Central Connecticut State University: 76.7% Acceptance Rate

76.7%Acceptance

$12,460Tuition

7,670Students

49%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$58,562Earnings

#16 in ConnecticutPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State University draws 7,670 students who want solid career preparation without the premium price tag. This regional university has built its reputation around teacher education and business programs that connect directly to Connecticut's job market. The large suburban setting in New Britain provides access to both Hartford and smaller Connecticut communities where many graduates find work.

Students here face realistic costs for a four-year degree. The average net price of $16,435 makes this one of Connecticut's more affordable options for a bachelor's degree. Graduates earn a median of $58,562 ten years after starting college, while typical debt loads hit $22,300. Those numbers suggest students get decent value, though the 49% six-year graduation rate means many take longer than expected to finish.

The student body reflects Connecticut's diversity, with 54% white students, 20% Hispanic students, and 13% Black students creating a multicultural campus environment. About 92% of students come from in-state, giving Central Connecticut a strong local feel. The Blue Devils compete in Division I athletics across 12 sports, with 415 student-athletes earning $4.3 million in athletic scholarships. Most students commute or live off-campus since housing serves only 2,364 students.

Academics & Faculty

Central Connecticut State University operates as a regional full university with a strong foundation in teacher education and business programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors, though the 49% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. The university built its reputation training Connecticut's teachers and remains a popular choice for education majors. Business programs attract many students seeking affordable professional preparation. With 76% of students accepted, CCSU serves as an accessible option for Connecticut residents. The university offers traditional liberal arts alongside career-focused programs, balancing academic breadth with practical training for the regional job market.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.3%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 49.3%
Retention Rate: 78.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $58,562
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$198,307
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$108,092
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$87,604
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Certificate	$82,685
Construction Management.	Master	$76,460
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$70,456
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$69,617
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$68,422
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$68,139
Construction Management.	Bachelor	$65,131

View all 119 programs →

Campus Life

Central Connecticut State's suburban campus sits 30 minutes from Hartford and two hours from both Boston and New York City. Students need heavy winter coats for Connecticut's snowy winters and light layers for humid summers. With housing capacity for 2,364 students and total enrollment of 7,670, roughly 30% of students live on campus.

The Blue Devils compete in Division I athletics with 415 student-athletes across 12 varsity sports, creating school spirit around basketball and football games. Students often head to nearby West Farms Mall or drive to Hartford for dining and entertainment on weekends. The campus centers around student life in the residence halls and the student center. With 92% of students coming from Connecticut, many go home on weekends, though campus programming works to keep students engaged. The university's strong education and business programs create a practical, career-focused atmosphere rather than a party school culture. Students describe the environment as close-knit despite the mid-sized enrollment of 7,670.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity: 2,364 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1849

Campus Safety (2023)

31 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Domestic Violence	10	4
Stalking	5	1
Rape	3	2
Fondling	3	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0
Robbery	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–36°F
July Avg: 65°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.8"
Annual Snowfall: 38.6"

Student Demographics

Central Connecticut draws primarily local students, with 92% coming from within Connecticut. The school serves a working-class population, as 35% receive Pell Grants for low-income families. Men slightly outnumber women, reflecting the university's strength in business and technology programs alongside traditional teacher preparation. The student body is increasingly diverse, with students of color making up nearly 40% of enrollment. Most students commute or live nearby, creating a regional university atmosphere where Connecticut residents can earn a four-year degree close to home without the premium price of private colleges.

Men: 54.3%
Women: 45.7%
White: 54.3%
Black: 13.5%
Hispanic: 20.0%
Asian: 5.0%
In-State Students: 92.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 34.9%

Location

Central Connecticut State University sits in New Britain, Connecticut, roughly 10 miles southwest of Hartford. The campus occupies a large suburban setting in central Connecticut's post-industrial landscape. New Britain has transformed from its manufacturing roots into a diverse working-class city with a growing Latino population that now comprises 20% of CCSU's student body. The area offers easy access to both Hartford's urban amenities and Connecticut's rural countryside. With 92.24% of students coming from in-state, the university draws heavily from Connecticut's regional population seeking affordable education close to home. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare Central Connecticut State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: New Britain, Connecticut 06050

Central Connecticut State University view above campus, 10-29-2021

Vance Academic Center, Central Connecticut State University, 2009-09-15

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $58,562
Median Earnings (5 years): $63,695
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 61.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $236/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,300

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Central Connecticut State University?

Central Connecticut State University accepts 76.71% of applicants, making it moderately accessible for prospective students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 940 and 1160 on the SAT, reflecting the university's role as a regional public institution serving Connecticut students.

How much does Central Connecticut State University cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Central Connecticut State University is $16,435, making it an affordable option for many families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,562 on average, while the median debt upon graduation is $22,300.

What are the academics like at Central Connecticut State University?

Central Connecticut State University maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs serving 7,670 students. The university is particularly known for its teacher education and business programs, which align with its mission as a regional state institution.

What do graduates earn after attending Central Connecticut State University?

Central Connecticut State University graduates earn a median salary of $58,562 ten years after graduation. The employment rate stands at 96.3%, though the six-year graduation rate is 49.30%, reflecting the challenges many students face in completing their degrees.

Where do students live at Central Connecticut State University?

Central Connecticut State University houses 2,364 students in on-campus residence halls, with room and board costing $12,710 annually. The suburban campus in New Britain serves primarily Connecticut residents, with 92.24% of students coming from in-state.

Does Central Connecticut State University compete in Division I athletics?

Central Connecticut State University fields 12 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division I as the Blue Devils. The athletic program supports 415 student-athletes with $4.3 million in scholarship funding through the Northeast Conference.