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Materials Engineering at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Waterbury, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $75,607/yr (6% vs median)

AI Risk High (48% exposed)

Job Market Large (37,000 openings/yr)

ROI 10.8x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #14 of 33 Materials Engineering programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Materials Engineering graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$782K	$752K	$664K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.2x	10.8x	9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.9x	4.7x	4.1x
Probability of Field Employment	73%	66%	49%
DegreeOutlook Score	67	66	63

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$69,848

Out-of-state: $160,520 (4.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$35,584

49% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

4.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$86,829

15% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus's Materials Engineering graduates start at $75,607/yr — above the $71,341 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Materials Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $27,000 in median debt clears quickly against $75,607 in annual earnings.

A #14 ranking among 33 Materials Engineering programs places University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $75,607 to $86,829 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

A 87% acceptance rate means University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 746 in Waterbury, CT. 50% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $35,584 — 49% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr

Materials engineers $108,310/yr

Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr

View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Materials Engineering at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 66/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Materials Engineering at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?

At 66/100, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus's Materials Engineering program delivers middling returns. School cost and personal fit become important decision factors.

Should I worry about AI if I study Materials Engineering at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?

The 48% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →