Sacred Heart University vs Southern Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?
Sacred Heart University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $184,696 in 6.9 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $75,059 vs $55,043 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Sacred Heart University | Southern Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $46,174 | $20,857 |
| Total net cost | $184,696 | $83,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,059 | $55,043 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $22,250 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 12.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $349,284 | $50,232 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Sacred Heart University or Southern Connecticut State University?
Southern Connecticut State University, at $20,857 a year after aid versus $46,174 — a gap of $25,317 a year, or $101,268 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 Southern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
Sacred Heart University graduates report a median $75,059 ten years after entry, $20,016 more than the $55,043 at Southern 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 Southern Connecticut State University?
Southern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Sacred Heart University, 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?
73% of students finish at Sacred Heart University, against 50% at Southern 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.