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Head-to-head comparison

Sacred Heart University vs Southern Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?

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

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

Option A Fairfield, CT

Sacred Heart University

Net price / year
$46,174
Earnings, 10 years
$75,059
Payback
6.9 yrs

Option B New Haven, CT

Southern Connecticut State University

Net price / year
$20,857
Earnings, 10 years
$55,043
Payback
12.5 yrs
The verdict

Sacred Heart University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $184,696 in 6.9 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $75,059 vs $55,043 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSacred Heart UniversitySouthern Connecticut State University
Net price / yr$46,174$20,857
Total net cost$184,696$83,428
Median earnings, 10 yrs$75,059$55,043
Median debt$25,000$22,250
Payback6.9 yrs12.5 yrs
20-year net return$349,284$50,232

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Sacred Heart University or Southern Connecticut State University?

Southern Connecticut State University, at $20,857 a year after aid versus $46,174 — a gap of $25,317 a year, or $101,268 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 Sacred Heart University or Southern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?

Sacred Heart University graduates report a median $75,059 ten years after entry, $20,016 more than the $55,043 at Southern 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, Sacred Heart University or Southern Connecticut State University?

Southern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Sacred Heart University, a difference of $2,750. 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?

73% of students finish at Sacred Heart University, against 50% at Southern 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.

Sacred Heart University vs Southern Connecticut State University: frequently asked questions

Is Sacred Heart University or Southern Connecticut State University a better value?
Sacred Heart University. It clears its $184,696 net cost in about 6.9 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $75,059 vs $55,043 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Sacred Heart University or Southern Connecticut State University?
Southern Connecticut State University: $20,857/yr net price after aid versus $46,174/yr at Sacred Heart University — a difference of $25,317 a year, or about $101,268 over four years.
Do Sacred Heart University or Southern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
Sacred Heart University graduates earn a median $75,059 ten years after entry, versus $55,043 at Southern Connecticut State University — a $20,016 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.