Public Policy Analysis at University of Connecticut-Avery Point
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Starting at $33,424 puts UConn Avery Point's Public Policy program roughly $11,000 below the national median for this degree—landing it in the bottom 10th percentile nationally. That's a significant gap that should factor heavily into your decision-making, especially when Trinity College graduates in the same field earn $56,902 their first year out.
Here's the wrinkle: Connecticut's public policy job market appears notably tougher than the national picture. This program actually sits at the 60th percentile within the state, meaning most Connecticut public policy grads face similar starting salaries. The debt load of $25,964 is slightly above the national median but relatively manageable at 0.78 times first-year earnings. Still, with an 87% admission rate and middling SAT scores, the institution's overall profile suggests limited networking advantages that might otherwise help bridge the earnings gap.
The core question is whether a public policy degree makes sense at this price point in Connecticut's market. If your child is committed to policy work and needs the UConn system's accessibility, the debt isn't catastrophic. But they should understand they're entering a field where Connecticut salaries lag significantly behind national norms—and where Trinity graduates command a nearly 70% earnings premium. Consider whether career goals might be better served by a different major or a different UConn campus with stronger alumni networks in Hartford or Stamford.
Where University of Connecticut-Avery Point Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all public policy analysis bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut-Avery Point graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Connecticut-Avery Point graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 10th percentile of all public policy analysis bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Public Policy Analysis bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $33,424 | — | $25,964 | 0.78 |
| Trinity College | $56,902 | — | $23,161 | 0.41 |
| University of Connecticut | $33,424 | — | $25,964 | 0.78 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $33,424 | — | $25,964 | 0.78 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $33,424 | — | $25,964 | 0.78 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $33,424 | — | $25,964 | 0.78 |
| National Median | $44,740 | — | $22,000 | 0.49 |
Other Public Policy Analysis Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Hartford | $67,420 | $56,902 | $23,161 |
| University of Connecticut Storrs | $20,366 | $33,424 | $25,964 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury | $17,462 | $33,424 | $25,964 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford | $17,472 | $33,424 | $25,964 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford | $17,452 | $33,424 | $25,964 |
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 32 graduates with reported earnings and 40 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.