Degree Dividend
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Eastern Connecticut State University vs University of Saint Joseph: which has better ROI?

Public, Willimantic CT · vs · Private nonprofit, West Hartford CT

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

The verdict

University of Saint Joseph has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $111,956 in 9.7 years versus 10.4 years at Eastern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $59,908 vs $56,469 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureEastern Connecticut State UniversityUniversity of Saint Joseph
Net price / yr$21,067$27,989
Total net cost$84,268$111,956
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,469$59,908
Median debt$24,250$27,000
Payback10.4 yrs9.7 yrs
20-year net return$77,912$119,004

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 Saint Joseph?

Eastern Connecticut State University, at $21,067 a year after aid versus $27,989 — a gap of $6,922 a year, or $27,688 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 Saint Joseph graduates earn more?

University of Saint Joseph graduates report a median $59,908 ten years after entry, $3,439 more than the $56,469 at Eastern 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, Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Saint Joseph?

Eastern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Saint Joseph, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

64% of students finish at University of Saint Joseph, against 58% at Eastern 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.

Eastern Connecticut State University vs University of Saint Joseph: frequently asked questions

Is Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Saint Joseph a better value?
University of Saint Joseph. It clears its $111,956 net cost in about 9.7 years versus 10.4 years at Eastern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $59,908 vs $56,469 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Saint Joseph?
Eastern Connecticut State University: $21,067/yr net price after aid versus $27,989/yr at University of Saint Joseph — a difference of $6,922 a year, or about $27,688 over four years.
Do Eastern Connecticut State University or University of Saint Joseph graduates earn more?
University of Saint Joseph graduates earn a median $59,908 ten years after entry, versus $56,469 at Eastern Connecticut State University — a $3,439 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.