Fairfield University vs Western Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?
Fairfield University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $192,380 in 4.8 years versus 6.5 years at Western Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $88,794 vs $59,115 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Fairfield University | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $48,095 | $17,604 |
| Total net cost | $192,380 | $70,416 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $88,794 | $59,115 |
| Median debt | $26,000 | $24,147 |
| Payback | 4.8 yrs | 6.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $616,300 | $144,684 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Fairfield University or Western Connecticut State University?
Western Connecticut State University, at $17,604 a year after aid versus $48,095 — a gap of $30,491 a year, or $121,964 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Fairfield University or Western Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates report a median $88,794 ten years after entry, $29,679 more than the $59,115 at Western 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, Fairfield University or Western Connecticut State University?
Western Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $24,147 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Fairfield University, a difference of $1,853. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Fairfield University, against 52% at Western 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.