University of Saint Joseph
West Hartford, Connecticut · Private Nonprofit · 78.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 52/100 · Below Average Value
University of Saint Joseph scores 52 (Below Average Value), driven by a 10.1-year payback period, a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.626, and a repayment rate of 68.8%. Net price of $27,989 against median 6-year earnings of $43,100 is an uncomfortable ratio for a small (838 students) Catholic women's college in West Hartford, Connecticut. The 63.8% completion rate is adequate. USJ recently transitioned to coeducation (formerly a women's college), which may affect demographics and enrollment trajectory in coming years. The school's program mix is dominated by nursing and health-adjacent fields, which drive better outcomes than the overall campus average suggests.
University of Saint Joseph
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $47,278/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $47,278/yr |
| Average net price | $27,989/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $111,956 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,908 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $43,100 |
| Median debt at graduation | $27,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $286 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 63.8% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 838 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Saint Joseph is $47,278/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $27,989/year, or roughly $111,956 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $24,563/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $31,958/year.
The median graduate leaves with $27,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $286 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $59,908 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.63 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,563 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,940 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $24,054 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,701 |
| $110,001+ | $31,958 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
The lowest income bracket (0-$30,000) pays $24,563 per year at USJ -- a high net cost for Pell-eligible families. At this price, low-income students face a 10.1-year payback at median earnings. Nursing students have the best case; all other programs are difficult to justify financially for low-income families when Connecticut public options exist at lower cost.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families in the $48,001-75,000 range pay $24,054 per year -- slightly lower than the lowest bracket, an unusual pattern. The $75,001-110,000 bracket pays $27,701. Net prices are compressed across brackets, with limited differentiation by income. Middle-income families choosing USJ over UConn or CCSU should have a specific programmatic or community reason for the private premium.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families earning $110,000+ pay $31,958 per year. At 10.1 years payback, the full-pay case depends on program selection. Nursing graduates at full pay can build a reasonable financial case; other programs cannot. The school's small size and Catholic mission are the primary non-financial differentiators.
Earnings by Major
Top 5 most popular majors at University of Saint Joseph with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $90,587 | B |
| Psychology | $49,532 | C+ |
| Social Work | $59,465 | C+ |
| Biology | $49,383 | C+ |
| Public Health | $52,827 | C+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Registered Nursing is USJ's highest-earning program and its core financial strength: 81 graduates, $86,555 year-one, $90,587 at year four. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.358 (ROI grade B) reflects median debt of $30,990 against strong year-one earnings. Hartford area nursing wages are competitive; the Connecticut healthcare market absorbs USJ nursing graduates into hospital systems including Hartford HealthCare. Year-four earnings are relatively flat ($86k to $90k), consistent with hospital staff nursing scales.
Social Work
Social Work graduates 18 students with $59,465 four-year earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.454 (ROI grade C+) reflects median debt of $27,000 against social work earnings -- workable by social work standards but only because the four-year figure is notably high. Year-one data is unavailable, limiting early-career assessment. At USJ's net price, social work is a marginal financial choice; Connecticut public programs offer comparable training at lower cost.
Psychology
Psychology graduates 23 students with $49,532 four-year earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.545 (ROI grade C+) reflects median debt of $27,000 against year-four earnings in the high-$40s. Year-one data is unavailable. The four-year earnings of $49k suggest some graduate school placement and applied roles in Connecticut's human services sector. At $27,989 annual net price, psychology is a financially marginal choice.
Biology
Biology graduates 14 students with $49,383 four-year earnings. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.547 (ROI grade C+) reflects median debt of $27,000. Year-one data is unavailable. The four-year figure likely reflects pre-professional students (pre-med, pre-PA) who enter healthcare-adjacent roles before completing advanced training. At this small volume, program-level conclusions are limited.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.1% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 68.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 69.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 78.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 410-560 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 440-610 |
| Enrollment | 838 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 32.6% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,639 |
At 78.6% acceptance with SAT Math 410-560, USJ is accessible to most applicants. The test score ranges reflect a broad academic preparation spectrum, consistent with its small-college open-access positioning in the Connecticut market. The school admits nearly four-fifths of applicants; the relevant question for students is whether outcomes at this school justify the private university price versus Connecticut public options.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
USJ's peers include Albertus Magnus College, University of Bridgeport, Heritage University, Bryan College-Dayton, and Whittier College. At ROI 52, USJ scores below the Fair Value threshold. Its nursing outcomes are strong relative to peers, but the school's small size, high net price, and modest completion rate on non-nursing programs limit the overall score. Albertus Magnus College and University of Bridgeport are Connecticut peers in a similar market position.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Saint Joseph (this school) | 52 | $27,989 | $59,908 |
| Bryan College-Dayton | 54 | $20,614 | $54,434 |
| Whittier College | 52 | $25,757 | $59,492 |
| Heritage University | 51 | $14,598 | $49,416 |
| Albertus Magnus College | 39 | $34,028 | $60,144 |
| University of Bridgeport | 27 | $27,807 | $50,323 |
Who Thrives Here
USJ admits 78.6% of applicants with SAT mid-ranges of 410-560 Math and 440-610 Reading -- accessible to most applicants with standard high school preparation. Enrollment of 838 makes this one of the smallest institutions on this site. With 32.7% Pell recipients, the school serves a mixed socioeconomic population. USJ fits students who want a small, faith-based, health-professions-oriented education in the Hartford metro. Nursing students have the most defensible financial case. Students in psychology, biology, or social work face outcomes that are difficult to justify at the $27,989 net price when public alternatives in Connecticut (UConn, Central CT State) cost significantly less.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Saint Joseph is mixed. At $27,989 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $59,908 ten years after entry - a payback period of 10.1 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include concerning loan repayment rates.
Median debt of $27,000 against $59,908 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.