CCSU vs. SU

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT with Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Central Connecticut State University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (9,997 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT (Large Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Central Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Connecticut State University 14:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

CCSU vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CCSU or SU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central Connecticut State University than SU ($17,528 vs. $27,181).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 4.6% lower than at Central Connecticut State University ($12,490 vs. $13,086).
• Shenandoah University is 183.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than CCSU (about $23,900 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $13,050.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.3% higher at SU than at Central Connecticut State University (about $20,400 more per year; $36,950.00 vs. $16,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Central Connecticut State University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 179.9% larger than aid received by Central Connecticut State University students ($24,747 vs. $8,842).

CCSU vs. SU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CCSU or SU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between SU and CCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Shenandoah University (1120) is 40 points higher than at CCSU (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Connecticut State University 960/1190; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsShenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CCSU - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CCSU Aug 26, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.5 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at CCSU (3.2).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than CCSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at CCSU vs. 16.7% at SU.

CCSU vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CCSU and SU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Central Connecticut State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Central Connecticut State University earn a median of about $700 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Connecticut State University graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($22,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, CCSU graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($232 vs. $258).
• More CCSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 60%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.