Central Connecticut State University vs Wesleyan University: which has better ROI?
Wesleyan University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $120,708 in 4.7 years versus 6.6 years at Central Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $73,897 vs $58,562 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Central Connecticut State University | Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,857 | $30,177 |
| Total net cost | $67,428 | $120,708 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,562 | $73,897 |
| Median debt | $22,300 | $17,000 |
| Payback | 6.6 yrs | 4.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $136,612 | $390,032 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Central Connecticut State University or Wesleyan University?
Central Connecticut State University, at $16,857 a year after aid versus $30,177 — a gap of $13,320 a year, or $53,280 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Central Connecticut State University or Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
Wesleyan University graduates report a median $73,897 ten years after entry, $15,335 more than the $58,562 at Central Connecticut State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Central Connecticut State University or Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University: its completers carry a median $17,000 in federal loans versus $22,300 at Central Connecticut State University, a difference of $5,300. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
93% of students finish at Wesleyan University, against 48% at Central Connecticut State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.