Analysis
The UConn-Stamford chemical engineering program produces graduates who start about $5,000 below the national median for this major, but their earnings trajectory tells a more positive story. By year four, graduates reach $83,620—showing robust 23% growth that suggests solid career development. The $25,898 in typical debt represents just 38% of first-year earnings, a comfortable ratio that allows graduates to manage their loans while establishing themselves professionally.
What's interesting here is the state context: despite ranking only 26th nationally, these graduates sit at the 60th percentile among Connecticut programs—they're actually in the middle of the pack for their state. This reflects Connecticut's strong engineering job market more than any shortcoming of the program itself. The 80% admission rate and high Pell enrollment (50%) indicate UConn-Stamford serves a broader student population than elite flagships, yet still delivers competitive outcomes in a high-paying field.
For parents, the math works: reasonable debt, strong earnings growth, and access to Connecticut's engineering sector at a less selective entry point. Chemical engineering remains one of the most reliable return-on-investment majors, and this program delivers on that promise without requiring top-tier credentials for admission. The moderate sample size suggests tracking this data over time makes sense, but current graduates are landing solid positions and advancing their careers.
Where University of Connecticut-Stamford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut-Stamford 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-Stamford | $68,025 | $83,620 | +23% |
| University of Connecticut | $68,025 | $83,620 | +23% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $68,025 | $83,620 | +23% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $68,025 | $83,620 | +23% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $68,025 | $83,620 | +23% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (7 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,472 | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 | |
| $20,366 | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 | |
| $17,462 | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 | |
| $17,462 | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 | |
| $17,452 | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 | |
| National Median | — | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Chemical Engineers
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
Microsystems Engineers
Photonics Engineers
Robotics Engineers
Nanosystems Engineers
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 72 graduates with reported earnings and 80 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.