At $20,877/yr net price, Southern Connecticut State University graduates earn $55,043/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,043/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,877 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,043/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,043/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,250 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,568/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,126/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,938/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,340/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,783/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 | $106,421 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $75,072 | $31,946 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $19,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $71,015 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,706 | $29,500 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $58,221 | $24,713 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Certificate | $57,318 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $56,415 | $20,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Certificate | $56,234 | |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $54,032 | $23,120 |
The Risk Factor
47.8% of students at Southern 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
Southern Connecticut State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $55,043 after ten years barely justifying the $20,877 annual net price. The 47.8% graduation rate means more than half of students never finish their degrees, making this a high-risk investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually and manageable debt loads around $19,000. Educational administration also pays well at $75,000, though debt climbs to nearly $32,000. Business management graduates earn $64,706 but carry $29,500 in debt, creating a less favorable return.
You face significant risk if you choose programs outside these top earners. With such low graduation rates, you could easily spend years accumulating debt without finishing your degree. The 75.8% retention rate suggests many students struggle in their first year.
This school works financially if you can get into nursing or education administration and have strong academic preparation to beat the graduation odds. You should avoid SCSU if you're considering liberal arts, undecided majors, or any program not listed among the top earners.
The relatively low percentage of students receiving aid (37.3%) suggests limited financial assistance opportunities. Connecticut residents benefit most from the in-state tuition advantage, while out-of-state students face poor value given the weak earning outcomes and high risk of not graduating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Connecticut State University worth the cost?
Southern Connecticut State University offers mixed value with a net price of $20,877 and median earnings of $55,043 after 10 years. The low graduation rate of 48% creates significant risk that students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
What are the best paying programs at Southern Connecticut State University?
Nursing programs at Southern Connecticut State University provide the strongest return, with graduates earning over $100,000 annually. Educational administration graduates earn around $71,000-75,000, while business graduates typically earn $64,706.
How much student debt do Southern Connecticut State University graduates have?
Southern Connecticut State University graduates have a median debt of $22,250, which is manageable for nursing graduates but creates financial strain for lower-earning majors. The relatively low debt level helps offset concerns about the modest post-graduation earnings.
Does Southern Connecticut State University have good job outcomes?
Southern Connecticut State University graduates earn $55,043 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 48% graduation rate means many students leave without degrees, making this a high-risk investment for students who struggle academically.