Yale University 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 1.8 years at Yale University, on median earnings of $73,997 vs $100,533 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Yale University | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $23,777 | $10,875 |
| Total net cost | $95,108 | $43,500 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $100,533 | $73,997 |
| Median debt | $12,975 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 1.8 yrs | 1.7 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $948,352 | $469,240 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Yale University or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, at $10,875 a year after aid versus $23,777 — a gap of $12,902 a year, or $51,608 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Yale University or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus 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-Waterbury Campus. 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, Yale University or University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus?
Yale University: its completers carry a median $12,975 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, 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 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.