Head-to-head · 2026
Central Connecticut State University vs Southern Connecticut State University
Compare average net price ($16,857 at Central Connecticut State University; $20,857 at Southern Connecticut State University), ROI score (8.69 vs 6.60), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($58,562 vs $55,043), and admissions selectivity (73.3% acceptance at Central Connecticut State University; 91.5% at Southern Connecticut State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Central Connecticut State University | Southern Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.69 ✓ | 6.60 |
| Avg net price | $16,857 ✓ | $20,857 |
| 4-year avg net price | $67,428 ✓ | $83,428 |
| In-state tuition | $13,050 | $13,438 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,550 | $27,378 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $58,562 ✓ | $55,043 |
| Acceptance rate | 73.3% | 91.5% |
| Graduation rate | 48.4% | 49.9% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 77.1% | 77.9% ✓ |
| Median debt | $22,300 | $22,250 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 7,822 | 6,295 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1080 | — |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Central Connecticut State University | Southern Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,589 ✓ | $17,736 |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,636 ✓ | $18,729 |
| Family income $48–75k | $15,091 ✓ | $19,437 |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,336 ✓ | $22,532 |
| Family income $110k+ | $21,562 ✓ | $27,809 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Central Connecticut State University | Southern Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 4.3% | 10.9% |
| Psychology, General | 5.4% | 5.6% |
| Social Work | 2.1% | 7.4% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 4.2% | 4.8% |
| Educational Administration and Supervision | 5.7% | 2.9% |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities | 0.7% | 6.6% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 2.1% | 4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 3.1% | 2.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Central Connecticut State University reports the lower average net price by $4,000 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $16,000 difference over four years ($67,428 vs $83,428).
Central Connecticut State University reports $3,519 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($58,562 vs $55,043). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 77.1% at Central Connecticut State University and 77.9% at Southern Connecticut State University. Median federal debt among completers is $22,300 vs $22,250, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Central Connecticut State University vs Southern Connecticut State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Central Connecticut State University is cheaper — average net price $16,857 per year vs $20,857 at Southern Connecticut State University. The annual difference of $4,000 adds up to about $16,000 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Central Connecticut State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $58,562 vs $55,043 at Southern Connecticut State University. The gap in the federal data is $3,519. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Central Connecticut State University is more selective at 73.3% acceptance vs 91.5% at Southern Connecticut State University.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.