Admit rate has ranged 65%–77% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is a public university in New Britain, CT, offering over 100 undergraduate majors with a practical, career-focused approach. Known for its accessible admissions (73% acceptance rate) and strong programs in business, social sciences, and technology, CCSU blends affordability with a lively campus culture. While graduation rates lag slightly (49%), its proximity to Hartford and New York provides ample internship and job opportunities.
Admission requirements
Test-optional — scores considered if submitted
Required
High school transcript
Grade point average
Class rank
Letters of recommendation
College-prep program
TOEFL (non-native English)
Considered (not required)
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
More details
Undergrad enrollment
7,822
In-state tuition
$13,050
Out-of-state tuition
$16,550
Location
New Britain, CT (314-acre campus)
Notable Fact
Minutes from Hartford; 2 hours from NYC/Boston
Acceptance Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
49%
Most Popular Majors
Business (23%), Social Sciences (11%), Computer Science
Undergraduate Majors
100+
Median Early-Career Salary
$36,427
Outcomes & value
Outcomes & value
Median earnings (10 yr)
$58,562
Value (earnings ÷ net price)
3.5×
Median debt at graduation
$22,300
Graduation rate
48%
First-year retention
77%
Reducing loan balance (3 yr)
61%
Pell (lower-income) share
57%
First-generation share
39%
Endowment / student
$12,732
Top-earning majors
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Mechanical Engineering$69,617
Computer and Information Sciences, General$68,422
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing$68,139
Construction Management$65,131
Civil Engineering$64,990
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians
Campus & location
Campus safety
On-campus violent crimes (2024)
7
Per 1,000 students
0.89
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Climate
Pleasant days / yr
90
Summer high
82°F
Winter low
25°F
Annual rain
53.9"
Annual snow
29.1"
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023).
Deep dive — research, future-scholar output & economic mobility▾
Research output
Institutional h-index
125
Scholarly works
4,933
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Economic mobility
Mobility rate
1.5%
Bottom → top quintile
29%
From bottom quintile
5%
Mobility rate = the share of students who both start in the bottom household-income quintile and reach the top quintile; bottom → top is that chance conditional on starting at the bottom. Source: Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Cards (Chetty, Friedman, Saez, Turner & Yagan). Reflects 1980–82 birth cohorts, so it’s directional, not current.
Quick answers
What is the acceptance rate at Central Connecticut State University?
Central Connecticut State University's acceptance rate is approximately 73% (New Britain, CT), based on the most recent figures we compiled from public and primary sources.
What SAT score do you need for Central Connecticut State University?
Admitted students at Central Connecticut State University typically score 960–1190 on the SAT (the middle-50% range). Scores outside this band are still admitted, especially with strong applications.
How much does Central Connecticut State University cost?
At Central Connecticut State University, the average net price (after aid) is about $16,857 per year. Actual cost varies with financial aid and residency.
How many undergraduates attend Central Connecticut State University?
Central Connecticut State University enrolls approximately 7,822 undergraduate students.
Where is Central Connecticut State University located?
Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT.
Admissions
CCSU is a moderately selective public university with a 73% acceptance rate, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The middle 50% SAT range for admitted students is 900–1130, and the ACT range is 18–24. Top applicants (those in the top 20% of their class with SAT scores of 1100+) may qualify for the Honors Program. The university enrolls a significant portion of its accepted students, with 8,170 students enrolled out of 6,540 accepted in a recent cycle. Applications are rolling, with a regular deadline of August 28.
CCSU offers across 80 fields, with standout programs in . The university emphasizes hands-on learning, with real-world experience integrated into programs like journalism, archaeology, and advertising. The attracts high-achieving students, while popular graduate tracks include education and technology management. The curriculum leans practical, preparing students for careers in fields like nursing, engineering, and hospitality.
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
$63,997
Management Information Systems and Services$63,501
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians$61,303
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
over 100 undergraduate majors
business (23% of graduates), social sciences (11%), and computer science
Set on 314 acres of rolling hills, CCSU’s campus buzzes with activity, from cultural events to Division I athletics (the Blue Devils compete in the NEC). The university fosters a diverse community, with clubs celebrating everything from anime to social justice. While some students note that social life can be quiet on weekends, others praise the engaged lecture halls and lively student lounge debates. Its location—minutes from Hartford and a few hours from NYC and Boston—offers easy access to internships and entertainment.
CCSU’s 49% graduation rate trails slightly behind national averages, though its on-time graduation rate (31% in 4 years) outperforms the typical public university. Alumni earn a median salary of $36,427 one year post-graduation, reflecting the university’s career-oriented focus. Strengths include job placement in education, business, and tech, aided by proximity to Hartford’s corporate and government employers. The university is transparent about outcomes, publishing detailed completion stats upon request.
As a public institution, CCSU is relatively affordable, with tuition and fees around $12,000 for in-state students. The university encourages prospective students to use its Net Price Calculator to estimate aid packages, which often include grants, scholarships, and work-study. While sticker prices are lower than private peers, students should budget for additional costs like housing (the campus offers dorms) and textbooks. Financial aid applications are accepted year-round, with priority deadlines in spring.
CCSU’s practical academics and location make it a smart choice for Connecticut students seeking career-ready degrees without the debt of a private college. Its strong ties to Hartford employers—especially in education, government, and tech—give graduates a leg up in the job market. While the campus culture isn’t as raucous as larger state schools, its diversity, Division I sports, and proximity to major cities offer a balanced college experience. For students who thrive in hands-on programs and value affordability, CCSU delivers.
Central Connecticut State University logo · sourceCentral Connecticut State University | Public University, Liberal Arts, Education | Britannica · sourceCentral Connecticut State University | New Britain CT · sourceBUILDING & RESIDENCE HALL LOCATIONS · source
