Analysis
University of Hartford psychology graduates start modestly but experience remarkable earnings growth—their salaries jump 75% from $28,707 in year one to over $50,000 by year four. This trajectory matters more than the below-average starting point. While initial earnings fall in the 27th percentile nationally and 40th percentile among Connecticut psychology programs, that fourth-year figure substantially closes the gap with competitors and suggests graduates successfully transition into better-paying roles after gaining experience.
The $27,000 debt load is reasonable and actually lower than both state and national medians. With a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0 even in that challenging first year, graduates can manage payments while building their careers. The moderate sample size means these outcomes reflect real student experiences, not statistical noise.
For parents, the key question is whether your child can weather those early years of modest pay. Psychology often serves as a stepping stone to graduate school or careers that require post-graduation credentialing, which aligns with this earnings pattern. If your student plans to work immediately after graduation and needs strong earnings out of the gate, this program underperforms Connecticut alternatives like Trinity or Charter Oak. But if they're willing to invest time developing their career path—whether through further education, licensure, or experience—the strong growth trajectory and manageable debt make this a viable choice.
Where University of Hartford Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Hartford 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 Hartford | $28,707 | $50,168 | +75% |
| Fairfield University | $39,890 | $61,555 | +54% |
| Connecticut College | $40,141 | $53,436 | +33% |
| Sacred Heart University | $29,166 | $52,667 | +81% |
| University of Connecticut | $33,521 | $51,468 | +54% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,647 | $28,707 | $50,168 | $27,000 | 0.94 | |
| $67,420 | $48,406 | — | $22,944 | 0.47 | |
| $8,506 | $45,428 | — | $22,779 | 0.50 | |
| $64,812 | $40,141 | $53,436 | $24,197 | 0.60 | |
| $56,360 | $39,890 | $61,555 | $26,000 | 0.65 | |
| $12,828 | $35,716 | $41,899 | $23,000 | 0.64 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.
Sample Size: Based on 59 graduates with reported earnings and 101 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.