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Sacred Heart University vs Eastern Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?

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

The verdict

Sacred Heart University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $184,696 in 6.9 years versus 10.4 years at Eastern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $75,059 vs $56,469 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSacred Heart UniversityEastern Connecticut State University
Net price / yr$46,174$21,067
Total net cost$184,696$84,268
Median earnings, 10 yrs$75,059$56,469
Median debt$25,000$24,250
Payback6.9 yrs10.4 yrs
20-year net return$349,284$77,912

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

Which is cheaper, Sacred Heart University or Eastern Connecticut State University?

Eastern Connecticut State University, at $21,067 a year after aid versus $46,174 — a gap of $25,107 a year, or $100,428 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Sacred Heart University or Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?

Sacred Heart University graduates report a median $75,059 ten years after entry, $18,590 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, Sacred Heart University or Eastern Connecticut State University?

Eastern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Sacred Heart University, a difference of $750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

73% of students finish at Sacred Heart University, 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.

Sacred Heart University vs Eastern Connecticut State University: frequently asked questions

Is Sacred Heart University or Eastern Connecticut State University a better value?
Sacred Heart University. It clears its $184,696 net cost in about 6.9 years versus 10.4 years at Eastern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $75,059 vs $56,469 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Sacred Heart University or Eastern Connecticut State University?
Eastern Connecticut State University: $21,067/yr net price after aid versus $46,174/yr at Sacred Heart University — a difference of $25,107 a year, or about $100,428 over four years.
Do Sacred Heart University or Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
Sacred Heart University graduates earn a median $75,059 ten years after entry, versus $56,469 at Eastern Connecticut State University — a $18,590 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.