Based on an analysis of more than 1,200 colleges and universities, The Economist has found that Eastern Connecticut State University is one of only five private and public schools in Connecticut whose graduates’ salaries are substantially higher than The Economist’s statistical projections.  The University of Connecticut was the only other public institution in the group, joining Eastern, Quinnipiac University, Fairfield University and the University of St. Joseph.

In a report issued on Oct. 29, The Economist ranks more than 1,200 schools, and includes an extensive explanation of the methodology used in coming up with its findings. The premise of The Economist’s research was that the economic value of a university is equal to the added value of attendance when actual earnings of graduates are compared to The Economist’s projections of expected earnings.  Factors considered in the multiple regression analysis included SAT scores, college size, variety of majors available, students’ family income, whether or not the school was a liberal arts college and whether it was private or public.  Actual salaries were tracked for 10 years.

“Employers tell us all the time—and national surveys back up their comments—that they want employees who can think independently, work collaboratively, possess strong communication skills and solve problems,” said Eastern President Elsa Núñez. “Those are the broad intellectual skills taught as part of the liberal arts education that all Eastern students receive. The data just released by The Economist demonstrates that they are also developing marketable skills in the more than 35 majors that we offer. This is great news for Eastern, for our students and for our 30,000 alumni who are engaged as working professionals and citizen leaders in their communities.”

 “I am not surprised that Eastern graduates are doing so well in demonstrating their earning power,” said Ellen Lang ’81, president of the Eastern Connecticut State University Alumni Association and a medical consultant for the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Inc. “As the president of the Eastern Alumni Association, I have the pleasure of witnessing the successes of many fellow Eastern graduates.  Employers highly value the critical thinking skills and global perspective gained through a liberal art education at Eastern.  In addition, the hands-on application of classroom instruction in internships, research projects and community engagement, as well as the close association with faculty, increases the marketability of Eastern graduates.  The broad range of majors available at Eastern provides the skill sets necessary for students to compete and succeed in this rapidly changing world.”