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Connecticut State Community College vs University of Connecticut: which has better ROI?

Public, New Britain CT · vs · Public, Storrs CT

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Connecticut has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,388 in 3.9 years versus not at all at Connecticut State Community College, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $41,344 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureConnecticut State Community CollegeUniversity of Connecticut
Net price / yr$11,513$25,097
Total net cost$23,026$100,388
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,344$73,997
Median debt$9,200$21,500
Payback—3.9 yrs
20-year net return-$163,346$412,352

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Connecticut State Community College or University of Connecticut?

Connecticut State Community College, at $11,513 a year after aid versus $25,097 — a gap of $13,584 a year, or $77,362 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Connecticut State Community College or University of Connecticut graduates earn more?

University of Connecticut graduates report a median $73,997 ten years after entry, $32,653 more than the $41,344 at Connecticut State Community College. 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, Connecticut State Community College or University of Connecticut?

Connecticut State Community College: its completers carry a median $9,200 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of Connecticut, a difference of $12,300. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

83% of students finish at University of Connecticut, against 24% at Connecticut State Community College. 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.

Connecticut State Community College vs University of Connecticut: frequently asked questions

Is Connecticut State Community College or University of Connecticut a better value?
University of Connecticut. It clears its $100,388 net cost in about 3.9 years versus no clear payback at Connecticut State Community College, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $41,344 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Connecticut State Community College or University of Connecticut?
Connecticut State Community College: $11,513/yr net price after aid versus $25,097/yr at University of Connecticut — a difference of $13,584 a year, or about $77,362 over four years.
Do Connecticut State Community College or University of Connecticut graduates earn more?
University of Connecticut graduates earn a median $73,997 ten years after entry, versus $41,344 at Connecticut State Community College — a $32,653 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.