Degree Dividend
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Southern Connecticut State University vs University of Hartford: which has better ROI?

Public, New Haven 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 Hartford has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,128 in 9.7 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $60,823 vs $55,043 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Connecticut State UniversityUniversity of Hartford
Net price / yr$20,857$30,282
Total net cost$83,428$121,128
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,043$60,823
Median debt$22,250$27,000
Payback12.5 yrs9.7 yrs
20-year net return$50,232$128,132

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

Which is cheaper, Southern Connecticut State University or University of Hartford?

Southern Connecticut State University, at $20,857 a year after aid versus $30,282 — a gap of $9,425 a year, or $37,700 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Southern Connecticut State University or University of Hartford graduates earn more?

University of Hartford graduates report a median $60,823 ten years after entry, $5,780 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, Southern Connecticut State University or University of Hartford?

Southern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Hartford, a difference of $4,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at University of Hartford, 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.

Southern Connecticut State University vs University of Hartford: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Connecticut State University or University of Hartford a better value?
University of Hartford. It clears its $121,128 net cost in about 9.7 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $60,823 vs $55,043 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Connecticut State University or University of Hartford?
Southern Connecticut State University: $20,857/yr net price after aid versus $30,282/yr at University of Hartford — a difference of $9,425 a year, or about $37,700 over four years.
Do Southern Connecticut State University or University of Hartford graduates earn more?
University of Hartford graduates earn a median $60,823 ten years after entry, versus $55,043 at Southern Connecticut State University — a $5,780 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.