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Eastern Connecticut State University vs University of Bridgeport: which has better ROI?

Public, Willimantic CT · vs · Private nonprofit, Bridgeport CT

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

The verdict

Eastern Connecticut State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $84,268 in 10.4 years versus 56.7 years at University of Bridgeport, on median earnings of $56,469 vs $50,323 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEastern Connecticut State UniversityUniversity of Bridgeport
Net price / yr$21,067$27,807
Total net cost$84,268$111,228
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,469$50,323
Median debt$24,250$25,750
Payback10.4 yrs56.7 yrs
20-year net return$77,912-$71,968

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

Which is cheaper, Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Bridgeport?

Eastern Connecticut State University, at $21,067 a year after aid versus $27,807 — a gap of $6,740 a year, or $26,960 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Bridgeport graduates earn more?

Eastern Connecticut State University graduates report a median $56,469 ten years after entry, $6,146 more than the $50,323 at University of Bridgeport. 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, Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Bridgeport?

Eastern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,750 at University of Bridgeport, a difference of $1,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at Eastern Connecticut State University, against 41% at University of Bridgeport. 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.

Eastern Connecticut State University vs University of Bridgeport: frequently asked questions

Is Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Bridgeport a better value?
Eastern Connecticut State University. It clears its $84,268 net cost in about 10.4 years versus 56.7 years at University of Bridgeport, on median earnings of $56,469 vs $50,323 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Bridgeport?
Eastern Connecticut State University: $21,067/yr net price after aid versus $27,807/yr at University of Bridgeport — a difference of $6,740 a year, or about $26,960 over four years.
Do Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Bridgeport graduates earn more?
Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn a median $56,469 ten years after entry, versus $50,323 at University of Bridgeport — a $6,146 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.