Sacred Heart University vs Western Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?
Western Connecticut State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $70,416 in 6.5 years versus 6.9 years at Sacred Heart University, on median earnings of $59,115 vs $75,059 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Sacred Heart University | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $46,174 | $17,604 |
| Total net cost | $184,696 | $70,416 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $75,059 | $59,115 |
| Median debt | $25,000 | $24,147 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 6.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $349,284 | $144,684 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Sacred Heart University or Western Connecticut State University?
Western Connecticut State University, at $17,604 a year after aid versus $46,174 — a gap of $28,570 a year, or $114,280 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 Western Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
Sacred Heart University graduates report a median $75,059 ten years after entry, $15,944 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, Sacred Heart University or Western Connecticut State University?
Western Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $24,147 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Sacred Heart University, a difference of $853. 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 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.