Head-to-head · 2026
Eastern Connecticut State University vs Southern Connecticut State University
Compare average net price ($21,067 at Eastern Connecticut State University; $20,857 at Southern Connecticut State University), ROI score (6.70 vs 6.60), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($56,469 vs $55,043), and admissions selectivity (83% acceptance at Eastern Connecticut State University; 91.5% at Southern Connecticut State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Eastern Connecticut State University | Southern Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.70 ✓ | 6.60 |
| Avg net price | $21,067 | $20,857 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $84,268 | $83,428 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $13,928 | $13,438 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $17,428 | $27,378 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $56,469 ✓ | $55,043 |
| Acceptance rate | 83% | 91.5% |
| Graduation rate | 57.5% ✓ | 49.9% |
| Retention rate | 83.7% ✓ | 77.9% |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $22,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,418 | 6,295 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1160 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Eastern Connecticut State University | Southern Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,654 ✓ | $17,736 |
| Family income $30–48k | $16,943 ✓ | $18,729 |
| Family income $48–75k | $19,340 ✓ | $19,437 |
| Family income $75–110k | $21,109 ✓ | $22,532 |
| Family income $110k+ | $24,346 ✓ | $27,809 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Eastern Connecticut State University | Southern Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 8.9% | 10.9% |
| Psychology, General | 8% | 5.6% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 4.5% | 6.6% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 7.5% | 3.6% |
| Social Work | 3.6% | 7.4% |
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | 7.2% | 3.7% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 6.5% | 3% |
| Sociology | 4% | 3.4% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Southern Connecticut State University reports the lower average net price by $210 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $840 difference over four years ($83,428 vs $84,268).
Eastern Connecticut State University reports $1,426 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($56,469 vs $55,043). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 83.7% at Eastern Connecticut State University and 77.9% at Southern Connecticut State University. Median federal debt among completers is $24,250 vs $22,250, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Eastern Connecticut State University vs Southern Connecticut State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Southern Connecticut State University is cheaper — average net price $20,857 per year vs $21,067 at Eastern Connecticut State University. The annual difference of $210 adds up to about $840 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Eastern Connecticut State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $56,469 vs $55,043 at Southern Connecticut State University. The gap in the federal data is $1,426. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Eastern Connecticut State University is more selective at 83% acceptance vs 91.5% at Southern Connecticut State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.