Chemical Engineering at University of Connecticut-Stamford
Bachelor's Degree
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
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 $68k, placing them in the 26th percentile of all chemical engineering 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
Chemical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (7 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 |
| University of Connecticut | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $68,025 | $83,620 | $25,898 | 0.38 |
| National Median | $72,974 | — | $23,250 | 0.32 |
Other Chemical Engineering Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut Storrs | $20,366 | $68,025 | $25,898 |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Waterbury | $17,462 | $68,025 | $25,898 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton | $17,462 | $68,025 | $25,898 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford | $17,452 | $68,025 | $25,898 |
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.