University of Connecticut vs University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus: which has better ROI?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,500 in 1.7 years versus 3.9 years at University of Connecticut, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $73,997 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Connecticut | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,097 | $10,875 |
| Total net cost | $100,388 | $43,500 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $73,997 | $73,997 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 3.9 yrs | 1.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $412,352 | $469,240 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, at $10,875 a year after aid versus $25,097 — a gap of $14,222 a year, or $56,888 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 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 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?
83% of students finish at University of Connecticut, 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.