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Head-to-head comparison

Southern Connecticut State University vs Eastern Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?

Public, New Haven CT · vs · Public, Willimantic CT

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

Option A New Haven, CT

Southern Connecticut State University

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

Option B Willimantic, CT

Eastern Connecticut State University

Net price / year
$21,067
Earnings, 10 years
$56,469
Payback
10.4 yrs
The verdict

Eastern Connecticut State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $84,268 in 10.4 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $56,469 vs $55,043 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureSouthern Connecticut State UniversityEastern Connecticut State University
Net price / yr$20,857$21,067
Total net cost$83,428$84,268
Median earnings, 10 yrs$55,043$56,469
Median debt$22,250$24,250
Payback12.5 yrs10.4 yrs
20-year net return$50,232$77,912

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

The short answer

Which is cheaper, Southern Connecticut State University or Eastern Connecticut State University?

Southern Connecticut State University, at $20,857 a year after aid versus $21,067 — a gap of $210 a year, or $840 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 Southern Connecticut State University or Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?

Eastern Connecticut State University graduates report a median $56,469 ten years after entry, $1,426 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, Southern Connecticut State University or Eastern Connecticut State University?

Southern Connecticut State University: its completers carry a median $22,250 in federal loans versus $24,250 at Eastern Connecticut State University, a difference of $2,000. 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?

58% of students finish at Eastern Connecticut State 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.

Southern Connecticut State University vs Eastern Connecticut State University: frequently asked questions

Is Southern Connecticut State University or Eastern Connecticut State University a better value?
Eastern Connecticut State University. It clears its $84,268 net cost in about 10.4 years versus 12.5 years at Southern Connecticut State University, on median earnings of $56,469 vs $55,043 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Southern Connecticut State University or Eastern Connecticut State University?
Southern Connecticut State University: $20,857/yr net price after aid versus $21,067/yr at Eastern Connecticut State University — a difference of $210 a year, or about $840 over four years.
Do Southern Connecticut State University or Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
Eastern Connecticut State University graduates earn a median $56,469 ten years after entry, versus $55,043 at Southern Connecticut State University — a $1,426 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.