University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
The Vibe Check
UConn Waterbury offers an intimate, tight-knit urban campus experience where students benefit from personalized attention in a smaller setting while still accessing the prestige of the UConn system. The atmosphere is commuter-focused yet community-oriented, with a diverse student body balancing work, life, and study. It feels practical, grounded, and driven, with a strong sense of support among peers and faculty.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
ACT data not available
Average: 23
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
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⚠️ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
The campus excels in high-demand fields like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Engineering, with a curriculum designed for real-world application. Students receive dedicated faculty mentorship and smaller class sizes, fostering active discussion and personalized feedback. While research opportunities are more limited than at the main Storrs campus, students can engage in undergraduate research and internships through strong local partnerships.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Waterbury
Waterbury offers a gritty, authentic city experience with access to diverse restaurants, parks, and cultural spots like the Palace Theater. Students often explore nearby nature at Hop Brook Lake or take advantage of the campus's proximity to Hartford and New Haven for bigger-city events. Social life is more low-key, centered around campus clubs and local hangouts rather than a traditional college town vibe.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($73,997):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The Waterbury campus is located in a busy urban area, so students should practice standard city safety awareness, especially when traveling off-campus. The university has campus security and safe-ride programs, but the surrounding city has typical urban crime rates that require vigilance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Significantly lower cost compared to the main Storrs campus
- ✓ Smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention from faculty
- ✓ Strong programs in high-demand fields like Business and Health Professions
- ✓ Access to UConn's resources and degree while in a more urban, commuter-friendly setting
Cons
- ✗ Limited campus life and traditional college town atmosphere
- ✗ Fewer research opportunities and extracurriculars than the main campus
- ✗ Urban setting may not appeal to students seeking a residential campus experience
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UConn Waterbury is known for its accessible, urban campus that provides a UConn degree at a lower cost, with particular strengths in Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Engineering. It offers a close-knit learning environment with smaller classes and strong ties to local industries for internships and practical experience.
No, it is not highly selective, with an acceptance rate of 87.04%. The average SAT score is 1070, and the school looks for students with a solid academic record, especially in high school GPA. It's a viable option for students seeking a reputable public university education with a more accessible admissions process.
Campus life is more subdued and commuter-focused compared to a traditional residential college. Students often balance school with work and family life, but there are clubs, events, and student organizations that foster a sense of community. The urban location means students can explore Waterbury's amenities and are within driving distance of larger cities for entertainment.
For in-state students, yes, it offers a strong value with an average net price under $9,000 and solid earnings potential of $73,997 median after 10 years. The ROI is particularly favorable for those entering high-demand fields like business or health. Out-of-state students should weigh the higher cost against aid packages and career goals.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded 1952
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 872
- In-State Tuition $17,462
- Out-of-State $40,130
- Zip Code 06702
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
With an average net price of $8,896 and a 50% Pell Grant rate, UConn Waterbury is a financially accessible option, especially for in-state students paying $17,462. The 10-year median earnings of $73,997 suggest a strong return on investment, particularly for those in business and health professions. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition of $40,130 requires careful consideration of aid and career outcomes.
📅 Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.