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 gives you a middling financial return that depends heavily on what you study. Median earnings ten years out land near $55,000 against a median debt of $22,250, so the typical graduate carries manageable debt and earns a modest wage. The problem is the 47.8% graduation rate: fewer than half of you finish, and dropping out with loans and no degree is the biggest financial risk here.
Your major decides everything. Nursing is the clear win, paying around $71,000 with the lowest debt of any top program at $19,000. Computer and Information Sciences pays well too, though you borrow more to get there. After that, the returns drop sharply. Special Education, Business Administration, and general Education all pay in the low-to-mid $40,000s while piling up $23,000 to $26,000 in debt. If you enter teaching or general business through Southern, expect debt that rivals nursing's for wages roughly $25,000 lower.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay around $18,000 a year. That figure barely moves for the $48,000-$75,000 band, then jumps to $23,340 and $26,783 as income rises past $75,000. Higher-earning families pay close to full freight here.
This school fits you if you're aiming for nursing or computing and qualify for the lower net price tiers. Those two paths justify the cost. It fits poorly if you plan to study education or general business and pay the top-tier price, because the debt-to-earnings math doesn't work. Whatever you pick, the sub-50% graduation rate means finishing is the single decision that determines whether any of this pays off.
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.