Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Central Connecticut State University vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $35,444 to $89,745 depending on career path. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data, not reputation or prestige.
Analyzing 37 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out nationally for rankings, earnings performance, and enrollment scale.
#83 nationally
$85K median earnings
This bar shows the range of median earnings across all majors at this school.
The tables below compare programs in each category by earnings, debt, national rank, and enrollment size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Central Connecticut State University.
This cluster produces the university's highest-earning graduates, led by Artificial Intelligence with median earnings of $89,745 ranking #82 nationally and graduating 73 students. Mechanical Engineering graduates earn $82,394, ranking #175 nationally with 40 graduates annually.
These technical programs demonstrate the university's growing strength in high-demand STEM fields, though they represent smaller enrollment compared to business and liberal arts programs. Students pursuing this path typically achieve the strongest return on investment but should expect rigorous academic requirements and competitive job markets requiring technical expertise.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Program outcomes vary significantly at the same institution because different fields lead to different career paths and labor market conditions. A Computer Science graduate and an English graduate from the same university will typically earn different amounts based on industry demand, not educational quality. These rankings reflect post-graduation employment outcomes using Department of Education data that tracks graduates' earnings through federal tax records. Programs must have sufficient graduates to ensure reliable data, typically requiring at least 10 graduates annually over multiple years. Rankings compare outcomes within each major across all institutions offering that program, providing national context for program performance. This methodology evaluates career results rather than educational prestige, helping students understand the employment and financial implications of their academic choices.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
| #83 |
| $89,745★ |
| — |
| 73 |
| Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician. | #4 | $84,550 | — | 22 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | #179 | $82,394 | — | 40 |
| Civil Engineering, General. | #79 | $81,842 | — | 21 |
| Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician. | #9 | $77,985 | — | 32 |
| Computer Support Specialist. | #20 | $66,665 | — | 28 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.Small sample | #8 | $60,839 | — | 19 |
Business programs at Central Connecticut State deliver consistently strong earnings with graduates typically earning $60,000-$70,000 annually. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out nationally, ranking #61 with graduates earning $69,769, while Business Administration (#128 nationally) and Accounting Technology (#122 nationally) provide solid foundations with earnings of $60,019 and $62,665 respectively.
Digital Marketing produces graduates earning $57,241 with growing enrollment of 78 students. These programs benefit from moderate debt levels and strong employer demand in Connecticut's business corridors, making them well-suited for students prioritizing stable employment and earnings growth.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management, General. | #17 | $81,318★ | — | 36 |
| Information Resources Management. | #27 | $80,858 | — | 46 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #59 | $69,769 | $11,000 | 108 |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #117 | $62,665 | $16,422 | 126 |
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #124 | $60,019 | $15,000 | 138 |
| Digital Marketing. | #94 | $57,241 | $25,715 | 78 |
| Brewery/Brewpub Operations/Management.Small sample | #59 | $44,567 | — | 14 |
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing produces graduates earning $79,413 with strong employment prospects, ranking #121 nationally and graduating 57 students annually. The program carries median debt of $18,630, creating excellent debt-to-earnings ratios given healthcare sector stability and growth.
Nursing represents one of the university's strongest professional programs with clear career pathways and above-average earnings. This field is well-suited for students seeking stable employment, strong earnings growth, and meaningful community impact through healthcare delivery.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #117 | $79,413 | $18,630 | 57 |
Science programs blend strong academic preparation with moderate earnings outcomes, ranging from Biology at $52,046 to Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at $54,629. Biology ranks #105 nationally and #2 in Connecticut, graduating 82 students, while Biochemistry ranks impressively at #36 nationally with 57 graduates.
Algebra and Number Theory graduates earn $58,395 with 42 students enrolled. These programs serve students planning graduate school or health professions, with approximately 25% continuing to advanced study.
Best suited for students prioritizing intellectual development and graduate school preparation over immediate earnings maximization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Number Theory. | #137 | $58,395★ | — | 42 |
| Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. | #37 | $54,629 | — | 57 |
| Biology, General. | #105 | $52,046 | $11,171 | 82 |
Psychology leads enrollment with 151 graduates earning $41,568 and ranking #5 in Connecticut, while Criminology delivers exceptional value with graduates earning $50,788 ranking #6 nationally and #1 in Connecticut. Forensic Social Work produces 54 graduates earning $51,042, ranking #31 nationally.
These programs demonstrate the university's particular strength in law enforcement and social services preparation, reflecting Connecticut's need for qualified professionals. Best suited for students interested in public service, criminal justice, or social work careers where impact often outweighs monetary compensation.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Economics. | #195 | $55,804★ | — | 35 |
| Forensic Social Work. | #31 | $51,042 | — | 54 |
| Criminology. | #7 | $50,788 | $16,746 | 144 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #234 | $48,958 | — | 32 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #97 | $47,722 | — | 31 |
| Psychology, General. | #209 | $41,568 | $15,987 | 151 |
| Geographic Information Science and Cartography.Small sample | — | $41,562 | — | 9 |
| Anthropology, General.Small sample | — | $18,771 | — | 6 |
Advertising graduates earn $35,444 with 60 students enrolled, ranking #69 nationally and #1 in Connecticut. While earnings are modest compared to technical fields, the program provides creative industry preparation and develops skills applicable across marketing, media, and digital communications.
Communications programs often serve as pathways to entrepreneurship and creative industries where traditional salary metrics may not capture full career potential. Best suited for students prioritizing creativity and communication skills over maximum earnings optimization.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #186 | $44,987★ | — | 39 |
| Advertising. | #73 | $35,444 | — | 60 |
| Broadcast Journalism.Small sample | #110 | $32,382 | — | 17 |
English Language and Literature graduates earn $42,713 with relatively low debt levels of $9,737, ranking #96 nationally and #3 in Connecticut with 50 graduates. The program demonstrates solid value through controlled borrowing and reasonable employment outcomes for liberal arts graduates.
These programs prioritize critical thinking, communication skills, and cultural understanding that support diverse career paths including education, communications, and graduate school preparation. Best suited for students valuing intellectual exploration and developing transferable skills across industries.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Photography. | #49 | $50,565★ | — | 28 |
| American History (United States). | #160 | $44,475 | — | 32 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #93 | $42,713 | $9,737 | 50 |
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation.Small sample | #244 | $28,003 | — | 10 |
| Acting.Small sample | #146 | $21,964 | — | 15 |
Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching graduates earn $45,504 with 59 students enrolled, ranking #92 nationally and #2 in Connecticut. The program serves Connecticut's educational needs while providing stable employment in schools and adult learning centers.
Education programs typically lead to careers with strong job security, benefits, and community impact, though earnings may be more modest compared to business or technical fields. Well-suited for students prioritizing work-life balance and social contribution through teaching and educational leadership.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #72 | $48,038★ | — | 39 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #93 | $45,504 | — | 59 |
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. leads other & interdisciplinary with 35K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #205 | $34,769 | — | 38 |
Resources, cohort size, and graduation rates
Trajectory from early to mid-career
Why rankings may differ by program: A university's nursing program and business program can have entirely different outcome profiles. Our methodology surfaces these differences so you can evaluate programs — not just institutions.
