University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus
Hartford, Connecticut · Public · 88.3% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 87/100 · Strong Value
The UConn Hartford Campus is a commuter-focused branch of the University of Connecticut, serving 1,525 students in downtown Hartford, CT. It earned an ROI score of 87 (Strong Value), driven by a 5.3-year payback period and median earnings of $49,800 at six years, rising to nearly $74,000 at ten. The 65% completion rate trails UConn's flagship but reflects the campus's mission serving working adults and transfer students. Engineering and tech dominate the program mix -- Computer Engineering grads earn $115k at four years, Computer Science $109k. Registered Nursing grads hit $93k at four years. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43 is reasonable for a public school. Pell grant recipients make up 46% of enrollment, meaning Hartford serves a significantly lower-income population than most Connecticut colleges. For students who can't commute to Storrs, this campus offers access to a UConn degree at public tuition rates with strong professional outcomes in Connecticut's insurance, finance, and healthcare sectors.
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus scores in the top 25% of all schools we track, with strong earnings outcomes relative to cost.
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $18,130/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $40,798/yr |
| Average net price | $16,403/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $65,612 |
| 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 | 5.3 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 65.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 1,525 |
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-Hartford Campus is $18,130/year ($40,798/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 $16,403/year, or roughly $65,612 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $9,625/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,777/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 | $9,625 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,403 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,702 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,306 |
| $110,001+ | $23,777 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $9,625 per year at UConn Hartford -- about $38,500 total for four years. That's a competitive price for a state flagship brand in one of the most expensive states in the country. With median debt of $21,500 and six-year earnings of $49,800, payback takes roughly 5.3 years. Low-income students who can stick through to completion get strong value here, but the 65% completion rate is a real risk factor.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families see a price jump: the 48-75k bracket pays $14,702/yr, and the 75-110k bracket pays $19,306. The slope is steep -- net price nearly doubles from the lowest bracket to the 75-110k range. Families in the upper-middle tier are paying close to $77k total, which is reasonable for a UConn degree but warrants comparison to in-state alternatives.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning over $110k pay $23,777 per year -- about $95k over four years -- which is still well below UConn Storrs sticker price with state residency. Given the strong 10-year earnings of $74k and quick 5.3-year payback, high-income families who choose this campus for its location or flexibility get reasonable value, especially in engineering or accounting.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus 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.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing graduates from UConn Hartford start at a median $85k and reach $93k by year four -- well above the national nursing median. Connecticut hospitals pay among the highest RN wages in the country, and Hartford sits between major health systems. The debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.32, meaning graduates typically hold debt worth less than four months' salary. UConn's brand carries weight in hiring, and the campus's proximity to Hartford Hospital and Saint Francis gives students clinical placement access. The roiGrade of B+ reflects solid but not exceptional positioning, primarily because the net price for this program isn't dramatically lower than private competitors. Still, for Connecticut residents, nursing at UConn Hartford is among the better-priced pathways to a career that starts near $85k.
Computer Science
Computer Science graduates from UConn Hartford earn $79,600 at one year and $109k at four years, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.31 -- a B+ grade. Connecticut's tech sector, anchored by insurance tech, defense contractors, and financial services firms, provides steady demand for CS graduates who stay in-state. The UConn brand opens doors to internships at Hartford-area employers. Median debt of $25k is modest relative to earnings. This program suits students who want a recognized state university credential close to home. The program is small at this campus, so students should verify class availability before enrolling expecting a full CS curriculum.
Accounting
Accounting graduates earn $71k at year one and $107k by year four -- driven by Connecticut's dense financial services industry. The UConn Accounting program has strong regional recognition among Hartford-area CPA firms and insurance companies. Debt-to-earnings at 0.31 and a B+ roiGrade reflect a program where the investment pays back well over time. For students aiming at the CPA track, UConn Hartford provides access to a respected accounting program without the commute to Storrs, and Hartford's concentration of major insurers and banks means recruiting happens locally.
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 | 88.3% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 460-610 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 470-610 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-27 |
| Enrollment | 1,525 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 45.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $17,573 |
UConn Hartford admits 88% of applicants -- far more accessible than the flagship in Storrs. The SAT middle 50% is 470-610 reading, 460-610 math; ACT runs 21-27. The school functions as an open-access entry point into the UConn system, particularly for Hartford-area students who would otherwise face long commutes or out-of-reach flagship admission.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UConn Hartford's ROI score of 87 places it well above Central Connecticut State University (ROI 63, earnings $40,800) and Massachusetts Maritime Academy, while trailing Virginia Military Institute. Among its peers, Hartford stands out for its earnings premium -- $49,800 at six years versus Central Connecticut's $40,800. Completion at 65% is higher than Central Connecticut's 48%, a meaningful gap. Debt loads are comparable. The key advantage is the UConn brand at accessible admission rates, which translates to better earnings trajectories than most peer institutions in the same selectivity band.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus (this school) | 87 | $16,403 | $73,997 |
| Massachusetts Maritime Academy | 92 | $21,582 | $82,392 |
| Virginia Military Institute | 88 | $17,113 | $77,369 |
| Charter Oak State College | 77 | $15,815 | $64,209 |
| University of Minnesota-Crookston | 75 | $12,212 | $58,056 |
| Central Connecticut State University | 63 | $16,857 | $58,562 |
Who Thrives Here
Students who thrive at UConn Hartford are typically working adults, commuters, or transfer students aiming for a UConn credential close to Hartford's job market. The ACT middle 50% runs 21-27, SAT math 460-610 -- a step below Storrs. With nearly half the student body receiving Pell grants, financial aid is central. Engineering and CS students must be self-directed; the campus lacks the residential environment that supports hands-on project teams. Students heading into Connecticut's insurance, financial services, or hospital sectors fit well here.
The Verdict: The Investment Pays Off
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus delivers above-average financial returns for its graduates. At a net cost of $16,403 per year ($65,612 over four years), graduates earn a median of $73,997 ten years after enrollment. That puts the payback period at roughly 5.3 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.