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Charter Oak State College

Grad Rate
56.2%
Enrollment
1,620
Tuition
$8,506
Median Salary
$64,209
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
A-
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Charter Oak State College feels like a highly focused, adult-oriented academic hub rather than a traditional campus. The atmosphere is pragmatic and flexible, catering to non-traditional students balancing education with work and life. It's a place driven by the clear goal of degree completion, with a supportive but independent energy.

Academics & Majors

The college specializes in online degree completion programs, with particular strength in Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice. Academic offerings are designed to be career-relevant and flexible for working adults. Research opportunities are not a primary focus, as the curriculum emphasizes practical application and professional readiness over theoretical exploration.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
19.3%
Business & Marketing
15%
Education
11.2%
Criminal Justice
11.1%
Psychology
9.5%
Family & Consumer Science
5.9%
Social Sciences
2.2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

56.2%
Graduation Rate
100%
Retention Rate
1,620
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,506
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$15,663
After financial aid
Total Cost
$22,558
Cost of attendance/year
37.7%
Receive Pell Grants
40.1%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in New Britain

Student life is centered around professional and personal commitments rather than a traditional campus social scene. For fun and relaxation, students can explore New Britain's many parks, visit the New Britain Museum of American Art, or take a short trip to the cultural and dining hubs of Hartford. Community events and local sports are also popular in the area.

Local Rent Check

$1,673 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in New Britain
Explore New Britain

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$34,024
$0Est. 4 Years: $34,024

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($64,209):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

Charter Oak State College does not have a traditional campus, but it is located in a state that maintains low crime rates. The surrounding New Britain area has a mix of residential and commercial zones, and students should practice standard urban awareness.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Extremely affordable tuition for a public, accredited degree.
  • โœ“ 100% retention rate indicates strong student satisfaction and support.
  • โœ“ Flexible online programs are ideal for working adults and non-traditional students.
  • โœ“ Strong outcomes in high-demand fields like Health Professions and Business.

Cons

  • โœ— Lacks a traditional campus life with on-campus housing or a residential community.
  • โœ— Limited research opportunities compared to larger research universities.
  • โœ— Not suitable for students seeking a classic 'college experience' with Greek life and major athletics.

Notable Alumni

John H. Durham
Former United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, known for his role in high-profile investigations.
Dannel Malloy
88th Governor of Connecticut, who completed his bachelor's degree at Charter Oak State College.
Catherine Osten
First Selectwoman of Sprague, Connecticut, and a prominent state-level politician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charter Oak State College is known for its affordable, accredited online degree completion programs. It specializes in serving non-traditional students, including working adults and military personnel. Its academic strengths lie in career-focused fields like Health Professions, Business, and Criminal Justice.

Charter Oak State College is an open-enrollment institution with a 100% acceptance rate, making it accessible to most applicants. The focus is less on traditional metrics like SAT scores and more on an applicant's ability to succeed in a flexible, online environment. Admissions decisions often weigh prior college credits and life experience heavily.

Campus life at Charter Oak is unconventional because it is an online-focused college without traditional dorms or a central campus. The student community is primarily virtual, with support services and interactions happening through online platforms. The experience is designed for independent learners who are balancing their studies with work and family commitments.

Yes, for its target student, the value is excellent. The low in-state tuition of $8,506 and high median earnings of $64,209 after 10 years indicate a strong return on investment. The 100% retention rate shows that students are satisfied and supported through to graduation, making it a financially sound choice for an accredited degree.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

State of Connecticut Hartford Healthcare Travelers Cigna ESPN
Smart Start Score
77

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Suburban
  • Undergrad 2,257
  • In-State Tuition $8,506
  • Zip Code 06051

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 23.2% โ™€ 76.8%

The Money Talk

With an in-state tuition of $8,506 and an average net price of $15,663, the college offers a strong financial value, especially for Connecticut residents. The 10-year median earnings of $64,209 suggest a solid return on investment for a degree from an accredited public institution. The flat tuition rate for out-of-state students also makes it an attractive option for non-residents seeking affordability.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,506
Housing (12 mo) $20,076
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $35,782
With avg financial aid:
$15,663/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.