Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,521
66th percentile (60th in CT)
Median Debt
$23,500
8% below national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.70
Manageable
Sample Size
332
Adequate data

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 schools—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

University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusOther psychology 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 $34k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$33,521$51,468$23,5000.70
Trinity College$48,406—$22,9440.47
Charter Oak State College$45,428—$22,7790.50
Connecticut College$40,141$53,436$24,1970.60
Fairfield University$39,890$61,555$26,0000.65
Southern Connecticut State University$35,716$41,899$23,0000.64
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Connecticut

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Trinity College
Hartford
$67,420$48,406$22,944
Charter Oak State College
New Britain
$8,506$45,428$22,779
Connecticut College
New London
$64,812$40,141$24,197
Fairfield University
Fairfield
$56,360$39,890$26,000
Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven
$12,828$35,716$23,000

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