Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Connecticut

UConn's business program delivers strong absolute outcomes but faces surprisingly stiff in-state competition. With first-year earnings of $57,842, graduates outperform the national median by 27%, landing this program in the 91st percentile nationwide. The debt load of $21,399 is reasonable, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.37—you'd need less than half a year's salary to pay it off. Earnings growth of 24% over four years suggests graduates are advancing well in their careers.

The surprise is Connecticut's competitive business landscape. UConn ranks at the 60th percentile among Connecticut programs, essentially matching schools like Charter Oak State College and Post University. This isn't a criticism of UConn—it reflects that Connecticut has unusually strong business outcomes across its institutions. The practical implication: prestige matters, but if your child is choosing between UConn and these lesser-known alternatives purely on earnings, the data shows minimal difference in early-career outcomes.

For families weighing flagship reputation against cost, this program offers solid value. The combination of strong national standing, manageable debt, and consistent earnings growth makes it a safe choice. Just don't assume the UConn name automatically translates to superior earnings compared to every Connecticut alternative—at least not in the first few years after graduation.