Analysis
UConn Avery Point's psychology program demonstrates impressive earnings growth that sets it apart from typical bachelor's psychology outcomes. While graduates start at $33,521—right at Connecticut's median for psychology programs—their earnings jump 54% to over $51,000 by year four. This trajectory places the program in the 66th percentile nationally and 60th percentile within Connecticut, solid performance for a field often criticized for weak initial job prospects.
The debt picture is reasonable at $23,500, creating a manageable 0.70 debt-to-income ratio that's below both state and national averages. This is particularly noteworthy given that psychology programs nationally carry a median debt of $25,500. The combination of moderate debt and strong earnings growth suggests graduates are finding meaningful career advancement, possibly moving into roles that value the psychology foundation—counseling, human resources, social services, or graduate school preparation.
However, parents should recognize this program won't compete with Connecticut's elite liberal arts colleges like Trinity or Connecticut College, where psychology graduates earn $48,000+ initially. But for families seeking solid value at an accessible institution (87% admission rate), UConn Avery Point delivers psychology graduates who see substantial income growth within four years of graduation, making it a practical choice for students committed to the field.
Where University of Connecticut-Avery Point Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut-Avery Point graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $33,521 | $51,468 | +54% |
| Fairfield University | $39,890 | $61,555 | +54% |
| Connecticut College | $40,141 | $53,436 | +33% |
| Sacred Heart University | $29,166 | $52,667 | +81% |
| University of Connecticut | $33,521 | $51,468 | +54% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,462 | $33,521 | $51,468 | $23,500 | 0.70 | |
| $67,420 | $48,406 | — | $22,944 | 0.47 | |
| $8,506 | $45,428 | — | $22,779 | 0.50 | |
| $64,812 | $40,141 | $53,436 | $24,197 | 0.60 | |
| $56,360 | $39,890 | $61,555 | $26,000 | 0.65 | |
| $12,828 | $35,716 | $41,899 | $23,000 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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 Connecticut-Avery Point, approximately 34% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 332 graduates with reported earnings and 483 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.