Location: Waterbury, CT•In-State Tuition: $17,462•Out-of-State Tuition: $40,130•Admission Rate: 87%•Avg SAT: 1070
Median Earnings (1yr)
$45,435
31st percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$23,000
15% above national median
D/E Ratio: 0.51 ManageableSample: 55 graduates

Analysis

UConn Waterbury's agricultural business program delivers a straightforward value proposition: below-average starting salaries but exceptionally manageable debt. Graduates earn $45,435 in their first year—about $3,000 less than the national median for ag business programs—but carry just $23,000 in debt with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51. That's significantly better than the national debt burden for this field. Among Connecticut's six ag business programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it's roughly middle-of-the-pack within the state.

The earnings trajectory shows steady improvement, growing 14% to $51,900 by year four, which brings graduates closer to national benchmarks. For families focused on minimizing educational debt while accessing Connecticut's agricultural sector, this program accomplishes that goal. The moderate sample size suggests consistent outcomes across graduates.

The practical takeaway: This works for students who want to enter agricultural business without taking on heavy debt loads, particularly if they're already connected to Connecticut's ag industry. The lower starting salary is the tradeoff for keeping borrowing minimal, but earnings growth helps close that gap within a few years.

Where University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all agricultural business and management bachelors's programs nationally

University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusOther agricultural business and management programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus earns $45k — 31th percentile among agricultural business and management bachelors programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$45,435$51,900+14%
University of Connecticut$45,435$51,900+14%
University of Connecticut-Avery Point$45,435$51,900+14%
University of Connecticut-Stamford$45,435$51,900+14%
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus$45,435$51,900+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Agricultural Business and Management bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (6 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury$17,462$45,435$51,900$23,0000.51
University of ConnecticutStorrs$20,366$45,435$51,900$23,0000.51
University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton$17,462$45,435$51,900$23,0000.51
University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford$17,472$45,435$51,900$23,0000.51
University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford$17,452$45,435$51,900$23,0000.51
National Median—$48,338—$20,0000.41

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with agricultural business and management graduates

Economists

Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy. May collect and process economic and statistical data using sampling techniques and econometric methods.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Environmental Economists

Conduct economic analysis related to environmental protection and use of the natural environment, such as water, air, land, and renewable energy resources. Evaluate and quantify benefits, costs, incentives, and impacts of alternative options using economic principles and statistical techniques.

$115,440/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate the management or operation of farms, ranches, greenhouses, aquacultural operations, nurseries, timber tracts, or other agricultural establishments. May hire, train, and supervise farm workers or contract for services to carry out the day-to-day activities of the managed operation. May engage in or supervise planting, cultivating, harvesting, and financial and marketing activities.

$87,980/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent

Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in the agricultural sciences. Includes teachers of agronomy, dairy sciences, fisheries management, horticultural sciences, poultry sciences, range management, and agricultural soil conservation. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Economics Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in economics. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

$74,100/yrJobs growth:

Computer User Support Specialists

Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail, and operating systems.

$61,550/yrJobs growth:

Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products

Purchase farm products either for further processing or resale. Includes tree farm contractors, grain brokers and market operators, grain buyers, and tobacco buyers. May negotiate contracts.

Farm and Home Management Educators

Instruct and advise individuals and families engaged in agriculture, agricultural-related processes, or home management activities. Demonstrate procedures and apply research findings to advance agricultural and home management activities. May develop educational outreach programs. May instruct on either agricultural issues such as agricultural processes and techniques, pest management, and food safety, or on home management issues such as budgeting, nutrition, and child development.

First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of clerical and administrative support workers.

First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers

Directly supervise and coordinate the activities of agricultural, forestry, aquacultural, and related workers.

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-Waterbury Campus, 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 55 graduates with reported earnings and 55 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.