Degree Dividend
Sourced from federal dataEvery figure datedNo rankings for sale

University of Hartford vs Eastern Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, West Hartford CT · vs · Public, Willimantic CT

The verdict

University of Hartford has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,128 in 9.7 years versus 10.4 years at Eastern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $60,823 vs $56,469 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

Share
Head to head
MeasureUniversity of HartfordEastern Connecticut State University
Net price / yr$30,282$21,067
Total net cost$121,128$84,268
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,823$56,469
Median debt$27,000$24,250
Payback9.7 yrs10.4 yrs
20-year net return$128,132$77,912

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

Which is cheaper, University of Hartford or Eastern Connecticut State University?

Eastern Connecticut State University, at $21,067 a year after aid versus $30,282 — a gap of $9,215 a year, or $36,860 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 Hartford or Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?

University of Hartford graduates report a median $60,823 ten years after entry, $4,354 more than the $56,469 at Eastern 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 Hartford or Eastern Connecticut State University?

Eastern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $24,250 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Hartford, a difference of $2,750. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at Eastern Connecticut State University, against 54% at University of Hartford. 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 Hartford vs Eastern Connecticut State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Hartford or Eastern Connecticut State University a better value?
University of Hartford. It clears its $121,128 net cost in about 9.7 years versus 10.4 years at Eastern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $60,823 vs $56,469 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Hartford or Eastern Connecticut State University?
Eastern Connecticut State University: $21,067/yr net price after aid versus $30,282/yr at University of Hartford — a difference of $9,215 a year, or about $36,860 over four years.
Do University of Hartford or Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
University of Hartford graduates earn a median $60,823 ten years after entry, versus $56,469 at Eastern Connecticut State University — a $4,354 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.