Groton, CTpublicaverypoint.uconn.edu
Admit rate has ranged 80%–97% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
UConn Avery Point is the coastal campus of Connecticut’s flagship public university, offering a small-college experience with the resources of a major research institution. Known for its marine sciences and maritime studies programs, this waterfront campus combines rigorous academics with a tight-knit, supportive community. With an acceptance rate hovering around 86%, it’s an accessible gateway to the UConn system.
Test scores required
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023).
UConn Avery Point is one of the more accessible pathways into the UConn system, with an Acceptance rateThe share of applicants a college admits in a given year. A 10% acceptance rate means it admits about 1 in 10 applicants. of 86.5% (fall 2024). Test scores are required, with admitted students typically posting SAT scores between 960–1190 or ACT scores of 18–24. The campus attracts a mix of first-year students and transfers, though only about 23% of admitted students ultimately enroll. Unlike the main Storrs campus (52% acceptance rate), Avery Point’s admissions process is less selective, making it a strategic choice for students seeking the UConn brand with a higher chance of admission.
Avery Point’s academic identity is deeply tied to its waterfront location, with marine sciences and as flagship programs. The campus also offers four-year degrees in and , with plans to expand majors and housing. Classes are small——and emphasize hands-on learning, including lab work, internships, and field studies. The fosters close mentorship, and faculty are noted for blending teaching excellence with research (though Avery Point itself is more teaching-focused than Storrs).
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Life at Avery Point is quiet but engaged, with a culture that prioritizes academics over rah-rah social scenes. The modern Student Center serves as a hub for casual mingling, and the waterfront setting encourages outdoor activities. Students describe the vibe as “gentle and caring” but with a competitive edge—think driven learners who’d rather excel in labs than at keg parties. The Instagram reels highlight a diverse, tight-knit community, though the lack of Greek life and Division I sports (unlike Storrs) means social life revolves around clubs, research, and the scenic shoreline.
Avery Point grads benefit from the UConn name: 91% report positive post-grad outcomes, including employment or further education, with an average starting salary of $67,500. However, the four-year graduation rate is just 28% (rising to 45% in five years), reflecting the campus’s role as a stepping stone—many students transfer to Storrs. Retention is solid (70.2%), and programs like nursing boast a 57.8% completion rate. For students who stay, the small-campus support seems to pay off in employability.
In-state students pay $18,140 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state costs jump to $40,808. The average financial aid package is $13,813, bringing the Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. down to $23,620 for many. UConn’s aid office provides a Net Price Calculator, but beware: Avery Point’s lower sticker price can mask hidden costs for students who later transfer to pricier UConn campuses.
Avery Point is UConn’s best-kept secret: a low-pressure admissions pathway with a marine-science edge, where students get small classes and waterfront access without sacrificing the UConn diploma. It’s ideal for hands-on learners who thrive in a supportive, no-frills environment—think future oceanographers, maritime historians, or students aiming to transfer to Storrs with a stronger GPA. The 86.5% acceptance rate and $67.5K grad salaries make it a pragmatic choice for pragmatic students.