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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $24,112 |
| Tuition and Fees | $25,736 |
| Room and Board | $12,710 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,677 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,435 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,562 |
| $30–48k | $12,817 |
| $48–75k | $15,178 |
| $75–110k | $18,572 |
| $110k+ | $21,300 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Central Connecticut State University graduates carry median debt of $22,300, slightly above the peer median of $21,105 but within typical ranges for public institutions. Debt levels span from $6,500 at the 25th percentile to $27,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating variation based on family circumstances, program length, and borrowing decisions.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates manageable debt burden, with graduates typically able to service loans at approximately 38% of first-year earnings. Compared to median earnings of $58,562, this debt level requires roughly 4.6 months of gross earnings to equal total borrowing, indicating reasonable financial sustainability.
The slight elevation above peer median debt of $1,195 is more than offset by the $8,446 earnings advantage over peer institutions, creating favorable net financial outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,811 with monthly payments of $248, though families should carefully evaluate this additional debt against their income and other financial obligations.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Central Connecticut State University delivers strong return on investment through the combination of moderate costs and above-average earnings performance. Graduates earn $5,732 beyond expectations relative to their academic and demographic characteristics, placing the university at the 76.0th percentile nationally for value-added performance.
This earnings premium, combined with debt levels just $1,195 above peer institutions, creates favorable investment outcomes for most students. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 indicates that graduates can typically manage loan payments without financial distress, allowing them to benefit from the earnings advantage throughout their careers.
Graduates earn $8,446 more annually than the peer median of $50,116, a premium that compounds over time to create substantial lifetime value. The university's net price of $16,435 sits $2,342 above the peer median, but this cost premium is more than justified by the earnings advantage and value-added performance.
Central Connecticut State University serves 34.9% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial enrollment of students from families earning under $50,000 annually. This Pell share exceeds many institutions with similar admission profiles, reflecting the university's commitment to educational access for lower-income residents.
The $7,677 difference between sticker price and average net price demonstrates meaningful financial aid impact, with aid covering nearly one-third of published costs. The progressive net price structure shows aid concentration toward families with the greatest need, with the lowest-income families receiving implicit aid of $12,550 compared to just $2,812 for the highest-income families.
This approach aligns with the university's role as a public institution serving Connecticut residents across economic circumstances. The substantial gap between published prices and actual net costs means that families should focus on net price calculators rather than sticker prices when evaluating affordability.
