Computer and Information Sciences at Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State graduates start at $69,334—well above the national median but notably below Connecticut's typical $75,649 for computer science grads. That 40th percentile state ranking matters for families choosing between Connecticut schools, especially when comparing against UConn campuses that deliver higher starting salaries at similar debt levels. For an accessible state university with a 76% admission rate, these numbers are respectable but not standout within Connecticut's competitive tech market.

The bright spot is trajectory: earnings jump 29% to nearly $90,000 by year four, suggesting graduates gain valuable skills that employers increasingly reward. The debt picture is genuinely strong—at $19,415, it's below both state and national medians, translating to a 0.28 debt-to-earnings ratio that most families could manage comfortably. This is meaningful for the 35% of students here on Pell grants, who need programs that won't bury them in payments.

For Connecticut families, this works as a practical path into tech careers without the price tag of private alternatives. You're trading some initial earning power compared to flagship state options for lower debt and solid mid-career growth. If your child can handle the work and commit to building experience after graduation, the math pencils out—just don't expect the immediate payoff that top Connecticut programs deliver.