Materials Engineering at University of Connecticut

Storrs, CT · Public · Bachelor's Degree
64 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
65
Optimistic
64
Base Case
62
Pessimistic
Earnings $75,607/yr (6% vs median)
AI Risk High (48% exposed)
Job Market Large (37,000 openings/yr)
ROI 9.2x earnings multiple (4.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #19 of 33 Materials Engineering programs

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) 9.6x 9.2x 8.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.4x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 49%
DegreeOutlook Score 65 64 62

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$81,464
Out-of-state: $172,136 (4.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,544
-12% 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

Graduates earn $75,607/yr, edging above the $71,341 national average for Materials Engineering — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

A 9.2x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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.

At $27,000 in median debt against $75,607 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #19 ranking among 33 Materials Engineering programs places University of Connecticut in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

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

With a 54% acceptance rate, University of Connecticut is moderately selective, serving 19,147 students in Storrs, CT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Connecticut →

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 64/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Materials Engineering at University of Connecticut?
At 64/100, the score looks reasonable — but Materials Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Materials Engineering at University of Connecticut?
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 →