University of Connecticut vs Central Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?
University of Connecticut has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,388 in 3.9 years versus 6.6 years at Central Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $58,562 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Connecticut | Central Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,097 | $16,857 |
| Total net cost | $100,388 | $67,428 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $73,997 | $58,562 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $22,300 |
| Payback | 3.9 yrs | 6.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $412,352 | $136,612 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut or Central Connecticut State University?
Central Connecticut State University, at $16,857 a year after aid versus $25,097 — a gap of $8,240 a year, or $32,960 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 or Central Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
University of Connecticut graduates report a median $73,997 ten years after entry, $15,435 more than the $58,562 at Central 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, University of Connecticut or Central Connecticut State University?
University of Connecticut: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $22,300 at Central Connecticut State University, a difference of $800. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
83% of students finish at University of Connecticut, against 48% at Central 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.