At $16,435/yr net price, Central Connecticut State University graduates earn $58,562/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,562/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,435 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $65,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,562/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,562/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,300 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,562/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,817/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,178/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,572/yr |
| $110,001+ | $21,300/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $198,307 | $46,990 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $108,092 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $87,604 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $82,685 | $20,503 |
| Construction Management. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $70,456 | $21,760 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $69,617 | $23,091 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $68,422 | $18,625 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $68,139 | $25,000 |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $65,131 | $20,239 |
The Risk Factor
49.3% of students at Central Connecticut State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Central Connecticut State University offers solid financial returns for select programs but comes with significant completion risks that can derail your investment. The 49% graduation rate means half of students never finish their degree, leaving them with debt but no credential.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning nearly $200,000 annually. Construction Management and Business Administration also deliver strong returns that justify the investment. However, many other programs at CCSU struggle to provide compelling financial outcomes given the state's competitive job market and the school's middling reputation among Connecticut employers.
Your biggest financial risk is not graduating. The low completion rate suggests CCSU admits students who aren't well-prepared for college-level work, and the 79% retention rate indicates many students leave after freshman year. If you're not academically ready or lack strong study habits, you could easily become part of the half who don't finish.
CCSU makes financial sense if you're pursuing nursing, construction management, or business and you're confident you can handle the academic demands. In-state students benefit from reasonable tuition costs, and the relatively low debt load won't crush you if you complete your degree in a marketable field.
Skip CCSU if you're considering weaker programs or if your high school performance suggests you might struggle with college coursework. Connecticut has stronger state universities that offer better graduation rates and employer recognition. The school's limited financial aid reach means you'll likely pay close to full price unless you qualify for significant need-based assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Central Connecticut State University worth the cost?
Central Connecticut State University offers decent value with a net price of $16,435 and graduates earning $58,562 after 10 years. However, the 49% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which significantly impacts ROI for those who drop out.
What are the best paying majors at Central Connecticut State University?
Nursing programs lead earnings at CCSU, with registered nursing graduates earning around $198,000 and nursing administration reaching similar levels. Business and construction management also perform well, while education administration varies widely from $82,000 to $108,000.
How much student debt do Central Connecticut State University graduates have?
CCSU graduates leave with a median debt of $22,300, which is manageable given the $58,562 average earnings after 10 years. The debt-to-income ratio suggests most graduates can handle their loan payments.
Does Central Connecticut State University have good job placement rates?
CCSU's main concern is its 49% graduation rate, meaning half of students never finish their degree. For those who do graduate, the $58,562 average salary suggests reasonable job market outcomes, especially in nursing and business programs.