Central Connecticut State University (CCSU)

With the lowest tuition and fees among the comprehensive public universities in the state, Central Connecticut State University is considered the best value.

Dedicated to learning in the liberal arts and sciences, the University comprises five schools: Carol Ammon College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences; and the schools of Business; Education & Professional Studies; Engineering, Science & Technology; and Graduate Studies. CCSU offers full-and part-time undergraduate programs in more than 100 areas of study.

CCSU serves approximately 11,150 students, including 9,050 undergraduate and 2,100 graduate students. Our distinguished alumni include over 70,000 successful men and women, including the first Latina state supreme court justice, CEOs in a wide range of industries and corporations, leading academics at national universities, award-winning educators and educational leaders, trainers and coaches at high schools and colleges as well as top NFL and MLB teams, journalists, novelists, and artists. Each and all demonstrate that success begins with a degree from CCSU.

There are more than 100 student clubs and organizations at CCSU. They cover a broad range of interests including academic—such as the Anthropology or the Investment clubs; athletics—such as the crew or flying clubs; cultural—such as the art club and the jazz band; ethnic—such as the Black Student Union, Latin American Students Organization, and the Muslim Student Association; religious—such as Hillel and the Newman Club; and honors organizations such as Delta Mu Delta, Lambda Delta, and Kappa Delta Pi. On-campus entertainment is also wide and varied, including, most recently, "Devils Den@ 10"—student-run entertainment on Thursday evenings.

Central Connecticut State University has a large population of commuter students and students who are working/helping put themselves through school. "Commuters and students who live on campus are very segregated from one another," which "makes it difficult for people…of certain groups to associate with different types of people." It can sometimes feel like "people come to campus to take classes and leave." Students say that hanging out in the student center or joining a club are the best ways to overcome this problem. "Cliques exist," but "most people find a group they fit in with." "It's easy to talk to any person you're in class with," and most students are "fun, outgoing," and "ready to help you find your way," if you ask.

The large number of commuter students means that campus life can be a little lacking, but the school is working at "integrating commuter students or encouraging them to move on campus." There is an "awesome student center," but one criminology student says, "It almost seems as if there is a lack of on-campus activities for residents." "College is all of what you make it," a student counters. "Find the right group to hang out with and you might not go home until Thanksgiving, even if you live two towns over." "Getting involved on campus with clubs or Greek life will help with your experience here." Contrary to what you might here, "the food is not disgusting." "The food isn't mom's home-cooked meals, but you aren't going to starve." Central Connecticut State University might have some limitations, but students say it "grows every day in diversity, academics, improving student life—for residents and commuters—and [in] maintaining traditions."