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University of New Haven

West Haven, CT | Private Nonprofit | University

University of New Haven is a private nonprofit university in West Haven, CT ranked #1815 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of C-, enrolling about 4,799 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 80.5%. Students most often pursue Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering and Civil Engineering.

Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 18:1 student-faculty ratio, 77.2% first-year retention, and 59.2% six-year graduation. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.

Families typically invest $34,089, about $17,091 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -680.5%, roughly 148.8 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $49,829. That's about $6,141 higher than national results. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

C-
Ranking
#1815 of 1,966
How We Rank Schools
At a Glance
Ranking
#1815 of 1,966 (Top 92.3%)
Tuition
$45,730
Net Price
$34,089
4-Year Tuition
$182,920
Acceptance Rate
80.5%
Transfer Rate
0.0%
Student Population
4,799
Student-Faculty
18:1
Graduation Rate
59.2%
Retention Rate
77.2%
6-Yr Earnings
$49,829
ROI
-680.5%

Who is University of New Haven Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#1815 of 1,966
Top 92.3% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
7.7 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
0.39 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B
#742 of 1,966
Affordability
C-
#1,795 of 1,966
Support
B-
#1,387 of 1,966
Career Outcomes
C-
#1,824 of 1,966

University of New Haven graduates 59.2% of students within six years and keeps 77.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C- compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$28,133-$36,975 annual net price based on family income.
Will you graduate?
Likely
59.2% finish within six years. 50.4% complete in four years.
Will you get a job?
Challenging
33.9% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $49,829. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use University of New Haven's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$255,880
$63,970 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$153,400
$34,089 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: 50.4% | 6-Year Rate: 59.2%
Most students finish in about four to five years. Four-year completion is 50.4% and six-year completion is 59.2%.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$63,970
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$34,089
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $45,730
Books and Supplies $1,240
On-Campus Room and Board $19,954
On-Campus Other Expenses $2,680
Total On-Campus Cost $63,970

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
27.4%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 27.4% of University of New Haven students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$28,133
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K
$30,001 - $48,000
$29,345
Average annual cost for families earning $30K-$48K
$48,001 - $75,000
$32,749
Average annual cost for families earning $48K-$75K
$75,001 - $110,000
$35,868
Average annual cost for families earning $75K-$110K
$110,001+
$36,975
Average annual cost for families earning $110K+

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $28,133 to $36,975 depending on family income. Use University of New Haven's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$126,598
$30K-$48K families
~$132,052
$48K-$75K families
~$147,370
$75K-$110K families
~$161,406
AFFORDABILITY ALERT

If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $35,868/year

If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $36,975/year

See all income brackets →

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-680.5%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $49,829
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $49,829
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $20,475
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 69.7%
  • Employment Rate 33.9%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for University of New Haven graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $49,829 six years after enrollment — roughly 14% above the national median.
Payback Period
3.08 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

University of New Haven vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how University of New Haven's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes University of New Haven's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While University of New Haven graduates earn $49,829 median, the -63.5% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
80.5%
Lightly Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading 560-640
  • SAT Math 530-620
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACT Required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 4,799
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 77.2%
  • Graduation Rate 59.2%
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 18:1

How to Get Into University of New Haven

1. Meet Academic Requirements: University of New Haven requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 80.5%, University of New Haven is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

EDsmart Insight: With a 80.5% acceptance rate, University of New Haven is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1090 and 1260 on the SAT.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among University of New Haven undergraduates. Criminal Justice and Corrections, Security Science and Technology, and Business Administration, Management and Operations draw the most students.

  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 22.4%
  • Security Science and Technology 9.3%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 6.2%
  • Psychology, General 6.0%
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting a 5.7%
  • Fire Protection 4.0%
See more majors
  • Biology, General 3.9%
  • Music 3.6%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering $100,639
  • 2. Civil Engineering $91,932
  • 3. Mechanical Engineering $90,370
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Accounting and Related Services $81,455
  • 5. Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $80,599
  • 6. Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate) $77,792
  • 7. Security Science and Technology $75,772
  • 8. Dental Support Services and Allied Professions $73,155
  • 9. Fire Protection $70,284
  • 10. Biology, General $66,604

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Health and Medical Administrative Services (Master's Degree) $100,114
  • 2. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Master's Degree) $95,144
  • 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $75,479
Show additional graduate majors
  • 4. Public Administration (Master's Degree) $73,170
  • 5. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $73,027
  • 6. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $72,105
  • 7. Security Science and Technology (Master's Degree) $65,802
  • 8. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $57,277

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering grads earn $100,639—51% more than Biology, General ($66,604). Graduate: Health and Medical Administrative Services programs lead with $100,114 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard reports fully online programs for University of New Haven. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Most Popular Online Degrees

  • Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degree, 244 graduates)
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 167 graduates)
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree, 143 graduates)
  • Security Science and Technology (Bachelor's Degree, 101 graduates)
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degree, 72 graduates)

What This School Offers Online, at a Glance

College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.

Online Bachelor's Degrees (50 programs)â–¼
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Psychology, General
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
  • Fire Protection
  • Biology, General
  • Music
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
  • Dental Support Services and Allied Professions
  • Design and Applied Arts
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Civil Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Marketing
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Interior Architecture
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Political Science and Government
  • Economics
  • Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Genetics
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • English Language and Literature, General
  • Computer Engineering
  • Natural Resources Management and Policy
  • Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • International/Global Studies
  • History
  • Engineering, General
  • Homeland Security
  • Sustainability Studies
  • Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians
  • Public Administration
  • Mathematics
  • Information Science/Studies
  • Biology Technician/Biotechnology Laboratory Technician
  • Applied Mathematics
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • International Business
Online Master's Degrees (34 programs)â–¼
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering
  • Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences
  • Public Administration
  • Biomedical/Medical Engineering
  • Natural Resources Conservation and Research
  • Civil Engineering
  • Taxation
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
  • Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
  • Accounting and Related Services
  • Fire Protection
  • Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Hospitality Administration/Management
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Engineering-Related Fields
  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Education, General
  • Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology
  • Computer Science
  • Computer Engineering
  • Chemistry
Online Doctoral Degrees (1 program)â–¼
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (26 programs)â–¼
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services, Other
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other
  • Human Resources Management and Services
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Taxation
  • Public Administration
  • Computer and Information Sciences, General
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
  • Psychology, Other
  • Marketing
  • International Relations and National Security Studies
  • Health and Physical Education/Fitness
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Geography and Cartography
  • Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services
  • Fire Protection
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Finance and Financial Management Services
  • Engineering, Other
  • Computer Programming
  • Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
  • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
  • Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology
  • Accounting and Related Services
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (7 programs)â–¼
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections
  • Legal Support Services
  • Security Science and Technology
  • Fine and Studio Arts
  • Homeland Security
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services
  • Fire Protection

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 4,799
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 42.3%
  • Female Students 57.7%
  • Caucasian 53.7%
  • Asian 3.1%
  • Hispanic 20.7%
  • Black 10.8%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 27.4%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects University of New Haven's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of University of New Haven's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of New Haven support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
50.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
62.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
11.9 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of New Haven, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does University of New Haven support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
50.7%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
62.6%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
11.9 pts
equity gap to monitor

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity

Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity

Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at University of New Haven, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.

Our Take

University of New Haven offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -63.5% ROI. Ranked #1815 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.

The $34,089 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $49,829 median earnings. With 59.2% graduating within six years and 77.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.

Private University Value: University of New Haven's Positioning

With a C- grade and #1815 ranking, University of New Haven competes in the crowded regional private university market.

The Private University Premium: At $34,089 annually, University of New Haven charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 77.2% retention rate suggests students value this environment.

Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $23,862 achieve particularly strong value.

Cost-Benefit Reality: The -63.5% ROI and $49,829 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $24,089+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.

Competitive Standing: University of New Haven ranks #1815 of 1966 institutions, with 1550 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.

Key Takeaways

  • 59.2% six-year graduation rate sits 3.2 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
  • 77.2% first-year retention is 0.4 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -63.5% return on investment is 148.8 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $49,829 run about 14% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $34,089 is roughly $14,180 higher than the national median of $19,910.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 18:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 77.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 33.9% employment rate within three years sits 34.3 points below national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Average net price of $34,089 is about $14,180 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
  • Pell participation at 27.4% trails the national share by 6.0 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

EDsmart rates University of New Haven—a private nonprofit university in West Haven, CT—at C- overall. It stands at #1815 among 1966 schools Grades by category break down as Completion B, Support B-, Career Outcomes C-, and Affordability C-.

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

Student momentum is strong: 77.2% retention and 59.2% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -63.5% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $34,089 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $63,970.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $29,881 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $20,475 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 27.4% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Six years in, alumni earn roughly $49,829 at the median. That sits about 14% above the national median.

Employment outcomes report about 33.9% of alumni working within three years.

The ROI comes in near -63.5%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

80.5% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the University of New Haven admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
0.39 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how University of New Haven stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
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Contact Information

  • AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Endowment$86.9M

Data Source & Methodology â–¼