Materials Engineering at University of Connecticut

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.