West Virginia University | 43 | $9,197 | $55,939 |
| #6 | University of New Hampshire College of Professional Studies Online | 34 | $10,864 | $66,479 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in CT.
Best Programs at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
Program-level earnings data isn't available for University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $10,875/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in CT
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Waterbury, CT
- Student Body
- 733 students
- Admission Rate
- 87%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $10,875
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $73,997
- Median Student Debt
- $21,500