Median Earnings (1yr)
$68,025
26th percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$25,898
11% above national median

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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford$17,472$68,025$83,620$25,8980.38
University of ConnecticutStorrs$20,366$68,025$83,620$25,8980.38
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury$17,462$68,025$83,620$25,8980.38
University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton$17,462$68,025$83,620$25,8980.38
University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford$17,452$68,025$83,620$25,8980.38
National Median$72,974$23,2500.32

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with chemical engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

$121,860/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers

Apply knowledge of engineering, biology, chemistry, computer science, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological, agricultural, and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems.

$106,950/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Engineers, All Other

All engineers not listed separately.

Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar

Design, develop, or evaluate energy-related projects or programs to reduce energy costs or improve energy efficiency during the designing, building, or remodeling stages of construction. May specialize in electrical systems; heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems; green buildings; lighting; air quality; or energy procurement.

Mechatronics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Nanosystems Engineers

Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.

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.