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University of Connecticut vs Fairfield University: which has better ROI?

Public, Storrs CT · vs · Private nonprofit, Fairfield CT

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

The verdict

University of Connecticut has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $100,388 in 3.9 years versus 4.8 years at Fairfield University, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $88,794 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of ConnecticutFairfield University
Net price / yr$25,097$48,095
Total net cost$100,388$192,380
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,997$88,794
Median debt$21,500$26,000
Payback3.9 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$412,352$616,300

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

Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut or Fairfield University?

University of Connecticut, at $25,097 a year after aid versus $48,095 — a gap of $22,998 a year, or $91,992 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 Fairfield University graduates earn more?

Fairfield University graduates report a median $88,794 ten years after entry, $14,797 more than the $73,997 at University of Connecticut. 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 Fairfield University?

University of Connecticut: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Fairfield University, a difference of $4,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

84% of students finish at Fairfield University, against 83% at University of Connecticut. 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 vs Fairfield University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Connecticut or Fairfield University a better value?
University of Connecticut. It clears its $100,388 net cost in about 3.9 years versus 4.8 years at Fairfield University, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $88,794 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut or Fairfield University?
University of Connecticut: $25,097/yr net price after aid versus $48,095/yr at Fairfield University — a difference of $22,998 a year, or about $91,992 over four years.
Do University of Connecticut or Fairfield University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn a median $88,794 ten years after entry, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut — a $14,797 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.