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Head-to-head comparison

Central Connecticut State University vs Connecticut College: which has better ROI?

Public, New Britain CT · vs · Private nonprofit, New London CT

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

Option A New Britain, CT

Central Connecticut State University

Net price / year
$16,857
Earnings, 10 years
$58,562
Payback
6.6 yrs

Option B New London, CT

Connecticut College

Net price / year
$36,175
Earnings, 10 years
$75,001
Payback
5.4 yrs
The verdict

Connecticut College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,700 in 5.4 years versus 6.6 years at Central Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $75,001 vs $58,562 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentral Connecticut State UniversityConnecticut College
Net price / yr$16,857$36,175
Total net cost$67,428$144,700
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,562$75,001
Median debt$22,300$23,500
Payback6.6 yrs5.4 yrs
20-year net return$136,612$388,120

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Central Connecticut State University or Connecticut College?

Central Connecticut State University, at $16,857 a year after aid versus $36,175 — a gap of $19,318 a year, or $77,272 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do Central Connecticut State University or Connecticut College graduates earn more?

Connecticut College graduates report a median $75,001 ten years after entry, $16,439 more than the $58,562 at Central 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, Central Connecticut State University or Connecticut College?

Central Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $22,300 in federal loans versus $23,500 at Connecticut College, a difference of $1,200. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

82% of students finish at Connecticut College, against 48% at Central Connecticut State University. 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.

Central Connecticut State University vs Connecticut College: frequently asked questions

Is Central Connecticut State University or Connecticut College a better value?
Connecticut College. It clears its $144,700 net cost in about 5.4 years versus 6.6 years at Central Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $75,001 vs $58,562 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Central Connecticut State University or Connecticut College?
Central Connecticut State University: $16,857/yr net price after aid versus $36,175/yr at Connecticut College — a difference of $19,318 a year, or about $77,272 over four years.
Do Central Connecticut State University or Connecticut College graduates earn more?
Connecticut College graduates earn a median $75,001 ten years after entry, versus $58,562 at Central Connecticut State University — a $16,439 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.