Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Southern Connecticut State University vary significantly by field of study, with health professions leading earnings outcomes while liberal arts fields offer different career pathways. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment using federal employment data.
Analyzing 22 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights surface programs that stand out for national rankings, earnings performance, and enrollment size.
#60 nationally
$64K 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, national ranking, debt levels, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Southern Connecticut State University.
Artificial Intelligence produces $72,091 median earnings with 46 graduates, though ranks #152 nationally and #4 in Connecticut, indicating strong absolute earnings but moderate performance within the competitive technology field. The program serves growing demand for AI and computing professionals, delivering substantial earning potential though with performance that reflects the competitive nature of technology education and employment markets.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence. | #157 | $72,091 | — | 46 |
Program rankings reflect graduate employment outcomes using Department of Education College Scorecard data, which tracks earnings and debt for students who received federal financial aid. Rankings evaluate actual labor market results rather than institutional reputation or program prestige. Earnings represent median income ten years after enrollment for graduates who remain in the workforce, while debt figures show typical borrowing levels for degree completion. Cohort sizes indicate the number of graduates included in federal reporting, providing context for data reliability. Programs with fewer than 10 graduates in the federal dataset are excluded from rankings to ensure statistical validity. These outcome measures help students evaluate programs based on post-graduation employment success rather than enrollment selectivity or traditional academic rankings, supporting decision-making focused on career preparation and return on educational investment.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Business Administration and Management represents Southern Connecticut State University's largest program with 252 graduates earning $58,197 median income. Ranking #131 nationally and #3 in Connecticut, the program delivers solid middle-class earnings outcomes with reasonable debt levels.
The substantial enrollment indicates strong student demand and institutional capacity in business education, making this program well-suited for students seeking accessible entry into business careers with steady earning potential and manageable educational investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | #127 | $58,197 | $19,624 | 252 |
Health programs at Southern Connecticut State University deliver the strongest earnings outcomes across the institution. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads with $85,751 median earnings and ranks #57 nationally, while Audiology/Speech-Language Pathology produces $63,643 median earnings with a #2 national ranking and exceptional value score of 99.2.
Behavioral Aspects of Health earns $48,833 with strong value performance. These programs demonstrate Southern Connecticut State University's particular strength in preparing health professionals for high-demand careers with substantial earning potential and strong return on educational investment.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #60 | $85,751★ | $26,221 | 128 |
| Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | #3 | $63,643 | — | 61 |
| Behavioral Aspects of Health. | #33 | $48,833 | $20,309 | 68 |
Biology, General produces $51,529 median earnings with 52 graduates and ranks #137 nationally. The program demonstrates solid performance within the biological sciences field, preparing students for careers in healthcare, research, and environmental sectors.
With manageable debt levels and reasonable earnings for the field, Biology offers students interested in scientific careers a pathway to middle-class earnings while supporting preparation for advanced study in health professions or graduate research programs.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #137 | $51,529★ | $19,946 | 52 |
| Analytical Chemistry.Small sample | #161 | $40,767 | — | 17 |
Social sciences programs show strong value performance despite moderate absolute earnings. Forensic Social Work stands out with a #32 national ranking, $50,415 median earnings, and exceptional value score of 83.9.
Applied/Public Sociology produces $47,818 earnings with solid value metrics. Psychology generates $41,899 with substantial enrollment of 147 graduates.
These programs excel in preparing students for public service and social impact careers while maintaining reasonable debt levels and strong return relative to field expectations.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #32 | $50,415★ | $18,722 | 66 |
| Applied/Public Sociology. | #96 | $47,818 | $22,120 | 60 |
| Psychology, General. | #194 | $41,899 | $19,482 | 147 |
| American Government and Politics (United States). | #292 | $35,420 | — | 20 |
Communication and Media Studies produces $45,950 median earnings with 68 graduates, ranking #137 nationally and #2 in Connecticut. While earnings are moderate, the program maintains reasonable value metrics and substantial enrollment, indicating strong institutional support and student interest.
The program serves students seeking careers in media, communications, and related fields, with debt levels that remain manageable relative to typical earnings in communications professions.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #140 | $45,950★ | $30,555 | 68 |
| Broadcast Journalism.Small sample | #123 | $19,455 | — | 15 |
English Language and Literature produces $32,697 median earnings with 52 graduates, reflecting typical outcomes for liberal arts fields that often lead to diverse career paths or graduate study. General Studies generates $41,609 with broader career preparation.
While absolute earnings are lower, these programs serve students interested in writing, education, and cultural fields, with outcomes that support various post-graduation pathways including continued education and public service careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art History, Criticism and Conservation. | #83 | $42,897★ | — | 31 |
| General Studies. | #156 | $41,609 | $27,955 | 51 |
| Catalan Language and Literature.Small sample | #148 | $40,925 | — | 16 |
| American History (United States). | #244 | $34,858 | — | 33 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | #270 | $32,697 | $23,805 | 52 |
Education programs demonstrate solid performance in preparing teachers and specialized educators. Agricultural Teacher Education produces $44,605 median earnings with 58 graduates, while Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed generates $49,147 with strong value performance and ranks #28 nationally.
These programs reflect Southern Connecticut State University's commitment to educator preparation, particularly for specialized teaching roles that serve critical social needs while providing stable career pathways.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education/Teaching of Individuals Who are Developmentally Delayed. | #34 | $49,147★ | — | 39 |
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #64 | $44,605 | $21,682 | 58 |
This category includes diverse programs that span multiple disciplines or serve specialized career preparation needs. These programs often combine elements from various fields to prepare students for emerging or interdisciplinary career paths, though specific program performance varies significantly based on market demand and career trajectory alignment with student goals and interests.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf Course Operation and Grounds Management. | #11 | $44,262★ | — | 39 |
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | #218 | $24,029 | $37,098 | 28 |
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.
