Analysis
An estimated first-year salary of $52,227 for an economics bachelor's—based on the median across Connecticut's economics programs—puts University of Hartford squarely in the middle of the pack nationally and statewide. With estimated debt around $24,125, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46 suggests graduates could reasonably manage their loans, though the numbers here reflect what similar Connecticut economics programs typically produce rather than Hartford's specific track record.
The context matters: Connecticut's economics programs show enormous variation, from Yale's $82,617 down to Hartford's estimated mid-50s. That spread indicates that school prestige and network effects play an outsized role in this field. Hartford's 83% admission rate and moderate SAT scores suggest it serves a different market than the state's elite institutions, which likely explains the earnings gap. Economics can be a strong foundation for various career paths, but the starting salary appears modest given Connecticut's high cost of living.
For families considering this program, the debt load seems manageable relative to estimated earnings, but the uncertainty here is real—these figures are drawn from peer programs, not Hartford's actual graduates. If your child is considering economics, compare job placement rates and internship opportunities across schools, since those concrete details matter more than estimated averages when the actual data isn't available.
Where University of Hartford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all economics bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Economics bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,647 | $52,227* | — | $24,125* | — | |
| $64,700 | $82,617* | $125,006 | $13,250* | 0.16 | |
| $56,360 | $74,023* | $81,906 | $26,500* | 0.36 | |
| $67,420 | $71,191* | $112,699 | $21,500* | 0.30 | |
| $64,812 | $62,732* | $86,772 | $25,206* | 0.40 | |
| $20,366 | $52,227* | $67,339 | $22,907* | 0.44 | |
| National Median | — | $51,722* | — | $22,816* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Data Scientists
Business Intelligence Analysts
Clinical Data Managers
Statisticians
Biostatisticians
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Search Marketing Strategists
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Survey Researchers
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 Hartford, approximately 30% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in CT. Actual outcomes may vary.