Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Connecticut

UConn's nursing program presents a puzzling picture: graduates earn well above the national average but trail behind most Connecticut competitors. While the program ranks in the 84th percentile nationally with first-year earnings of $84,969, it falls to just the 40th percentile within Connecticut, where the state median is $86,555. More concerning, five other Connecticut programs significantly outperform UConn, with University of Hartford graduates earning over $20,000 more annually.

The debt load of $27,000 aligns with both national and state medians, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.32. However, earnings actually decline by 5% from year one to year four, dropping to $80,687—an unusual pattern that suggests limited career advancement opportunities or market saturation issues. This earnings trajectory becomes more problematic when competing programs show stronger initial placement and presumably better growth potential.

For Connecticut families, UConn's nursing program offers solid but not exceptional value. While you'll graduate with manageable debt and earn more than most nursing graduates nationwide, you'll likely earn less than peers from other Connecticut programs. Given that nursing is a field where starting salary often determines long-term earning potential, parents should seriously consider whether the UConn brand justifies potentially leaving $10,000+ annually on the table compared to in-state alternatives like University of Hartford or Fairfield.