Economics at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UConn Hartford's economics program delivers solid middle-of-the-pack performance that becomes more impressive over time. With starting salaries of $52,227 and four-year earnings of $67,339, graduates see robust 29% income growth that outpaces many programs. The debt load of $22,907 is perfectly reasonable, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 that allows graduates to build wealth relatively quickly.
Within Connecticut's competitive economics landscape, this program holds its own at the 60th percentile despite the campus's accessible 86% admission rate. While it can't match the elite earning power of Yale ($82,617) or Fairfield ($74,023), it significantly outperforms what you'd expect from a regional campus with modest admission standards. The 46% Pell Grant recipient rate suggests this program successfully serves first-generation and lower-income students without sacrificing outcomes.
For families seeking quality economics education without elite-school debt or admission pressure, UConn Hartford represents excellent value. The strong earnings trajectory suggests graduates develop marketable skills that employers increasingly reward, making this a smart choice for students who may not access top-tier programs but want genuine economic mobility.
Where University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics 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-Hartford Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus graduates earn $52k, placing them in the 52th percentile of all economics bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (18 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 |
| Yale University | $82,617 | $125,006 | $13,250 | 0.16 |
| Fairfield University | $74,023 | $81,906 | $26,500 | 0.36 |
| Trinity College | $71,191 | $112,699 | $21,500 | 0.30 |
| Connecticut College | $62,732 | $86,772 | $25,206 | 0.40 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $52,227 | $67,339 | $22,907 | 0.44 |
| National Median | $51,722 | — | $22,816 | 0.44 |
Other Economics Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yale University New Haven | $64,700 | $82,617 | $13,250 |
| Fairfield University Fairfield | $56,360 | $74,023 | $26,500 |
| Trinity College Hartford | $67,420 | $71,191 | $21,500 |
| Connecticut College New London | $64,812 | $62,732 | $25,206 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford | $17,472 | $52,227 | $22,907 |
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-Hartford Campus, approximately 46% 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 377 graduates with reported earnings and 396 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.