Public Policy Analysis at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

UConn-Waterbury's Public Policy Analysis program produces first-year earnings of $33,424—roughly $11,000 below the national median for this degree. While that places it in just the 10th percentile nationally, Connecticut's policy analysis job market appears particularly challenging: this program actually sits at the state median, meaning half of Connecticut's policy analysis graduates earn this amount or less. The debt load of $25,964 is relatively manageable with a 0.78 ratio, but it will take nearly a full year's salary to repay.

The real question is whether this degree opens doors that justify its cost. All UConn system campuses report identical earnings for this program ($33,424), while Trinity College graduates average $56,902—a striking $23,000 premium. For a family qualifying for in-state tuition at this accessible campus (87% admission rate, 50% Pell recipients), the modest debt burden makes this less risky than many alternatives. However, $33,424 barely exceeds what many high school graduates earn in Connecticut's service economy.

If your child is passionate about policy work and needs an affordable four-year degree, this won't create crushing debt. But understand they'll likely need graduate education or exceptional networking to reach middle-class earnings in this field. Consider whether the policy degree is necessary for their goals, or if a more directly marketable major with policy minors might offer better initial earning power.