Outcomes-based program rankings.
Program outcomes at Western Connecticut State University vary significantly by field of study, with earnings ranging from $17,931 to $82,388 depending on career path. The rankings below evaluate programs based on graduate earnings, debt levels, and return on investment rather than reputation or prestige.
Use this data to understand how different academic paths translate into post-graduation financial outcomes.
Analyzing 21 programs with available earnings data.
These highlights showcase programs that distinguish themselves through strong national rankings, exceptional earnings outcomes, or notable enrollment patterns.
#115 nationally
$45K 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, rank, debt, and cohort size.
These sections represent the complete set of ranked undergraduate programs at Western Connecticut State University.
Artificial Intelligence. leads engineering & technology with 57K in median earnings.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence.Small sample | #193 | $57,318 | — | 16 |
These program rankings reflect post-graduation earnings and employment outcomes rather than academic reputation or instructional quality. Earnings differences across programs occur because graduates enter different labor markets with varying compensation levels, career trajectories, and regional demand patterns. Programs preparing students for graduate school may show lower immediate earnings but strong long-term potential, while others focus on direct workforce entry with immediate earning capacity. Rankings draw from Department of Education College Scorecard data requiring minimum cohort sizes, so some smaller programs may not appear despite institutional strength. Value scores combine earnings, debt levels, and completion rates to identify programs delivering strong returns on educational investment.
Median earnings 10 years post-enrollment
Debt burden relative to earnings
Institutional contribution to outcomes
recent graduates
Business programs consistently deliver above-average earnings with strong value propositions. Accounting Technology graduates earn $71,963 while Digital Marketing produces $58,801 outcomes, both achieving solid national rankings.
Information Resources Management and Banking and Financial Support Services round out offerings with earnings in the $67,000-$68,000 range, best suited for students prioritizing practical business skills.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | #100 | $71,963★ | — | 56 |
| Banking and Financial Support Services. | #119 | $68,063 | — | 27 |
| Information Resources Management. | #62 | $67,438 | — | 27 |
| Digital Marketing. | #105 | $58,801 | — | 37 |
Health programs at Western Connecticut State University demonstrate strong earning potential across specializations. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads the university with $82,388 median earnings while Clinical Pastoral Counseling produces graduates earning $45,339 with exceptional value scores.
These programs show how specialized health training translates into meaningful career advancement and economic stability for graduates.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | #115 | $82,388★ | — | 83 |
| Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling. | #5 | $45,339 | $20,995 | 42 |
Biology produces graduates earning $39,551, positioning students for graduate school continuation or entry-level scientific careers. This program serves students considering advanced study in medicine, research, or environmental sciences, with outcomes reflecting diverse post-graduation pathways including continued education.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology, General. | #339 | $39,551 | — | 30 |
Social science programs combine public service mission with practical outcomes. Forensic Social Work achieves exceptional rankings at #35 nationally while producing graduates earning $49,110.
Psychology generates substantial enrollment with 86 graduates annually earning $44,713, reflecting strong student demand and consistent placement in human services careers.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forensic Social Work. | #34 | $49,110★ | — | 53 |
| Psychology, General. | #189 | $44,713 | — | 86 |
Communication and Media Studies graduates earn $43,870 with moderate value scores, reflecting the varied career paths available in media, public relations, and corporate communications. This program serves students seeking creative and interpersonal career applications while maintaining realistic expectations about early-career earning patterns.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | #161 | $43,870★ | — | 79 |
| Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.Small sample | — | $39,126 | — | 6 |
Creative programs show substantial earnings variation reflecting the diverse career paths in arts and performance. Acting produces graduates earning $24,928 while Brass Instruments shows more challenging outcomes at $17,931.
These programs serve students prioritizing artistic development over immediate earning potential, requiring careful financial planning.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing.Small sample | #43 | $35,062★ | — | 19 |
| English Language and Literature, General.Small sample | — | $33,993 | — | 9 |
| American History (United States).Small sample | #283 | $32,925 | — | 16 |
| General Studies.Small sample | — | $27,784 | — | 7 |
| Acting. | #91 | $24,928 | — | 34 |
| Brass Instruments. | #163 | $17,931 | — | 31 |
Education programs prepare students for teaching careers with varying specializations. Agricultural Teacher Education produces graduates earning $49,967 while Adult and Continuing Education shows lower earnings at $35,060, reflecting different educational sectors and career trajectories within the teaching profession.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Teacher Education. | #78 | $49,967★ | — | 22 |
| Adult and Continuing Education and Teaching. | #223 | $35,060 | — | 23 |
Corrections Administration stands out as Western Connecticut State University's flagship program, ranking #1 in Connecticut and producing graduates earning $49,367. This program demonstrates the university's strength in public service career preparation, offering students pathways into law enforcement and correctional leadership roles with competitive regional outcomes.
| Program | National Rank | Median Earnings | Median Debt | Cohort Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Administration. | #81 | $49,367 | $31,500 | 92 |
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.
