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Southern Connecticut State University vs University of New Haven: which has better ROI?

Public, New Haven CT · vs · Private nonprofit, West Haven CT

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of New Haven has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $136,768 in 11.6 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $60,126 vs $55,043 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Connecticut State UniversityUniversity of New Haven
Net price / yr$20,857$34,192
Total net cost$83,428$136,768
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,043$60,126
Median debt$22,250$27,000
Payback12.5 yrs11.6 yrs
20-year net return$50,232$98,552

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 New Haven?

Southern Connecticut State University, at $20,857 a year after aid versus $34,192 — a gap of $13,335 a year, or $53,340 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 New Haven graduates earn more?

University of New Haven graduates report a median $60,126 ten years after entry, $5,083 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 New Haven?

Southern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of New Haven, 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?

63% of students finish at University of New Haven, 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 New Haven: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Connecticut State University or University of New Haven a better value?
University of New Haven. It clears its $136,768 net cost in about 11.6 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $60,126 vs $55,043 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Connecticut State University or University of New Haven?
Southern Connecticut State University: $20,857/yr net price after aid versus $34,192/yr at University of New Haven — a difference of $13,335 a year, or about $53,340 over four years.
Do Southern Connecticut State University or University of New Haven graduates earn more?
University of New Haven graduates earn a median $60,126 ten years after entry, versus $55,043 at Southern Connecticut State University — a $5,083 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.