Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,189
56th percentile (40th in CT)
Median Debt
$25,000
At national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.75
Manageable
Sample Size
180
Adequate data

Analysis

UConn-Stamford biology graduates start slow—exceptionally slow—but experience remarkable earnings acceleration that tells an unusual story. That $33,189 first-year salary sits below Connecticut's median for biology programs despite UConn's respected name, and it trails smaller state schools like Eastern Connecticut by 20%. However, the 70% earnings jump to $56,494 by year four significantly outpaces typical biology graduate trajectories and suggests many students successfully transition into higher-paying roles, likely in healthcare or research positions that require experience or additional credentials.

The challenge is that four-year horizon. Biology graduates in Connecticut typically earn $37,450 right out of the gate, meaning UConn-Stamford students spend their early career years at a disadvantage compared to peers at Trinity ($52,000+) or even regional state universities. With $25,000 in debt—standard for biology programs but substantial when paired with that initial $33,000 salary—those first few years require financial discipline. Half of students here receive Pell grants, so that early earnings gap isn't trivial for many families.

This program works best for students committed to careers requiring graduate education or professional development where early earnings matter less than long-term trajectory. The strong four-year outcome validates the UConn credential eventually pays off. But families banking on immediate return should recognize this degree requires patience and likely additional training to reach its full earning potential.

Where University of Connecticut-Stamford Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally

University of Connecticut-StamfordOther biology programs

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-Stamford graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Connecticut-Stamford graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 56th percentile of all biology 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

Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (21 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Connecticut-Stamford$33,189$56,494$25,0000.75
Trinity College$52,179—$26,1900.50
Quinnipiac University$44,657$56,734$27,0000.60
Southern Connecticut State University$41,973$51,529$24,7700.59
Connecticut College$41,067$51,800$23,0450.56
Eastern Connecticut State University$39,977$53,040$25,4480.64
National Median$32,316—$25,0000.77

Other Biology Programs in Connecticut

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Trinity College
Hartford
$67,420$52,179$26,190
Quinnipiac University
Hamden
$53,090$44,657$27,000
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven
$12,828$41,973$24,770
Connecticut College
New London
$64,812$41,067$23,045
Eastern Connecticut State University
Willimantic
$13,292$39,977$25,448

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-Stamford, approximately 50% 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 180 graduates with reported earnings and 259 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.