University of Connecticut vs Wesleyan 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 4.7 years at Wesleyan University, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $73,897 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Connecticut | Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $25,097 | $30,177 |
| Total net cost | $100,388 | $120,708 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $73,997 | $73,897 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $17,000 |
| Payback | 3.9 yrs | 4.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $412,352 | $390,032 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut or Wesleyan University?
University of Connecticut, at $25,097 a year after aid versus $30,177 — a gap of $5,080 a year, or $20,320 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 Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
University of Connecticut graduates report a median $73,997 ten years after entry, $100 more than the $73,897 at Wesleyan 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 Wesleyan University?
Wesleyan University: its completers carry a median $17,000 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of Connecticut, 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?
93% of students finish at Wesleyan 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.