Analysis
Connecticut's other Human Services bachelor's programs report considerably higher earnings—Goodwin University graduates earn $52,000 and Post University graduates earn $41,000, while comparable programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000 for University of Bridgeport graduates. That $10,000-15,000 gap against in-state competitors is significant in a field where entry-level salaries already run modest. With estimated debt of $33,000—roughly aligned with the national median—graduates would be managing nearly 90% of their first-year income in student loans.
The four-year earnings figure of $40,000 provides some reassurance that growth occurs, but it still trails what graduates from Connecticut's peer programs earn right out of the gate. Human Services attracts many first-generation college students (52% here receive Pell grants), who often can't afford career paths with slow financial acceleration. In this context, starting $15,000 behind the state's top program matters.
If your child is committed to Human Services, understand that you're looking at estimated outcomes substantially below Connecticut's demonstrated track record in this field. The debt load is manageable in absolute terms, but the earnings gap suggests either exploring the higher-performing programs in-state or considering whether University of Bridgeport offers specific connections, clinical placements, or career services that might close that compensation difference.
Where University of Bridgeport Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all human services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bridgeport | — | $39,930 | — |
| California State University-Monterey Bay | $37,501 | $52,771 | +41% |
| University of Delaware | $32,812 | $51,146 | +56% |
| Fitchburg State University | $45,641 | $48,365 | +6% |
| Post University | $41,124 | $43,214 | +5% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Human Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (3 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of BridgeportBridgeport | $35,760 | $36,630* | $39,930 | $32,524* | — |
 Goodwin UniversityEast Hartford | $21,198 | $51,659* | — | $35,166* | 0.68 |
 Post UniversityWaterbury | $17,100 | $41,124* | $43,214 | $54,002* | 1.31 |
| National Median | — | $36,630* | — | $31,573* | 0.86 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with human services graduates
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Bridgeport, approximately 52% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 84 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.