Students at Central Connecticut State University achieve meaningful economic mobility, with low-income graduates earning more than at most comparable public institutions nationwide.
The university combines broad access with proven upward mobility outcomes, making it particularly valuable for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking financial advancement.
Azimuth ranks Central Connecticut State University among the middle tier of public four-year institutions nationwide, but this regional university punches well above its weight in economic mobility outcomes. Nearly 35% of students receive Pell Grants and 39% are first-generation college students, yet graduates consistently achieve earnings that exceed expectations by more than $5,700 annually compared with similar students at other institutions.
What makes CCSU particularly compelling is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. The university delivers a 72nd percentile performance for low-income student earnings, meaning graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds fare better here than at most comparable public universities. This combination of accessibility and results reflects CCSU's practical, career-focused approach to higher education.
As a medium-sized public university in Connecticut, CCSU offers the personal attention of a regional institution with the academic breadth and employer connections needed for solid career outcomes. For families seeking reliable return on investment without the premium pricing of flagship universities, CCSU represents a particularly strong value proposition in New England higher education.
Central Connecticut State University's program portfolio reflects a practical, career-oriented approach that directly supports its strong mobility outcomes. Accounting emerges as the standout program, combining substantial enrollment of 126 graduates with solid median earnings of $51,106, creating the highest aggregate economic impact among all majors. This reflects both student demand and employer need for accounting professionals in Connecticut's business landscape.
Engineering programs deliver the strongest individual earnings potential, with Mechanical Engineering graduates earning $69,617 early in their careers despite the program's smaller scale of 40 graduates. This premium reflects the technical skills and industry connections that engineering programs provide, positioning graduates for immediate entry into well-paying manufacturing and technology roles throughout the region.
The university's most popular major, Psychology, enrolls 151 students but shows more modest early-career earnings of $30,650, typical for a field that often requires additional education or experience for maximum earning potential. Biology follows a similar pattern with 82 graduates earning around $31,133, reflecting the foundational nature of life sciences education that often leads to graduate school or specialized training. Together, these programs demonstrate CCSU's comprehensive approach to serving students with diverse academic interests while maintaining focus on practical career outcomes.
Central Connecticut State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $58,562 ten years after enrollment. More importantly, graduates earn about $5,732 more annually than similar students at other institutions, reflecting CCSU's ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations. This earnings advantage places the university at the 60th percentile nationally for return on investment, demonstrating consistent value creation for students across different academic backgrounds.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its professional and technical programs. Accounting stands out as both highly enrolled and financially rewarding, with 126 graduates earning a median of $51,106 and generating the highest aggregate return among all programs. Mechanical Engineering delivers the strongest individual earnings at $69,617 for its 40 graduates, while Psychology remains the most popular major with 151 graduates despite more modest early-career earnings of $30,650. Biology rounds out the major program areas with 82 graduates earning around $31,133, typical for life sciences fields that often require additional education for maximum earning potential.
This program mix reflects CCSU's practical orientation toward career preparation. The university's strength in business, engineering, and applied fields helps explain why graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, as these programs connect directly to stable, well-paying career paths in Connecticut's diverse economy.
Central Connecticut State University offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay approximately $11,562 annually in net price, well below national averages for public universities, while middle-income families face costs around $15,178 per year. Even higher-income families pay a reasonable $21,300 annually, reflecting CCSU's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain manageable for most CCSU graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $22,300, a moderate level that aligns well with the university's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,811, lower than many comparable institutions and reflecting families' ability to cover substantial costs through grants, work-study, and savings rather than relying heavily on borrowing. The university's zero percent federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes CCSU particularly sustainable financially is the strong relationship between what students borrow and what they ultimately earn. With median earnings approaching $59,000 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building financial stability. The combination of reasonable upfront costs and solid long-term earnings creates a financial pathway that works for families across different income levels.
Central Connecticut State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
