Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in Connecticut
- 23
- Schools
- $67,773
- Avg. Earnings
- 63%
- Avg. Graduation
- $26,754
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,869
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 23 schools run from $39,115 to $100,533, a 2.6× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus delivers the most for the money: roughly $73,997 in median earnings against $10,875 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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The most affordable option, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus ($10,875 net price), still posts $73,997 in earnings, at or above the list average. Paying more does not guarantee a better outcome.
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Yale University graduates 96% of its students, versus a 63% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Yale University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.13× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- #1 Wesleyan University ($73,897 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Yale University ($100,533), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus costs $10,875 a year and Fairfield University costs $48,095. Yet their graduates earn $73,997 and $88,794, nowhere near the $37,220 price gap.
- On value, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus beats Yale University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus and Yale University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $74K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Wesleyan University #1 overall | $73,897 ▲ +9% vs avg | $30,177 | 92% | 81 |
| 2 Yale University #2 overall | $100,533 ▲ +48% vs avg | $23,777 | 96% | 75 |
| 3 Connecticut State Community College #3 overall | $41,344 ▼ -39% vs avg | $11,513 | 21% | 69 |
| $75,001 ▲ +11% vs avg | $36,175 | 83% | 69 | |
| $73,997 ▲ +9% vs avg | $25,097 | 84% | 68 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in Connecticut
This analysis ranks 23 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $67,773 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 63% and an average net price of $26,754.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus — Net Price: $10,875 | Graduation Rate: 56%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Yale University — 96% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Yale University — Median alumni earnings: $100,533
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$73,897
Median earnings (10yr)
59%
Median graduation rate
$27,807
Median net price
1.7%
Avg. mobility rate
Psychology, social work, and counseling programs train a workforce in high and rising demand. Mental-health needs, child and family services, and an aging population all pull for licensed practitioners. The work is essential and licensure-gated. Pay is modest, which makes the economics of the degree unusually sensitive to cost.
Start with the medians across these 23 schools. Graduates earn a median of $73,897 ten years after enrollment, or about $25,897 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 59%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $27,807 a year with about $23,500 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 32% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.7%.
What we’re seeing: demand is strong and growing, but the salary ceiling means affordability decides the return. With median earnings around $73,897 and a median net price of $27,807, the best value comes from programs that keep debt well below early-career pay.
The podium
Build your ranking
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Wesleyan University lands at #1 with a 81/100 composite, led by academic quality (91/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (67/100). Graduates earn a median $73,897 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $30,177 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Yale University lands at #2 with a 75/100 composite, led by academic quality (92/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $100,533 a decade after enrolling, 48% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,777 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Connecticut State Community College lands at #3 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $41,344 a decade after enrolling, 39% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,513 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Connecticut College lands at #4 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $75,001 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $36,175 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
University of Connecticut lands at #5 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (54/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $25,097 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Western Connecticut State University lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (57/100). Graduates earn a median $59,115 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,604 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Waterbury, CT · 87% accepted · $10,875 net
Why it ranks #7
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus lands at #7 with a 65/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (70/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,875 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Hartford, CT · 88% accepted · $16,403 net
Why it ranks #8
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus lands at #8 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (65/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,403 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Fairfield University lands at #9 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $88,794 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $48,095 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Trinity College lands at #10 with a 64/100 composite, led by academic quality (85/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $90,779 a decade after enrolling, 34% above this list's average, and net price runs $34,832 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
New Britain, CT · 73% accepted · $16,857 net
Why it ranks #11
Central Connecticut State University lands at #11 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (58/100). Graduates earn a median $58,562 a decade after enrolling, 14% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,857 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Connecticut-Stamford lands at #12 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (64/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,798 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Connecticut-Avery Point lands at #13 with a 63/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (75/100) and pulled down by academic quality (66/100). Graduates earn a median $73,997 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,807 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Willimantic, CT · 83% accepted · $21,067 net
Why it ranks #14
Eastern Connecticut State University lands at #14 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $56,469 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $21,067 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Mitchell College lands at #15 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $39,115 a decade after enrolling, 42% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,260 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
University of Saint Joseph lands at #16 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (36/100). Graduates earn a median $59,908 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,989 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Quinnipiac University lands at #17 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (27/100). Graduates earn a median $83,759 a decade after enrolling, 24% above this list's average, and net price runs $40,675 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
New Haven, CT · 91% accepted · $20,857 net
Why it ranks #18
Southern Connecticut State University lands at #18 with a 60/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $55,043 a decade after enrolling, 19% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,857 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
University of Hartford lands at #19 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (35/100). Graduates earn a median $60,823 a decade after enrolling, 10% below this list's average, and net price runs $30,282 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Sacred Heart University lands at #20 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (25/100). Graduates earn a median $75,059 a decade after enrolling, 11% above this list's average, and net price runs $46,174 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
University of New Haven lands at #21 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (29/100). Graduates earn a median $60,126 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,192 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #22
Albertus Magnus College lands at #22 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (26/100). Graduates earn a median $60,144 a decade after enrolling, 11% below this list's average, and net price runs $34,028 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
University of Bridgeport lands at #23 with a 56/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (33/100). Graduates earn a median $50,323 a decade after enrolling, 26% below this list's average, and net price runs $27,807 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 23 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right psychology program can be a pivotal decision for students in Connecticut. With 23 schools offering psychology degrees in the state, understanding the opportunities available is essential. The earning potential for psychology graduates in Connecticut averages around $67,773, making it clear that selecting the right institution can have a significant impact on future financial stability.
What sets the leading psychology programs apart are their outcomes — specifically graduation rates, debt levels, and post-graduation earnings. The schools in this list have been ranked based on these key metrics to help you assess which programs will provide the best return on investment. For example, Yale University stands out not only for its high graduation rate of 96% but also for its impressive average earnings of $100,533, indicating a strong alignment between education and career success.
Consider the contrast between Wesleyan University and the University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus. Wesleyan has a graduation rate of 92% and average earnings of $73,897, while the Waterbury Campus has a significantly lower graduation rate of 56% despite a lower net price of $10,875. This difference highlights how graduation outcomes can influence earning potential, making it essential for students to weigh these factors carefully as they decide on their future paths.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 18 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.7%. Albertus Magnus College leads the group at 5.5%, with University of Bridgeport (2.9%) and Yale University (2.1%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.1% of students start in the bottom income quintile. University of Bridgeport leads at 16.6%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 33.8% across this list. Fairfield University posts the highest success rate at 63.2%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.66 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Quinnipiac University reaches 1.86, the highest on the list.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
There’s a notable difference in outcomes between Yale University and the University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus. While Yale boasts an impressive graduation rate of 96% and average earnings of $100,533, the Hartford Campus has a graduation rate of just 65% and similar earnings of $73,997. This illustrates how the overall quality of education and support can lead to vastly different financial outcomes for graduates.
As you sift through the 23 schools listed, consider what matters most for you. Think about location, program focus, and campus culture, alongside the financial metrics. If you're drawn to a school with a higher net price, like Trinity College at $34,832, weigh that against its graduation rate and potential earnings. This balance will help you find a program that fits your unique priorities.
The data highlights the real stakes involved in choosing a college. For many families, the decision isn't just about education but the pathway to a stable, fulfilling life post-graduation. Understanding how these metrics correlate with actual outcomes can guide students toward making informed choices that align with their long-term goals.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Psychology Colleges in Connecticut: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Connecticut ranking? +
Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Connecticut ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $73,897 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 92% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Yale University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $100,533 ten years after enrollment, well above the $67,773 average across the 23 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus leads: graduates earn a median $73,997 against net price of about $10,875 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Yale University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 96%, compared with a 63% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $26,754 a year across the 23 ranked schools with cost data. University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus is among the most affordable at roughly $10,875. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Psychology Colleges in Connecticut ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 23 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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