Computer and Information Sciences at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus

UConn Hartford's computer science program delivers surprisingly strong outcomes for a regional campus with an 86% admission rate. Graduates earn $75,649 right out of college—23% above the national median for CS programs and matching the Connecticut state median—while carrying just $19,591 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 means most graduates could pay off their loans in about three months of gross salary, one of the better financial positions you'll find in higher education.

What makes this particularly interesting is the trajectory: earnings jump 33% to over $100,000 within four years, suggesting graduates are landing legitimate tech roles with growth potential, not just help desk positions. The program ranks in the 84th percentile nationally, though it sits at the 60th percentile within Connecticut—a reflection of how competitive the state's CS landscape is, anchored by Yale's outlier outcomes. But consider that UConn Hartford matches the earnings of its flagship Storrs campus while serving a student body where 46% receive Pell grants, indicating strong support for first-generation and lower-income students breaking into tech.

For parents worried about affordability and outcomes, this is a straightforward win: strong earnings, manageable debt, and an accessible pathway into a high-demand field. The moderate sample size means individual outcomes may vary, but the core value proposition holds firm.