Education at Southern Connecticut State University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Southern Connecticut State University's education program sits squarely in the middle of Connecticut's teacher preparation landscape—literally matching the state median for both starting salary ($41,129) and debt load ($25,000). This is a program that does exactly what it promises: prepares teachers without breaking the bank. The 60th percentile state ranking suggests it's slightly ahead of half the competition in Connecticut, though with only four education programs statewide, the differences between schools are relatively modest.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.61 is manageable for a teaching career, meaning graduates will owe about seven months of their first-year salary. More encouraging is the 15% earnings growth to $47,403 by year four—modest but steady progress that reflects typical teacher salary schedules. With 37% of students receiving Pell grants, SCSU serves many first-generation college students entering a profession with reliable, if not spectacular, compensation.
For families looking at teaching as a career path, this program represents a safe bet rather than a standout choice. The numbers suggest graduates will find jobs and earn respectable middle-class salaries without drowning in debt. If your child is committed to education and wants to stay in Connecticut, SCSU delivers predictable outcomes at a reasonable price—which, for a public service career like teaching, may be exactly what you need.
Where Southern Connecticut State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all education 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 Southern Connecticut State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Southern Connecticut State University graduates earn $41k, placing them in the 61th percentile of all education 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
Education bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Connecticut (4 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Connecticut State University | $41,129 | $47,403 | $25,000 | 0.61 |
| National Median | $38,660 | — | $26,522 | 0.69 |
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 Southern Connecticut State University, approximately 37% 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.