Computer Science at University of Connecticut-Avery Point

UConn Avery Point's Computer Science program matches the earnings performance of the flagship campus while maintaining a lower admissions barrier—starting salaries hit nearly $80,000 and climb to $106,000 by year four. That 33% earnings growth represents strong career momentum, and the $25,000 median debt means graduates owe less than a third of their first-year salary. With an 87% admission rate and average SAT of 1130, this campus provides a genuinely accessible path into tech careers without the credential penalty you'd expect from a regional branch.

The catch? Among Connecticut's 11 CS programs, this sits right at the state median for both earnings and debt—nothing exceptional for in-state students who might have other options. The first-year salary, while solid nationally (71st percentile), becomes less impressive within Connecticut's competitive tech corridor where the top program (Connecticut College) starts graduates $7,000 higher. Still, four years out, the gap narrows considerably as Avery Point graduates see their earnings accelerate.

For families prioritizing access over prestige, this works. Your child gets a legitimate computer science degree with strong earnings potential at a campus that accepts most applicants, and the debt load is manageable enough that career decisions won't be dictated by loan payments. Just recognize you're paying for opportunity rather than distinction.