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University of Hartford vs University of Bridgeport: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, West Hartford CT · vs · Private nonprofit, Bridgeport CT

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

The verdict

University of Hartford has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $121,128 in 9.7 years versus 56.7 years at University of Bridgeport, on median earnings of $60,823 vs $50,323 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of HartfordUniversity of Bridgeport
Net price / yr$30,282$27,807
Total net cost$121,128$111,228
Median earnings, 10 yrs$60,823$50,323
Median debt$27,000$25,750
Payback9.7 yrs56.7 yrs
20-year net return$128,132-$71,968

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

Which is cheaper, University of Hartford or University of Bridgeport?

University of Bridgeport, at $27,807 a year after aid versus $30,282 — a gap of $2,475 a year, or $9,900 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 University of Bridgeport graduates earn more?

University of Hartford graduates report a median $60,823 ten years after entry, $10,500 more than the $50,323 at University of Bridgeport. 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 University of Bridgeport?

University of Bridgeport: its completers carry a median $25,750 in federal loans versus $27,000 at University of Hartford, a difference of $1,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

54% of students finish at University of Hartford, against 41% at University of Bridgeport. 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 University of Bridgeport: frequently asked questions

Is University of Hartford or University of Bridgeport a better value?
University of Hartford. It clears its $121,128 net cost in about 9.7 years versus 56.7 years at University of Bridgeport, on median earnings of $60,823 vs $50,323 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Hartford or University of Bridgeport?
University of Bridgeport: $27,807/yr net price after aid versus $30,282/yr at University of Hartford — a difference of $2,475 a year, or about $9,900 over four years.
Do University of Hartford or University of Bridgeport graduates earn more?
University of Hartford graduates earn a median $60,823 ten years after entry, versus $50,323 at University of Bridgeport — a $10,500 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.