Head-to-Head Comparison
Emory University vs University of Connecticut
- Emory Wins
- 33
- Tied
- 10
- Connecticut Wins
- 11
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Emory University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $22,585 vs University of Connecticut's $25,097, Emory University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Emory University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Emory
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $80,137 ten years after enrollment, 8% more than University of Connecticut
- Lower cost: Average net price of $22,585, roughly $2,512 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 91% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $18,250, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 1.8%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 11% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #61
Connecticut
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Emory graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (23% of degrees); Connecticut in Social Sciences (13%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Emory University over University of Connecticut. Median earnings of $80,137 ten years after enrollment vs $73,997.
Pick Emory University over University of Connecticut. Net price $22,585 vs $25,097.
Pick Emory University over University of Connecticut. THE World Rank #61 vs #251-275.
Pick Emory University over University of Connecticut. 1.8% mobility rate vs 1.7%.
Pick Emory University over University of Connecticut. 91% completion rate vs 84%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Emory University and University of Connecticut are close on paper, but Emory University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Emory University is the harder admit. It takes 11% of applicants, while University of Connecticut takes 52%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,520 to 1,348.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Emory University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Emory University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $22,585, about $2,512 a year below University of Connecticut's $25,097. Graduates of Emory University also borrow less: median debt of $18,250, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $10,048 before any change in aid. Choosing Emory University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Emory University graduates report median earnings of $80,137, compared with $73,997 at University of Connecticut. That is a 8% advantage. Set against borrowing, Emory University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 8% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Emory University graduates a larger share of its students, 91% versus 84%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 8% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Emory University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 1.8%; at University of Connecticut, it is 1.7%. University of Connecticut also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 3.7% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.6%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Emory University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Emory University sits higher, at #61 versus #251.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Emory University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Emory University concentrates enrollment in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Connecticut leans toward Health Professions. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
No strong negative signals — Emory competes well across the dimensions measured.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $21,500, against $18,250 at Emory University.
- Business and consulting-track students: University of Connecticut has less business program depth, and Emory University offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Connecticut's enrollment of 19,835 far exceeds Emory University's 7,298.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Emory holds onto its admits more tightly: 40% of admitted students enroll, versus 15% at Connecticut — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Test scores matter less at Connecticut, where only about 41% of enrolled freshmen submitted any SAT or ACT.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Emory University
Atlanta, GA · Private nonprofit
Emory University has an impressive graduation rate of 91%. This high percentage reflects the strong support systems in place for students and their ability to successfully navigate their academic journeys. With an acceptance rate of just 11%, Emory attracts a competitive pool of applicants, ensuring a diverse and engaged student body.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Emory's graduates earn a median salary of $80,137 ten years after enrollment. This earning potential suggests that students are well-prepared for the job market, particularly in fields like business, health professions, and social sciences. While detailed mobility rates are not available, the strong outcomes indicate that students from various socioeconomic backgrounds can succeed here.
The net price for attending Emory is $22,585, with a median debt of $18,250. This financial framework allows many students to graduate with manageable debt levels. Emory is ideal for motivated students who thrive in an academically rigorous environment and seek strong career outcomes post-graduation.
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CT · Public
More than 19,800 students call the University of Connecticut home, making it one of the largest public universities in New England. With an acceptance rate of 52%, it balances accessibility and selectivity, welcoming a diverse range of students to its Storrs campus.
Graduates from UConn see a strong return on investment, with a median earnings figure of $73,997 ten years after graduation. Although specific mobility rates are not available, the high graduation rate of 84% suggests that the majority of students successfully complete their degrees, which is a strong indicator of positive outcomes for those who enroll.
Attending UConn costs an average net price of $25,097, while 25% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a commitment to helping lower-income students access higher education. With a median debt of $21,500, graduates leave with manageable financial burdens. Students thrive in programs like Business & Marketing, Health Professions, and Engineering, where strong career paths are prevalent.
Rankings They Appear On
Emory University is featured on the Best Nursing Colleges in Georgia ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Emory's top program is Business Administration (23% of enrollment), while Connecticut leads with Sociology (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Emory) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Connecticut).
The two schools feed different job markets. Emory University is strongest in Biology & Biomedical, while University of Connecticut concentrates in Engineering. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Emory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Emory University or University of Connecticut?
Emory University is harder to get into, admitting 11% of applicants compared with 52% at University of Connecticut.
Which is more affordable, Emory University or University of Connecticut?
Emory University is more affordable, with an average net price of $22,585 after aid versus $25,097 at University of Connecticut.
Do Emory University or University of Connecticut graduates earn more?
Emory University graduates earn more: median earnings of $80,137 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut.
Which has a better graduation rate, Emory University or University of Connecticut?
Emory University has the higher graduation rate, 91% versus 84%.
Emory University vs University of Connecticut: which is better for social mobility?
Emory University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 1.8% versus 1.7%.
Should you choose Emory University or University of Connecticut?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Emory University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
More Comparisons
View all →Weigh Your Options
Best Colleges in America
How do Emory and Connecticut stack up against regional and national alternatives when evaluated on pure socioeconomic mobility, graduate earnings, and long-term return on investment? Explore the full, verified dataset on our comprehensive rankings directory.
