Head-to-head · 2026
Southern Connecticut State University vs University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
Compare average net price ($20,857 at Southern Connecticut State University; $10,875 at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus), ROI score (6.60 vs 17.01), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($55,043 vs $73,997), and admissions selectivity (91.5% acceptance at Southern Connecticut State University; 86.7% at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus) 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 | Southern Connecticut State University | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.60 | 17.01 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $20,857 | $10,875 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $83,428 | $43,500 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $13,438 | $18,140 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $27,378 | $40,808 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $55,043 | $73,997 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 91.5% | 86.7% |
| Graduation rate | 49.9% | 52.7% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 77.9% ✓ | 77.8% |
| Median debt | $22,250 | $21,500 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 6,295 | 733 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1060 |
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 | Southern Connecticut State University | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $17,736 | $5,604 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $18,729 | $5,463 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $19,437 | $11,490 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $22,532 | $15,621 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $27,809 | $20,538 ✓ |
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 | Southern Connecticut State University | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 5.6% | 16.7% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 10.9% | 5.6% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 3% | 11.1% |
| Social Work | 7.4% | 5.6% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 4.8% | 5.6% |
| Biology, General | 2.5% | 5.6% |
| Political Science and Government | 0.8% | 5.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus reports the lower average net price by $9,982 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $39,928 difference over four years ($43,500 vs $83,428).
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus reports $18,954 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($73,997 vs $55,043). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 77.9% at Southern Connecticut State University and 77.8% at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus. Median federal debt among completers is $22,250 vs $21,500, respectively.
7 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
Southern Connecticut State University vs University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus is cheaper — average net price $10,875 per year vs $20,857 at Southern Connecticut State University. The annual difference of $9,982 adds up to about $39,928 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $73,997 vs $55,043 at Southern Connecticut State University. The gap in the federal data is $18,954. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus is more selective at 86.7% 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.