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 schoolsβsolid 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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,462 | $33,521 | $51,468 | $23,500 | 0.70 | |
| $67,420 | $48,406 | β | $22,944 | 0.47 | |
| $8,506 | $45,428 | β | $22,779 | 0.50 | |
| $64,812 | $40,141 | $53,436 | $24,197 | 0.60 | |
| $56,360 | $39,890 | $61,555 | $26,000 | 0.65 | |
| $12,828 | $35,716 | $41,899 | $23,000 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | β | $31,482 | β | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.