Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus vs University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus: which has better ROI?

Public, Hartford CT · vs · Public, Waterbury CT

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

The verdict

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,500 in 1.7 years versus 2.6 years at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $73,997 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Connecticut-Hartford CampusUniversity of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
Net price / yr$16,403$10,875
Total net cost$65,612$43,500
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,997$73,997
Median debt$21,500$21,500
Payback2.6 yrs1.7 yrs
20-year net return$447,128$469,240

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

Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?

University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, at $10,875 a year after aid versus $16,403 — a gap of $5,528 a year, or $22,112 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduates earn more?

Graduates of both report a median $73,997 ten years after entry, so earnings do not separate them either — the ROI difference comes entirely from what each degree costs. Figures are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, not programme-level pay.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?

Completers at both borrow a median $21,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.

Which graduates more of its students?

65% of students finish at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus, against 53% at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus. 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.

University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus vs University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus: frequently asked questions

Is University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus a better value?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus. It clears its $43,500 net cost in about 1.7 years versus 2.6 years at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $73,997 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus: $10,875/yr net price after aid versus $16,403/yr at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus — a difference of $5,528 a year, or about $22,112 over four years.
Do University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus graduates earn more?
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus graduates earn a median $73,997 ten years after entry, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus — a $0 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.