Analysis
UConn's computer science program hits the right balance for Connecticut families: starting salaries near $80,000 that jump to $106,000 within four years. That 33% earnings growth trajectory outpaces typical career progression and places graduates squarely in the 71st percentile nationally—well above the $71,000 national median for CS programs. The $25,000 debt load translates to a manageable 0.31 ratio, meaning graduates earn back their entire debt roughly three times over in their first year alone.
Within Connecticut's limited CS landscape (just 11 programs), UConn matches the state median for starting pay but delivers something more valuable: consistent upward mobility. While Connecticut College edges slightly higher at $86,000, UConn's moderate admission standards (54% acceptance rate) and established reputation make it accessible to a broader range of students. The 24% Pell grant rate suggests economic diversity without compromising outcomes.
The straightforward math here: your child graduates with roughly half the debt-to-earnings ratio that triggers financial stress (generally considered problematic above 0.60), while earning above three-quarters of CS graduates nationwide. For families weighing flagship state universities against private alternatives, UConn delivers competitive outcomes at flagship pricing—particularly relevant since all five UConn campuses report identical median earnings, giving families geographic flexibility without sacrificing earning potential.
Where University of Connecticut Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer science bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut 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 | $79,605 | $105,734 | +33% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $79,605 | $105,734 | +33% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $79,605 | $105,734 | +33% |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $79,605 | $105,734 | +33% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $79,605 | $105,734 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Computer Science bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (11 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20,366 | $79,605 | $105,734 | $25,000 | 0.31 | |
| $64,812 | $86,403 | — | $26,352 | 0.30 | |
| $17,462 | $79,605 | $105,734 | $25,000 | 0.31 | |
| $17,462 | $79,605 | $105,734 | $25,000 | 0.31 | |
| $17,472 | $79,605 | $105,734 | $25,000 | 0.31 | |
| $17,452 | $79,605 | $105,734 | $25,000 | 0.31 | |
| National Median | — | $70,950 | — | $23,374 | 0.33 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer science graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Computer Programmers
Web Developers
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, approximately 24% 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 68 graduates with reported earnings and 73 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.