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Head-to-head comparison

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

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

Fairfield University

Net price / year
$48,095
Earnings, 10 years
$88,794
Payback
4.8 yrs
The verdict

Fairfield University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $192,380 in 4.8 years versus 6.6 years at Central Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $88,794 vs $58,562 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureCentral Connecticut State UniversityFairfield University
Net price / yr$16,857$48,095
Total net cost$67,428$192,380
Median earnings, 10 yrs$58,562$88,794
Median debt$22,300$26,000
Payback6.6 yrs4.8 yrs
20-year net return$136,612$616,300

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 Fairfield University?

Central Connecticut State University, at $16,857 a year after aid versus $48,095 — a gap of $31,238 a year, or $124,952 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 Fairfield University graduates earn more?

Fairfield University graduates report a median $88,794 ten years after entry, $30,232 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 Fairfield University?

Central Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $22,300 in federal loans versus $26,000 at Fairfield University, a difference of $3,700. 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?

84% of students finish at Fairfield University, 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 Fairfield University: frequently asked questions

Is Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University a better value?
Fairfield University. It clears its $192,380 net cost in about 4.8 years versus 6.6 years at Central Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $88,794 vs $58,562 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University?
Central Connecticut State University: $16,857/yr net price after aid versus $48,095/yr at Fairfield University — a difference of $31,238 a year, or about $124,952 over four years.
Do Central Connecticut State University or Fairfield University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn a median $88,794 ten years after entry, versus $58,562 at Central Connecticut State University — a $30,232 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.