Analysis
University of New Haven's mechanical engineering graduates earn substantially less than their Connecticut peers—$62,534 versus a state median of $74,772. That $12,000+ gap matters when you consider that UConn graduates, who attend a less expensive public institution, out-earn UNH grads by nearly $13,000 annually from day one. The program ranks in just the 25th percentile among Connecticut engineering schools, meaning three-quarters of competitors deliver better outcomes.
The $27,000 debt load is reasonable in absolute terms, giving graduates a manageable 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio. Earnings do grow to $78,504 by year four, representing solid 26% growth. But that still leaves graduates trailing the typical Connecticut mechanical engineer, who starts their career at $74,772. You're paying private tuition prices for outcomes that lag behind the public flagship by a significant margin.
For Connecticut families, UConn's various campuses all report identical earnings of $74,869—roughly $12,000 more at career start than UNH. Unless your student has compelling reasons to choose UNH specifically (location, smaller classes, or fit), the state's public option delivers stronger financial returns. The debt is manageable here, but the opportunity cost of lower earnings compounds over a career.
Where University of New Haven Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all mechanical engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of New Haven 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 New Haven | $62,534 | $78,504 | +26% |
| Fairfield University | $62,846 | $85,931 | +37% |
| Central Connecticut State University | $74,676 | $82,394 | +10% |
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury 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 New HavenWest Haven | $45,730 | $62,534 | $78,504 | $27,000 | 0.43 |
 University of Connecticut-Waterbury CampusWaterbury | $17,462 | $74,869 | $82,004 | $23,000 | 0.31 |
 University of ConnecticutStorrs | $20,366 | $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 |
| 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 New Haven, approximately 27% 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 33 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.