Western Connecticut State University achieves above-average return performance, ranking at the 73.9th percentile nationally with outcomes that exceed expectations for student demographics. Graduates earn $6,139 beyond predicted levels based on their characteristics, placing the university at the 77.4th percentile for this uplift measure. Median earnings of $59,115 surpass the peer median by $8,999, demonstrating stronger economic outcomes than typical institutions serving similar populations. With median debt at $24,147 below the peer median by $3,042, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 indicates manageable borrowing relative to income potential. This combination of controlled debt and earnings that surpass expectations creates favorable conditions for graduates, positioning Western Connecticut State University as delivering meaningful return on educational investment particularly for students from diverse economic backgrounds seeking upward mobility.
Western Connecticut State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $45,997 six years after enrollment to $53,163 at eight years and $59,115 at ten years, representing 28.5% growth from the six-year mark. These outcomes are based on cohorts ranging from 257 to 331 graduates across timeframes, providing reasonable confidence in reported figures. Graduates earn $6,139 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Western Connecticut State University at the 77.4th percentile for earnings uplift. Low-income graduates earn $48,900, indicating that students from lower-income backgrounds achieve meaningful economic advancement. Earnings distribution shows significant variation, with outcomes ranging from $31,567 at the 25th percentile to $86,883 at the 75th percentile. Approximately 23.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, reflecting a mix of workforce entry and advanced education pathways. Compared to peer institutions with similar student demographics, Western Connecticut State University graduates earn $8,999 more annually, demonstrating the institution's effectiveness in translating educational access into enhanced economic outcomes.
Latest FE earnings field: 10-year
Lower quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes at Western Connecticut State University reveal substantial variation across career paths and programs. The gap between the 25th percentile ($31,567) and 75th percentile ($86,883) represents a 2.8:1 ratio, reflecting differences in field selection and career trajectory. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing graduates lead with median earnings of $82,388, while Accounting Technology graduates earn $71,963, and Clinical Pastoral Counseling graduates earn $45,339. Earnings growth accelerates meaningfully over time, with 28.5% increase between the six-year and ten-year measurement points. The ten-year cohort of 331 graduates represents a substantial sample size, indicating these figures reflect outcomes across the university's diverse program portfolio rather than isolated high-performing tracks.
Financial justification for the investment.
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting diverse career paths and program choices. The distribution spans from $31,567 at the 25th percentile to $86,883 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.8:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles. Low-income graduates earn $48,900, indicating that students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve economic advancement through their education. This spread reflects the university's broad program offerings from arts and education to nursing and business.
Approximately 23.6% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating that roughly one-quarter pursue advanced degrees. This medium-confidence estimate suggests the university prepares students for both immediate workforce entry and continued academic advancement, with most graduates entering careers directly after completing undergraduate programs.
Program mix and student pathways explain much of the earnings story.
Program-level earnings reveal substantial variation across Western Connecticut State University's academic offerings. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads with median earnings of $82,388, followed by Accounting Technology at $71,963 and Banking and Financial Support Services at $68,063. These high-earning programs demonstrate how specialized professional preparation translates into strong labor market outcomes. Mid-range programs like Corrections Administration ($49,367) and Forensic Social Work ($49,110) show solid returns while serving public sector career paths. Lower-earning programs in arts and education reflect different career trajectories and compensation patterns. This program diversity supports students with varying career goals while the strongest outcomes concentrate in health, business, and specialized professional fields that command premium compensation in regional labor markets.
See which programs drive the strongest earnings and career trajectories
Upper quartile, 10-year field
Earnings outcomes show meaningful variation reflecting diverse career paths and program choices. The distribution spans from $31,567 at the 25th percentile to $86,883 at the 75th percentile, creating a 2.8:1 ratio between top and bottom quartiles. Low-income graduates earn $48,900, indicating that students from disadvantaged backgrounds achieve economic advancement through their education. This spread reflects the university's broad program offerings from arts and education to nursing and business.
