Head-to-head · 2026
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus vs University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus
Compare average net price ($16,403 at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus; $10,875 at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus), ROI score (11.28 vs 17.01), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($73,997 vs $73,997), and admissions selectivity (88.3% acceptance at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus; 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 | University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 11.28 | 17.01 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,403 | $10,875 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $65,612 | $43,500 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $18,130 | $18,140 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $40,798 | $40,808 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $73,997 | $73,997 |
| Acceptance rate | 88.3% | 86.7% |
| Graduation rate | 65.1% ✓ | 52.7% |
| Retention rate | 83.7% ✓ | 77.8% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,500 |
| Enrollment | 1,525 | 733 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1073 | 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 | University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $9,625 | $5,604 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,403 | $5,463 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $14,702 | $11,490 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $19,306 | $15,621 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,777 | $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 | University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus | University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General | 16.7% | 16.7% |
| Economics | 16.7% | 16.7% |
| Communication and Media Studies | 11.1% | 11.1% |
| Mechanical Engineering | 5.6% | 5.6% |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services | 5.6% | 5.6% |
| Biology, General | 5.6% | 5.6% |
| Social Work | 5.6% | 5.6% |
| Political Science and Government | 5.6% | 5.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus reports the lower average net price by $5,528 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $22,112 difference over four years ($43,500 vs $65,612).
Both schools report school-wide median earnings of $73,997 ten years after entry.
First-year retention is 83.7% at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus and 77.8% at University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus. Median federal debt among completers is $21,500 vs $21,500, 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
University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus 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 $16,403 at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus. The annual difference of $5,528 adds up to about $22,112 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Both schools report the same school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $73,997. Use price, debt, graduation rate and program fit to separate the choices.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus is more selective at 86.7% acceptance vs 88.3% at University of Connecticut-Hartford Campus.
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.