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Connecticut State Community College vs Central Connecticut State University: which has better ROI?

Public, New Britain CT · vs · Public, New Britain CT

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Central Connecticut State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $67,428 in 6.6 years versus not at all at Connecticut State Community College, on median earnings of $58,562 vs $41,344 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureConnecticut State Community CollegeCentral Connecticut State University
Net price / yr$11,513$16,857
Total net cost$23,026$67,428
Median earnings, 10 yrs$41,344$58,562
Median debt$9,200$22,300
Payback—6.6 yrs
20-year net return-$163,346$136,612

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Connecticut State Community College or Central Connecticut State University?

Connecticut State Community College, at $11,513 a year after aid versus $16,857 — a gap of $5,344 a year, or $44,402 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Connecticut State Community College or Central Connecticut State University graduates earn more?

Central Connecticut State University graduates report a median $58,562 ten years after entry, $17,218 more than the $41,344 at Connecticut State Community College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Connecticut State Community College or Central Connecticut State University?

Connecticut State Community College: its completers carry a median $9,200 in federal loans versus $22,300 at Central Connecticut State University, a difference of $13,100. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

48% of students finish at Central Connecticut State University, against 24% at Connecticut State Community College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Connecticut State Community College vs Central Connecticut State University: frequently asked questions

Is Connecticut State Community College or Central Connecticut State University a better value?
Central Connecticut State University. It clears its $67,428 net cost in about 6.6 years versus no clear payback at Connecticut State Community College, on median earnings of $58,562 vs $41,344 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Connecticut State Community College or Central Connecticut State University?
Connecticut State Community College: $11,513/yr net price after aid versus $16,857/yr at Central Connecticut State University — a difference of $5,344 a year, or about $44,402 over four years.
Do Connecticut State Community College or Central Connecticut State University graduates earn more?
Central Connecticut State University graduates earn a median $58,562 ten years after entry, versus $41,344 at Connecticut State Community College — a $17,218 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.