Psychology at University of Connecticut
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UConn's psychology program stands out for its impressive earnings trajectory—graduates see their income jump 54% from $33,521 in year one to $51,468 by year four. This growth pattern significantly outpaces typical psychology programs and helps explain why the program ranks in the 66th percentile nationally despite a modest starting salary.
The debt picture looks reasonable at $23,500, creating a manageable 0.70 debt-to-earnings ratio that's below the concerning 1.0 threshold. Within Connecticut's competitive landscape, UConn holds its own at the median for both earnings and debt, though it trails elite programs like Trinity College ($48,406) and Charter Oak State ($45,428). The 60th percentile ranking among Connecticut psychology programs reflects solid but not exceptional performance relative to in-state alternatives.
What makes this program appealing is the combination of strong earnings growth potential with moderate debt from a respected flagship university. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence in these outcomes. For families seeking a psychology degree with good long-term earning potential without excessive debt burden, UConn delivers solid value—just don't expect to match the starting salaries of more expensive private alternatives.
Where University of Connecticut Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Connecticut graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Connecticut graduates earn $34k, placing them in the 66th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut | $33,521 | $51,468 | $23,500 | 0.70 |
| Trinity College | $48,406 | — | $22,944 | 0.47 |
| Charter Oak State College | $45,428 | — | $22,779 | 0.50 |
| Connecticut College | $40,141 | $53,436 | $24,197 | 0.60 |
| Fairfield University | $39,890 | $61,555 | $26,000 | 0.65 |
| Southern Connecticut State University | $35,716 | $41,899 | $23,000 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Hartford | $67,420 | $48,406 | $22,944 |
| Charter Oak State College New Britain | $8,506 | $45,428 | $22,779 |
| Connecticut College New London | $64,812 | $40,141 | $24,197 |
| Fairfield University Fairfield | $56,360 | $39,890 | $26,000 |
| Southern Connecticut State University New Haven | $12,828 | $35,716 | $23,000 |
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 332 graduates with reported earnings and 483 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.