Industrial Engineering at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UConn Waterbury's industrial engineering program delivers exactly what parents want from an engineering degree: strong starting salaries with manageable debt. At $77,692 in first-year earnings against under $25,000 in typical debt, graduates are earning three times what they borrowed—a healthy ratio that allows them to quickly gain financial footing. The program outperforms nearly three-quarters of industrial engineering programs nationwide, landing students firmly in the middle class from day one.
The data reveals an interesting pattern across Connecticut: all UConn campuses report identical outcomes for industrial engineering, suggesting a unified program where location matters less than you might expect. This makes the Waterbury campus—with its high acceptance rate and substantial Pell grant population—a particularly accessible entry point to strong earnings. Half the students here receive need-based aid, yet they're achieving the same salary outcomes as their peers at the flagship campus.
The 0.32 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates face roughly four months of gross income in student loans, leaving plenty of room in their budget for housing, retirement savings, and other financial goals. For families concerned about engineering program accessibility, this campus offers a lower-barrier path to solid middle-class earnings without sacrificing outcomes.
Where University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all industrial 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-Waterbury Campus graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduates earn $78k, placing them in the 74th percentile of all industrial engineering bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Industrial 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-Waterbury Campus | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 |
| University of Connecticut | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $77,692 | — | $24,889 | 0.32 |
| National Median | $74,709 | — | $24,889 | 0.33 |
Other Industrial 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 | $77,692 | $24,889 |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point Groton | $17,462 | $77,692 | $24,889 |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford Stamford | $17,472 | $77,692 | $24,889 |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus Hartford | $17,452 | $77,692 | $24,889 |
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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 32 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.