Analysis
UConn's mechanical engineering program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a flagship state university: solid starting salaries around $75,000 and manageable debt of $23,000. Graduates outpace the national median by roughly $4,000 and sit right at Connecticut's median—which makes sense given that the top five programs in the state all cluster around this same earnings level. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31, your child would owe roughly four months' salary, a comfortable position that allows for career flexibility and reasonable loan payoff timelines.
What distinguishes this outcome is the consistency across UConn's campuses and the trajectory: graduates see 10% earnings growth to $82,000 by year four, with the robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirming these aren't outliers. While this doesn't rank among elite engineering programs nationally, it performs in the 76th percentile—better than three-quarters of mechanical engineering programs nationwide. The numbers suggest a program that reliably places graduates into Connecticut's manufacturing and aerospace sectors at competitive rates.
For a moderately selective public university with 54% admission, this represents strong value. Your child gets reliable engineering employment outcomes without the financial strain that derails many graduates. The main limitation is upside: those seeking exceptional starting pay might look elsewhere, but for students who want solid engineering careers without excessive debt, this delivers.
Where University of Connecticut Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical 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 | $74,869 | $82,004 | +10% |
| Fairfield University | $62,846 | $85,931 | +37% |
| Central Connecticut State University | $74,676 | $82,394 | +10% |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $74,869 | $82,004 | +10% |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $74,869 | $82,004 | +10% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Mechanical Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of ConnecticutStorrs | $20,366 | $74,869 | $82,004 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
 University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury | $17,462 | $74,869 | $82,004 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
 University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford | $17,452 | $74,869 | $82,004 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
 University of Connecticut-StamfordStamford | $17,472 | $74,869 | $82,004 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
 University of Connecticut-Avery PointGroton | $17,462 | $74,869 | $82,004 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
 Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain | $12,460 | $74,676 | $82,394 | $22,534 | 0.30 |
| National Median | — | $70,744 | — | $24,755 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with mechanical engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Aerospace Engineers
Mechanical Engineers
Fuel Cell Engineers
Automotive 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 185 graduates with reported earnings and 183 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.