


Central Connecticut State University traces its origins to 1849, when Connecticut established a state normal school to train teachers. Its roots in teacher preparation remain visible in its education programs, although it now offers degrees across business, engineering, health, the sciences, and the arts.
The institution later became the Teachers College of Connecticut, then Central Connecticut State College, before taking its present university name in 1983. Those changes reflect its transition from a teacher-training institution to a public university with undergraduate and graduate programs.
Central Connecticut State University organizes its programs across the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Education and Professional Studies, and the School of Engineering, Science, and Technology. It also offers graduate study. Applicants should use the current academic catalog to confirm which school administers a particular major, since academic structures and program names can change.
The range includes accounting, psychology, teacher education, nursing, computer science, mechanical engineering, social work, and the performing arts. Many students pursue bachelor's degrees, while graduate programs provide options for further study. Requirements can differ substantially by program: a major involving clinical work, teacher certification, or a sequenced engineering curriculum may require more advance planning than its general university admission requirements suggest.
The reported student-to-faculty ratio is 14 to 1. That institution-wide measure does not predict the size or availability of a particular course.
Central Connecticut State University is a public university in New Britain, Connecticut. Its campus offers a residential setting, but commuting is a major part of student life: approximately 69% of students commute.
New Britain's location in central Connecticut gives students access to the Hartford region for employment and internships. Commuters should consider their actual travel time, parking needs, and course schedules rather than assuming that a regional location makes every trip convenient. First-year students may register or park a car on campus, subject to current parking rules. Bradley International Airport is the nearest major airport identified in university information.
Central Connecticut State University's stated purpose centers on accessible public higher education, student learning, and engagement with Connecticut's communities. Its history in teacher preparation informs that mission, but its current academic scope extends well beyond education.
University mission and vision statements describe institutional priorities, not independently measured outcomes for every student. Prospective students can evaluate those priorities against the specific programs, advising, costs, and opportunities that matter to them. CCSU is a public institution, not a religiously affiliated university.
Name of the institution
Central Connecticut State UniversityLevel of institution
Four or more yearsControl of institution
PublicSetting type
Suburb: LargeInstitutional Category
Degree - granting, primarily baccalaureate or aboveInstitution size category
5,000 - 9,999School type
UniversityMain student body
CoeducationalCalendar system
SemestersFoundation year
1849Central Connecticut State University is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation confirms that the school meets quality standards and is required for students to receive federal financial aid.
Certificate of less than 1 year
Bachelor's degree
Postbaccalaureate certificate
Master's degree
Post-master's certificate
Doctor's degree - research/scholarshipData last updated on November 5, 2026
Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026
Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.