Analysis
UConn-Waterbury's chemistry program produces graduates earning $52,216 in their first year—substantially above the national median of $42,581 and ranking in the 95th percentile nationally. That's a meaningful advantage, putting graduates ahead of 95% of chemistry programs across the country. Within Connecticut, though, the program sits at the state median, as several UConn branches report identical earnings. The $26,158 debt load is modest, creating a manageable 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio that's well below concerning levels.
The trajectory looks solid: earnings grow 25% to $65,230 by year four, demonstrating that these chemistry degrees translate to career progression. Given UConn-Waterbury's high admission rate and the fact that half of students receive Pell grants, this represents an accessible pathway to above-average chemistry outcomes. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests some year-to-year variability, but the overall pattern is clear.
For families concerned about chemistry being a "risky" major, this program offers reassurance. Your child would graduate with below-average debt while earning more than most chemistry graduates nationally. The UConn name appears to carry real weight in the job market, even from a regional campus.
Where University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all chemistry bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus 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-Waterbury Campus | $52,216 | $65,230 | +25% |
| University of Connecticut | $52,216 | $65,230 | +25% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $52,216 | $65,230 | +25% |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $52,216 | $65,230 | +25% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $52,216 | $65,230 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Chemistry bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (19 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,462 | $52,216 | $65,230 | $26,158 | 0.50 | |
| $20,366 | $52,216 | $65,230 | $26,158 | 0.50 | |
| $17,462 | $52,216 | $65,230 | $26,158 | 0.50 | |
| $17,472 | $52,216 | $65,230 | $26,158 | 0.50 | |
| $17,452 | $52,216 | $65,230 | $26,158 | 0.50 | |
| $12,828 | $40,767 | — | $28,500 | 0.70 | |
| National Median | — | $42,581 | — | $24,000 | 0.56 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with chemistry graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Chemists
Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Physics Teachers, Postsecondary
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health
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 43 graduates with reported earnings and 63 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.