Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,521
66th percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$23,500
8% below national median

Analysis

UConn-Waterbury's psychology program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory, with graduates seeing their income jump 54% from $33,521 in year one to $51,468 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces what you'll find at most psychology programs, where earnings often plateau early. The program ranks in the 66th percentile nationally and 60th percentile among Connecticut schoolsβ€”solid middle-tier performance that becomes much more attractive when you consider the four-year outlook.

The debt picture is reasonable at $23,500, creating a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio that improves substantially as graduates advance in their careers. While the program carries slightly less debt than the state median of $25,000, it matches Connecticut's median starting salary exactly at $33,521. Among the state's 24 psychology programs, UConn-Waterbury offers competitive value, though it trails premium options like Trinity College by a significant margin.

For parents concerned about psychology's reputation for modest starting salaries, this program demonstrates that career growth can overcome initial limitations. The substantial four-year earnings increase suggests graduates successfully transition into higher-paying roles, making the degree investment worthwhile despite the typical psychology starting salary concerns.

Where University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology 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

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$33,521$51,468+54%
Fairfield University$39,890$61,555+54%
Connecticut College$40,141$53,436+33%
Sacred Heart University$29,166$52,667+81%
University of Connecticut$33,521$51,468+54%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury$17,462$33,521$51,468$23,5000.70
Trinity CollegeHartford$67,420$48,406β€”$22,9440.47
Charter Oak State CollegeNew Britain$8,506$45,428β€”$22,7790.50
Connecticut CollegeNew London$64,812$40,141$53,436$24,1970.60
Fairfield UniversityFairfield$56,360$39,890$61,555$26,0000.65
Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven$12,828$35,716$41,899$23,0000.64
National Medianβ€”$31,482β€”$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 332 graduates with reported earnings and 483 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.