The cost of college in Connecticut — and what it pays back
Across the 36 Connecticut institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $26,052/yr, $9,146 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $58,839 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 22 of the 36 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$26,052
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$58,839
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
5.1 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
22/36
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Connecticut's 36 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong11
Solid6
Slow4
Weak15
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $10,875 | $73,997 | 1.7 yrs |
| Yale University | $23,777 | $100,533 | 1.8 yrs |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $13,807 | $73,997 | 2.2 yrs |
| University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | $16,403 | $73,997 | 2.6 yrs |
| University of Connecticut-Stamford | $16,798 | $73,997 | 2.6 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus | $10,875 | $73,997 | 1.7 yrs |
| Connecticut State Community College | $11,513 | $41,344 | no payback |
| University of Connecticut-Avery Point | $13,807 | $73,997 | 2.2 yrs |
| New England Tractor Trailer Training School of Connecticut | $15,284 | $44,444 | no payback |
| Charter Oak State College | $15,815 | $64,209 | 4 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Connecticut?
The median net price across Connecticut colleges is $26,052/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Connecticut cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Connecticut net price of $26,052/yr runs about $9,146/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Connecticut college graduates earn?
A median $58,839 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Connecticut college pays for itself fastest?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus — about 1.7 years to clear its $43,500 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-connecticut page.