Analysis
UConn's Materials Engineering program charges a premium compared to most schools nationally—$27,000 in debt versus a $23,250 national median—but the return justifies it. Graduates start at $75,607, placing this program at the 75th percentile nationally, and they're earning above the national median for materials engineers. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in less than five months of gross income, a strong position for any STEM degree.
The catch is minimal earnings growth: graduates earn essentially the same amount four years out as they do immediately after graduation. While Connecticut has limited options for materials engineering (just five schools, all UConn campuses reporting identical figures), this flatness means students aren't capturing the salary progression you'd hope to see in engineering. For context, the moderate sample size suggests these numbers are reliable but worth monitoring over time.
For families looking at UConn's solid reputation and relatively accessible admissions (54% acceptance rate), this program delivers immediate earning power with manageable debt. The real question is whether your child wants a career where earnings plateau early versus one with more upward trajectory. If job stability and immediate financial independence matter more than long-term salary growth, the numbers work in their favor.
Where University of Connecticut Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all materials engineering 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 | $75,607 | $76,010 | +1% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $75,607 | $76,010 | +1% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $75,607 | $76,010 | +1% |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $75,607 | $76,010 | +1% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $75,607 | $76,010 | +1% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Materials Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (5 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of ConnecticutStorrs | $20,366 | $75,607 | $76,010 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury | $17,462 | $75,607 | $76,010 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton | $17,462 | $75,607 | $76,010 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford | $17,472 | $75,607 | $76,010 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
 University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford | $17,452 | $75,607 | $76,010 | $27,000 | 0.36 |
| National Median | — | $74,110 | — | $23,250 | 0.31 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with materials engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Materials Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Cost Estimators
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 39 graduates with reported earnings and 47 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.