Psychology at Central Connecticut State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Central Connecticut State's psychology program places graduates in an intriguing position: earning above the national average but trailing the Connecticut median. With first-year earnings of $33,153, graduates beat the national benchmark by about $1,700, yet they fall roughly $400 below what the typical Connecticut psychology graduate earns. Among the state's 24 programs, this ranks squarely in the 40th percentile—a middling position that reflects both the state's competitive psychology landscape and CCSU's position as an accessible public option.
The encouraging news lies in the trajectory: earnings jump 25% by year four, reaching $41,568. This growth rate suggests graduates are successfully building their careers, whether moving into roles that value their psychology background or pursuing further education that pays off. The debt load of $25,000 aligns perfectly with state and national norms, creating a manageable first-year ratio of 0.75. For a school with a 76% admission rate serving a substantial population of Pell grant recipients, these outcomes demonstrate solid accessibility without sacrificing post-graduation prospects.
The gap between CCSU and Connecticut's top performers like Trinity ($48,406) is substantial, but comparing a selective liberal arts college to a regional public university misses the point. For families seeking an affordable psychology degree that delivers steady career growth, CCSU provides dependable middle-ground value—especially for Connecticut residents paying in-state tuition.
Where Central Connecticut State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Central Connecticut State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Central Connecticut State University graduates earn $33k, placing them in the 63th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut
Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (24 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Connecticut State University | $33,153 | $41,568 | $25,000 | 0.75 |
| Trinity College | $48,406 | — | $22,944 | 0.47 |
| Charter Oak State College | $45,428 | — | $22,779 | 0.50 |
| Connecticut College | $40,141 | $53,436 | $24,197 | 0.60 |
| Fairfield University | $39,890 | $61,555 | $26,000 | 0.65 |
| Southern Connecticut State University | $35,716 | $41,899 | $23,000 | 0.64 |
| National Median | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Other Psychology Programs in Connecticut
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Connecticut schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trinity College Hartford | $67,420 | $48,406 | $22,944 |
| Charter Oak State College New Britain | $8,506 | $45,428 | $22,779 |
| Connecticut College New London | $64,812 | $40,141 | $24,197 |
| Fairfield University Fairfield | $56,360 | $39,890 | $26,000 |
| Southern Connecticut State University New Haven | $12,828 | $35,716 | $23,000 |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Central Connecticut State University, approximately 35% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 173 graduates with reported earnings and 223 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.