University of Connecticut-Avery Point
Groton, Connecticut · Public · 88.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 87/100 · Strong Value
UConn Avery Point is a small public branch campus in Groton, CT, enrolling about 454 students on the shores of the Thames River. It carries the full weight of the UConn brand while operating at a fraction of the flagship's scale. In-state tuition is $18,140, but a net price of $13,807 makes the actual cost considerably lower for most students — and Pell recipients see net costs as low as $8,371–$8,996. With an overall ROI score of 87, Avery Point ranks as a Strong Value: median six-year earnings of $49,800 are well above the national median, the payback period is a swift five years, and 85% of borrowers are making progress on repayment within seven years. The 61.6% completion rate is the main drag on an otherwise impressive scorecard. Students inherit UConn degree credentials, so program choices drive outcomes just as they would at the Storrs flagship. STEM and health fields dominate the top ROI tiers — computer engineering, computer science, and pharmacy all project four-year earnings above $108,000 — while humanities and performing arts sit at the bottom, with drama graduates projecting a 1.41 debt-to-earnings ratio.
University of Connecticut-Avery Point scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of Connecticut-Avery Point
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $18,140/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $40,808/yr |
| Average net price | $13,807/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $55,228 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $73,997 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $49,800 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,500 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $228 |
| Estimated payback period | 5 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 61.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 454 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Connecticut-Avery Point is $18,140/year ($40,808/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $13,807/year, or roughly $55,228 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $8,996/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $21,757/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,500 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $228 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $73,997 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.43 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $8,996 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,371 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,221 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,706 |
| $110,001+ | $21,757 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Students from households under $30,000 pay an average net price of $8,996 — a remarkable price point for a UConn education. Four-year cost approaches $36,000. With median six-year earnings of $49,800 and a five-year payback period, low-income students who graduate in STEM or health fields can achieve a full return on investment within the first decade of their career. The Pell Grant rate of 38% confirms Avery Point's role as a genuine access institution within the UConn system.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30,001–$48,000 band sees the lowest net price in the Scorecard data: $8,371, likely reflecting the combination of federal and state aid available at this income tier. Middle-income families effectively access a UConn degree for under $34,000 over four years — a compelling offer. The 0.43 debt-to-earnings ratio tells the same story: borrowers repay within a timeline that doesn't crowd out other financial goals.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Households above $110,000 pay $21,757 net — still modest compared to private alternatives. Over four years the investment approaches $87,000, which is less than one year's sticker at many peer privates. The 87 ROI score and $73,997 median ten-year earnings make Avery Point a defensible choice at this price, especially for students committed to STEM or business where ten-year earnings comfortably exceed six figures.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Connecticut-Avery Point with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | $81,881 | B |
| Psychology | $57,961 | D |
| Registered Nursing | $92,601 | B+ |
| Communication and Media Studies | $68,542 | C |
| Computer Science | $108,934 | B+ |
| Mechanical Engineering | $90,261 | B+ |
| Finance and Financial Management | $102,286 | B+ |
| Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences | $73,120 | C |
| Biology | $71,160 | D |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | $79,657 | C |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Pharmacy
Pharmacy projects four-year earnings of $122,474 with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.22, earning an A grade. Graduate count shows zero Avery Point-specific completers in the Scorecard data, suggesting students take pharmacy prerequisites here before transferring to UConn's School of Pharmacy or another PharmD program. Even as a feeder pathway, the earning trajectory is exceptional for graduates who complete the professional degree.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering projects $115,117 in four-year earnings against $20,108 in median debt — a 0.24 ratio and A grade. Graduate count at this campus is near zero, meaning most students in this program likely complete degrees through UConn Storrs. As a pathway or transfer-entry program, Avery Point gives cost-effective access to one of the strongest-earning degree tracks in the system.
Computer Science
Computer Science shows $79,605 first-year earnings climbing to $108,934 at year four, with a 0.31 debt-to-earnings ratio (B+). Only one graduate is recorded, so these figures reflect UConn system-wide CS outcomes. For a student who completes a CS degree via Avery Point at a net cost of roughly $13,800 per year, the ROI against a $108,000 four-year ceiling is exceptional.
Accounting
Accounting graduates earn $70,945 at one year and $106,959 at four years — strong progression reflecting CPA-track placement. Debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 earns a B+. With in-state net price under $14,000, Avery Point offers one of the most cost-effective paths to a UConn accounting credential in the region. No Avery Point-specific graduate count is reported, again reflecting shared system data.
Communication and Media Studies
Communication graduates earn $40,473 at one year, rising to $68,542 at four years — respectable but against $24,068 in debt the ratio is 0.60, a C grade. As a major, communication at UConn benefits from the brand name and proximity to Hartford media markets and defense-sector communications roles. Students in this field should supplement with internships and digital media production skills to accelerate earnings.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 81.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 85.0% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 82.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 87.0% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 88.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 470-580 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 490-610 |
| Enrollment | 454 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 38.2% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $17,573 |
Avery Point admits 88% of applicants — one of the most accessible UConn campuses. SAT mid-range is 470–580 math, 490–610 reading. ACT data not reported. The accessibility means students self-select based on fit rather than selectivity. Meeting UConn's general admission standards is the key threshold; program-specific prerequisites (e.g., for nursing or engineering pathways) carry more weight than raw test scores.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Among its peers — Central CT State, Charter Oak, UNH Manchester, CA Maritime, and UMN Rochester — Avery Point posts the strongest ROI score (87) and the lowest payback period (5 years). Its advantage is the UConn credential layered onto a commuter-friendly, low-cost delivery model. Central CT State enrolls a much larger student body with broadly similar mission but lower median earnings. UNH Manchester and UMN Rochester are close comps in size and ROI tier. Avery Point's coastal location and marine science adjacency give it a niche edge for students interested in defense, maritime, or environmental industries.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point (this school) | 87 | $13,807 | $73,997 |
| California State University Maritime Academy | 90 | $20,555 | $94,784 |
| University of Minnesota-Rochester | 84 | $13,744 | $69,020 |
| Charter Oak State College | 77 | $15,815 | $64,209 |
| University of New Hampshire at Manchester | 77 | $9,992 | $66,479 |
| Central Connecticut State University | 63 | $16,857 | $58,562 |
Who Thrives Here
Avery Point fits students who want UConn credentials in a small, community-oriented coastal campus. It particularly suits transfer students, commuters from southeastern CT, and those drawn to the campus's proximity to the Naval Submarine Base and marine industries. STEM and health-focused students get the biggest earnings lift. SAT mid-range of 470–610 (math) and 490–610 (reading) is accessible. Students who need a large campus social scene or specialized graduate research infrastructure may prefer the Storrs flagship.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Connecticut-Avery Point delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $13,807 per year ($55,228 over four years), graduates earn a median of $73,997 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 5 years - a solid return on the investment.
The data highlights several strengths: strong earnings premium over high school graduates, manageable debt relative to earnings, high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,500 is very manageable against $73,997 in annual earnings - well within the financial advisor rule of thumb that total debt should not exceed first-year salary.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.