Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,345
25th percentile (60th in CT)
Median Debt
$25,000
12% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
1.12
Elevated
Sample Size
22
Limited data

Analysis

The first-year earnings of $22,345 for UConn-Waterbury's Communication Disorders program tells an incomplete story due to the small graduating class, but what we can see raises questions about timing. This figure sits below the national median of $24,702, yet interestingly ranks at the 60th percentile among Connecticut programs—which suggests the entire state may lag behind national norms for this field. The identical earnings figures across all UConn system campuses ($22,345) likely reflect data aggregation rather than actual campus-specific outcomes.

The debt load of $25,000 is manageable in absolute terms and actually sits above the national median for this major, though the 1.12 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are borrowing more than they'll earn in their first year. For context, many Communication Disorders graduates pursue master's degrees before entering clinical roles as speech-language pathologists, where salaries typically double or triple. If your child plans this path, these bachelor's-level earnings represent a temporary stepping stone rather than a career endpoint. However, if they intend to work immediately after graduation in related support roles, that $22,000 starting point is tight.

With limited sample size, treat these numbers as directional rather than definitive. The real value question hinges on graduate school intentions: as preparation for an SLP master's program, this is a solid foundation at a reasonable price. As a terminal degree, the earnings justify concern.

Where University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all communication disorders sciences and services bachelors's programs nationally

University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusOther communication disorders sciences and services programs

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-Waterbury Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduates earn $22k, placing them in the 25th percentile of all communication disorders sciences and services bachelors programs nationally.

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Communication Disorders Sciences and Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (6 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$22,345—$25,0001.12
Southern Connecticut State University$24,025$63,643$21,6250.90
University of Connecticut$22,345—$25,0001.12
University of Connecticut-Avery Point$22,345—$25,0001.12
University of Connecticut-Stamford$22,345—$25,0001.12
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus$22,345—$25,0001.12
National Median$24,702—$22,3620.91

Other Communication Disorders Sciences and Services Programs in Connecticut

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven
$12,828$24,025$21,625
University of Connecticut
Storrs
$20,366$22,345$25,000
University of Connecticut-Avery Point
Groton
$17,462$22,345$25,000
University of Connecticut-Stamford
Stamford
$17,472$22,345$25,000
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus
Hartford
$17,452$22,345$25,000

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 22 graduates with reported earnings and 43 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.