Median Earnings (1yr)
$33,724
47th percentile
60th percentile in Connecticut
Median Debt
$28,500
14% above national median

Analysis

Central Connecticut State's sociology program stands out in Connecticut for a crucial reason: four-year earnings growth. While graduates start near the state median at $33,724, they reach $47,722 by year four—a 42% jump that puts them ahead of every other Connecticut public university in the comparison set except Trinity College (which comes with a far higher price tag). Within Connecticut, this program ranks in the 60th percentile, meaning it outperforms more than half of the state's sociology programs.

The debt picture strengthens the case. At $28,500, graduates carry slightly more than the state median but far less than the national average, resulting in a manageable 0.85 debt-to-earnings ratio in year one. That ratio improves dramatically as earnings grow, making this one of the more financially balanced sociology programs in the state. The program serves a diverse student body—35% receive Pell grants—yet delivers earnings outcomes that climb steadily through the early career years.

For families concerned about sociology's earning potential, CCSU demonstrates that program choice within Connecticut matters. While not competing with Trinity's elite outcomes, this program offers Connecticut residents a practical path: moderate debt, solid earning trajectory, and outcomes that improve markedly with time. The moderate sample size suggests stable data, and the accessibility (76% admission rate) makes this a realistic option for many students.

Where Central Connecticut State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all sociology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Central Connecticut State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Central Connecticut State University$33,724$47,722+42%
Connecticut College$22,636$54,667+142%
University of Connecticut$31,913$49,247+54%
University of Connecticut-Waterbury Campus$31,913$49,247+54%
University of Connecticut-Avery Point$31,913$49,247+54%

Compare to Similar Programs in Connecticut

Sociology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (19 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Central Connecticut State UniversityNew Britain$12,460$33,724$47,722$28,5000.85
Trinity CollegeHartford$67,420$50,077
Eastern Connecticut State UniversityWillimantic$13,292$38,523$40,335$26,0000.67
Southern Connecticut State UniversityNew Haven$12,828$32,013$47,818$26,0000.81
University of Connecticut-Hartford CampusHartford$17,452$31,913$49,247$22,5000.71
University of ConnecticutStorrs$20,366$31,913$49,247$22,5000.71
National Median$34,102$25,0000.73

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with sociology graduates

Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other

All postsecondary social sciences teachers not listed separately.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

Wind Energy Operations Managers

Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.

Wind Energy Development Managers

Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.

Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers

Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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 37 graduates with reported earnings and 50 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.