Analysis
UConn Stamford's industrial engineering program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a solid state university option: graduates earning $77,692 their first year while carrying moderate debt of about $25,000. That 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means students could theoretically pay off their loans in roughly four months of gross salary—a manageable burden by any standard.
What's striking here is the consistency across UConn's system. Whether students attend the Stamford, Waterbury, Hartford, or main campus, industrial engineering graduates report identical median earnings, all placing at Connecticut's state median. Nationally, this program lands in the 74th percentile, meaning it outperforms three-quarters of industrial engineering programs across the country. The combination of an 80% admission rate and strong Pell grant representation (50% of students) suggests this accessible program successfully launches middle-class and working-class students into well-paying careers.
The tradeoff is straightforward: UConn Stamford won't have the selective polish of elite engineering schools, but for an industrial engineering degree, outcomes matter more than prestige. Students here are starting at nearly $78,000—well above the $75,000 national median—and avoiding the crushing debt that can accompany engineering degrees elsewhere. For Connecticut families seeking practical value from a reputable state university system, this represents a safe, proven path into a lucrative technical field.
Where University of Connecticut-Stamford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut-Stamford graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Industrial 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 | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 | |
| $20,366 | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 | |
| $17,462 | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 | |
| $17,462 | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 | |
| $17,452 | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 | |
| National Median | — | $74,709 | — | $24,889 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with industrial engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Industrial Production Managers
Quality Control Systems Managers
Geothermal Production Managers
Biofuels Production Managers
Biomass Power Plant Managers
Hydroelectric Production Managers
Industrial Engineers
Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists
Validation Engineers
Manufacturing 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.