Southern Connecticut State University's published cost of attendance reaches $28,592 per year, including $12,828 in-state tuition, $26,104 out-of-state tuition, $14,700 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $20,877 representing $7,715 in financial aid savings from the sticker price.
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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) | $29,673 |
| Tuition and Fees | $27,378 |
| Room and Board | $14,938 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,600 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,816 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $20,857 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $17,736 |
| $30–48k | $18,729 |
| $48–75k | $19,437 |
| $75–110k | $22,532 |
| $110k+ | $27,809 |
Southern Connecticut State University's published cost of attendance reaches $28,592 per year, including $12,828 in-state tuition, $26,104 out-of-state tuition, $14,700 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with an average net price of $20,877 representing $7,715 in financial aid savings from the sticker price. This net price sits $6,784 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating higher costs than similar public regional universities.
The university serves a substantial population of students from lower-income backgrounds, with 37.3% receiving Pell grants, which helps explain the significant gap between published prices and what students actually pay. Net costs vary considerably by family income, ranging from $18,568 for families earning under $30,000 to $26,783 for families earning over $110,000, demonstrating a progressive aid structure that provides the most support to students with the greatest financial need. For Connecticut residents, the in-state tuition advantage provides substantial savings compared to out-of-state students, making Southern Connecticut State University particularly attractive for state residents seeking quality public higher education.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Southern Connecticut State University graduates carry a median debt of $22,250, comparable to the peer median of $21,105 and representing typical borrowing levels for public regional universities. Debt outcomes range from $6,550 at the 25th percentile to $26,024 at the 75th percentile, showing reasonable variation without extreme borrowing.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 indicates manageable debt relative to post-graduation income, falling within sustainable ranges for most graduates. Compared to peer institutions, Southern Connecticut State University graduates carry $1,145 less debt while earning $4,927 more annually, creating favorable debt-to-income dynamics.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $20,658 with monthly payments of $272, representing additional family financial commitment beyond student borrowing. The combination of moderate student debt and earnings that exceed expectations creates conditions supportive of long-term financial health.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Southern Connecticut State University presents a solid return on educational investment, with graduates earning $6,107 beyond expectations and ranking at the 77.3rd percentile nationally for earnings uplift. This well above average earnings performance, combined with moderate debt levels, creates favorable long-term financial dynamics for graduates.
The university's median earnings of $55,043 exceed the peer median by $4,927 annually, while debt remains comparable to similar institutions. This combination generates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, indicating sustainable borrowing relative to income potential.
The university's particular strengths in health professions, with Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates earning $85,751 and Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology graduates earning $63,643, demonstrate program-level returns that significantly exceed costs. Students benefit from both accessible admission and earnings outcomes that exceed expectations, supporting the investment case for choosing Southern Connecticut State University.
Southern Connecticut State University enrolls 37.3% Pell-eligible students, well above the national average and indicating strong commitment to serving lower-income populations. The $7,715 average financial aid savings represents the difference between sticker price and actual net cost, showing meaningful aid distribution across the student body.
The progressive net price structure, with costs ranging from $18,568 for the lowest-income families to $26,783 for the highest-income families, demonstrates effective aid targeting. Lower-income students benefit from a combination of federal Pell grants, state aid programs, and institutional assistance that significantly reduces their educational costs.
This aid concentration helps explain how Southern Connecticut State University maintains accessibility for diverse economic backgrounds while generating strong economic mobility outcomes. The university's ability to serve substantial numbers of Pell-eligible students while maintaining financial sustainability reflects effective aid management and state support for public higher education access.
