We rank all 36 Connecticut institutions we profile by payback years — total net cost divided by earnings above the $48,360 high-school baseline. The state's median net price is $26,052/yr (above the $16,902 national median), and its graduates earn a median $58,839 ten years out (above the $43,549 national median). University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus leads, clearing its cost in 1.7 years. (Scorecard, 2026.)
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · ranking and payback are our math. Payback uses institution-wide earnings; a specific major can rank very differently.
Colleges in Connecticut: frequently asked questions
Which college has the best ROI in Connecticut?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus. It charges $10,875/yr after aid and its graduates earn a median $73,997 ten years out, clearing the cost in about 1.7 years — the fastest payback of the 36 Connecticut colleges we track.
How much does college cost in Connecticut?
The median net price across Connecticut colleges is $26,052/yr after grants and scholarships — above the $16,902 national median. That is the actual price the typical aided student pays, not the published sticker.
What do Connecticut college graduates earn?
A median $58,839 ten years after entry (Scorecard), above the $43,549 national median. Earnings vary widely by school and major — see each college's profile for its own figure.
How many Connecticut colleges pay for themselves?
22 of the 36 Connecticut colleges we track clear their cost on institution-wide earnings above the high-school baseline. The rest need a high-ROI major to pay off — the school average alone does not.