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
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Connecticut State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Connecticut State University | $41,129 | $47,403 | +15% |
| Brown University | $33,866 | $61,660 | +82% |
| Chapman University | $37,928 | $60,147 | +59% |
| Monmouth University | $55,579 | $54,660 | -2% |
| University of Hawaii-West Oahu | $52,079 | $53,573 | +3% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Education bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $12,828 | $41,129 | $47,403 | $25,000 | 0.61 | |
| $8,886 | $68,730 | — | $26,556 | 0.39 | |
| $12,186 | $60,288 | — | — | — | |
| $11,728 | $57,410 | — | $13,250 | 0.23 | |
| $19,568 | $56,397 | $40,429 | — | — | |
| $44,850 | $55,579 | $54,660 | $27,000 | 0.49 | |
| National Median | — | $38,660 | — | $26,522 | 0.69 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with education graduates
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.