At $18,617/yr net price, Western Connecticut State University graduates earn $59,115/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $25,115/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,617 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $74,468 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $59,115/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$25,115/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 50.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,147 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,055/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,942/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,697/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,825/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,946/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. | Bachelor | $75,104 | $26,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,995 | $24,250 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | $21,082 |
| Education, General. | Master | $56,867 | |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $46,321 | $19,000 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $46,087 | $40,519 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $45,340 | $27,000 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $41,464 | $20,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $41,441 | $19,750 |
The Risk Factor
50.2% of students at Western 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
Western Connecticut State University delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median 10-year earnings of just $59,115 despite a net price approaching $19,000 annually. The combination of low graduation rates and modest post-graduation salaries creates significant financial risk for your investment.
Nursing stands out as the clear exception, generating $75,104 in median earnings that justify the program costs. Computer science and management information systems also provide reasonable returns at $57,318, particularly given MIS graduates carry lower debt loads at $21,082. Education majors earn $56,867, which may work if you plan to stay in Connecticut's relatively higher-paying districts, but the financial outlook remains tight given typical teacher salary progression.
The 50% graduation rate represents your biggest financial risk. Dropping out leaves you with debt but no degree, and the 70% retention rate suggests many students struggle academically or financially after freshman year. Only 35% of students receive financial aid, indicating limited institutional support for affordability.
This school makes financial sense if you can get into nursing or computer science programs and have strong academic preparation to avoid the dropout risk. Connecticut residents benefit from the public tuition structure, but out-of-state students should look elsewhere given the weak return on investment.
Avoid Western Connecticut State if you're considering liberal arts majors, uncertain about your academic readiness, or need substantial financial aid. The combination of modest earning potential and significant dropout risk creates a problematic financial equation that better-performing regional universities can solve more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Western Connecticut State University worth the cost?
Western Connecticut State University offers mixed value with graduates earning $59,115 after 10 years against $24,147 in median debt. The nursing programs provide strong ROI at $75,104 in earnings, but the 50% graduation rate means half of students don't finish their degrees.
What are the best paying majors at Western Connecticut State University?
Nursing programs lead earnings at Western Connecticut State University with $75,104 annually, followed by accounting at $57,995. Computer science and management information systems both earn around $57,318, while education majors earn $56,867.
How much debt do Western Connecticut State University graduates have?
Western Connecticut State University graduates carry a median debt of $24,147, which is manageable compared to the $59,115 average earnings 10 years after graduation. This creates a reasonable debt-to-income ratio for most programs.
Does Western Connecticut State University have a good graduation rate?
Western Connecticut State University has a 50% graduation rate, meaning half of students don't complete their degrees. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's value proposition since students who don't graduate still accumulate debt without the degree's earning potential.