Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State University admits 75.5% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Open Access category, providing broad educational opportunity to students across Connecticut and beyond.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates that Central Connecticut State is somewhat more selective than typical institutions with similar characteristics, though still maintaining accessible admission standards. This level of selectivity means that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though the university does maintain standards as evidenced by the academic profile of enrolled students.

The university's approach reflects its mission as a public institution serving diverse student populations while maintaining academic quality. Students should view Central Connecticut State as an accessible option that combines reasonable admission expectations with solid academic preparation requirements.

For prospective students, this selectivity level indicates that admission is likely for those meeting basic academic benchmarks, making it an excellent choice for students seeking a balanced combination of accessibility and academic rigor. The combination of open access with above-average student outcomes demonstrates the university's effectiveness in supporting student success regardless of admission selectivity.

Central Connecticut State University's published cost of attendance is $24,112 per year, including $12,460 in-state tuition, $12,710 for room and board, and $1,600 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students pay $25,736 in tuition, bringing their total cost to $39,388.

However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $16,435 representing savings of $7,677 from the sticker price. This net price sits $2,342 below the peer median of $14,093, indicating above-average affordability relative to similar public institutions.

The university's financial aid approach creates a progressive cost structure that makes education accessible across income levels while maintaining sustainable revenue. Net prices range from $11,562 for the lowest-income families to $21,300 for the highest-income families, demonstrating substantial aid targeting toward students with the greatest financial need.

Parent PLUS loans average $18,811 with monthly payments of $248, providing additional financing options for families requiring supplemental borrowing. The combination of controlled sticker prices and meaningful financial aid creates an environment where students from diverse economic backgrounds can access higher education without overwhelming financial burden.

Connecticut residents benefit from reasonable in-state tuition that supports the university's mission of serving state residents, while the aid structure ensures that cost does not create insurmountable barriers to enrollment.

Central Connecticut State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression and strong outcomes relative to expectations. Median earnings grow from $49,016 at six years to $56,602 at eight years and $58,562 at ten years, representing 19.5% growth from the early to mid-career period.

These outcomes are based on a ten-year cohort of 381 graduates, providing solid confidence in the reported figures alongside larger cohorts of 422 and 430 graduates at the six and eight-year marks respectively. The university generates $5,732 in earnings beyond expectations, placing it at the 76.0th percentile nationally for value-added performance.

This indicates that graduates achieve significantly stronger outcomes than predicted based on their academic preparation and demographic characteristics. Low-income graduates earn $48,600, demonstrating effective support for economic mobility among students from lower-income backgrounds.

Graduates earn $8,446 more annually than the peer median of $50,116, highlighting the institution's competitive position among similar universities. Approximately 25.0% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education pathways.

Central Connecticut State University offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data for evaluation. Criminology stands out as the university's flagship program, ranking #6 nationally and #1 in Connecticut, graduating 144 students with median earnings of $50,788 and an exceptional value score of 89.8.

Psychology represents the largest program by enrollment, graduating 151 students annually with median earnings of $41,568 and ranking #5 in Connecticut. Business Administration graduates 138 students with median earnings of $60,019, ranking #2 in Connecticut.

Artificial Intelligence, a growing field, graduates 73 students with strong median earnings of $89,745 and ranks #3 in Connecticut. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 108 students earning $69,769, ranking #2 in Connecticut.

Biology graduates 82 students with median earnings of $52,046 and ranks #2 in Connecticut. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces 57 graduates earning $79,413.

The university's program portfolio spans business, health sciences, liberal arts, and emerging technology fields, providing diverse pathways for student career development.