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

Public, Storrs CT · vs · Private nonprofit, New Haven CT

The verdict

Yale University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,108 in 1.8 years versus 3.9 years at University of Connecticut, on median earnings of $100,533 vs $73,997 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of ConnecticutYale University
Net price / yr$25,097$23,777
Total net cost$100,388$95,108
Median earnings, 10 yrs$73,997$100,533
Median debt$21,500$12,975
Payback3.9 yrs1.8 yrs
20-year net return$412,352$948,352

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

Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut or Yale University?

Yale University, at $23,777 a year after aid versus $25,097 — a gap of $1,320 a year, or $5,280 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 Yale University graduates earn more?

Yale University graduates report a median $100,533 ten years after entry, $26,536 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 Yale University?

Yale University: its completers carry a median $12,975 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of Connecticut, a difference of $8,525. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

96% of students finish at Yale 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 Yale University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Connecticut or Yale University a better value?
Yale University. It clears its $95,108 net cost in about 1.8 years versus 3.9 years at University of Connecticut, on median earnings of $100,533 vs $73,997 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Connecticut or Yale University?
Yale University: $23,777/yr net price after aid versus $25,097/yr at University of Connecticut — a difference of $1,320 a year, or about $5,280 over four years.
Do University of Connecticut or Yale University graduates earn more?
Yale University graduates earn a median $100,533 ten years after entry, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut — a $26,536 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.