Head-to-Head Comparison
George Washington University vs University of Connecticut
- George Washington Wins
- 26
- Tied
- 7
- Connecticut Wins
- 15
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, University of Connecticut offers a significantly safer investment tier. While George Washington University achieves a higher graduation rate (85% vs 84%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $36,586 compared to University of Connecticut's $25,097 for in-state paths. Students who choose University of Connecticut benefit from a cost structure that keeps debt manageable while maintaining competitive graduate earnings of $73,997 at ten years.
48 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
George Washington
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, 23% more than University of Connecticut
- Less debt: Median debt of $20,449, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 47% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #95
Connecticut
- Lower cost: Average net price of $25,097, roughly $11,489 a year less
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
George Washington graduates concentrate in Social Sciences (32% of degrees); Connecticut in Business & Marketing (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 George Washington University over University of Connecticut. Median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment vs $73,997.
Pick University of Connecticut over George Washington University. Net price $25,097 vs $36,586.
Pick George Washington University over University of Connecticut. THE World Rank #95 vs #251-275.
Pick George Washington University over University of Connecticut. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.7%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
George Washington University and University of Connecticut are close on paper, but George Washington University wins the head-to-head, leading on 5 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
George Washington University is the harder admit. It takes 47% of applicants, while University of Connecticut takes 52%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,433 to 1,348.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, George Washington 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, University of Connecticut comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $25,097, about $11,489 a year below George Washington University's $36,586. Graduates of George Washington University also borrow less: median debt of $20,449, against $21,500.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $45,956 before any change in aid. Choosing University of Connecticut leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, George Washington University graduates report median earnings of $90,873, compared with $73,997 at University of Connecticut. That is a 23% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Washington University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.23x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 23% 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.
Moving people up
George Washington University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at University of Connecticut, it is 1.7%. George Washington University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 5.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.7%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Washington 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, George Washington University sits higher, at #95 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 University of Connecticut to keep costs and debt down; pick George Washington University for the higher earnings ceiling.
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
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. University of Connecticut saves about $11,489 a year, yet George Washington University graduates earn $16,876 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,586 runs well above University of Connecticut's $25,097.
- Business and consulting-track students: George Washington University has less business program depth, and University of Connecticut offers the stronger options.
- Students who want a smaller campus: University of Connecticut's enrollment of 19,835 far exceeds George Washington University's 11,182.
Full Data Breakdown
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 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
George Washington University
Washington, DC · Private nonprofit
George Washington University reports a striking graduation rate of 85%. This figure reflects the university's commitment to student success and its supportive academic environment. With a significant portion of students completing their degrees, GWU stands out for those seeking reliable pathways to graduation.
The earnings potential for graduates is compelling. Alumni earn an average of $90,873 within ten years of graduation. This income level positions graduates well within the job market, contributing to long-term financial stability. Although specific mobility data is not available, the high graduation rate suggests that many students are likely to improve their economic circumstances through their education at GWU.
The net price for attending George Washington University is $36,586, with a median debt of $20,449. This balance makes it an appealing choice for students who can manage costs while aiming for solid post-graduate earnings. GWU attracts those interested in fields like social sciences, health professions, and business, where graduates find ample opportunities to thrive in Washington, D.C.'s dynamic job market.
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
University of Connecticut is featured on the Best Communications Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
Top Degree Programs
George Washington's top program is Sociology (32% of enrollment), while Connecticut leads with Business Administration (13%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Washington) and Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Connecticut).
The two schools feed different job markets. George Washington University is strongest in Computer Science & IT, 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.
George Washington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into George Washington University or University of Connecticut?
George Washington University is harder to get into, admitting 47% of applicants compared with 52% at University of Connecticut.
Which is more affordable, George Washington University or University of Connecticut?
University of Connecticut is more affordable, with an average net price of $25,097 after aid versus $36,586 at George Washington University.
Do George Washington University or University of Connecticut graduates earn more?
George Washington University graduates earn more: median earnings of $90,873 ten years after enrollment, versus $73,997 at University of Connecticut.
Which has a better graduation rate, George Washington University or University of Connecticut?
George Washington University has the higher graduation rate, 85% versus 84%.
George Washington University vs University of Connecticut: which is better for social mobility?
George Washington University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.7%.
Should you choose George Washington University or University of Connecticut?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose University of Connecticut if affordability and lower debt come first; choose George Washington University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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How do George Washington 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.
