Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Bridgeport

University of Bridgeport's liberal arts program costs significantly more than typical Connecticut options—graduates carry $32,147 in debt versus the state median of $22,000—yet first-year earnings of $43,743 barely crack the state median. This places the program in a puzzling position: it ranks in the 84th percentile nationally but only the 40th percentile among Connecticut schools, meaning you're paying premium prices for middle-of-the-pack performance in your home state. The debt load is concerning enough that it lands in the 9th percentile nationally (meaning 91% of similar programs require less borrowing).

There's a silver lining in the earnings trajectory: graduates see 23% income growth by year four, reaching $53,660, which suggests the degree opens doors over time. The manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73 means this isn't an unworkable financial situation. However, in-state students should ask themselves why they'd take on $10,000 more debt than Connecticut's median when schools like Charter Oak and UConn deliver comparable or better first-year outcomes at lower cost.

For families drawn to Bridgeport's specific environment or support services—over half of students receive Pell grants—the program isn't disqualifying. But if affordability matters, this represents a premium you'll spend several years paying off for outcomes you could likely achieve elsewhere in Connecticut for less money upfront.