Charter Oak State College: $8,506 Tuition

$8,506Tuition

1,620Students

$64,209Earnings

Public4-yearLiberal ArtsData: 2023-24

About Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College transforms life experience into college credit for working adults across Connecticut and beyond. This online institution serves 1,620 students who can earn entire degrees through prior learning assessment, recognizing professional training, military service, and work experience as academic credit. The college operates from New Britain but reaches students who never need to set foot on a traditional campus.

The financial picture tells a practical story. Students pay an average net price of $15,663, regardless of residency status since tuition runs $8,506 for everyone. Graduates earn a median of $64,209 ten years after starting, making the typical debt load of $18,683 manageable with monthly payments around $198. The 94.6% employment rate reflects the college's focus on career-oriented adults already in the workforce.

Women make up 76.79% of the student body, while the racial composition splits between 49.44% white students, 22.47% Hispanic, and 20.68% Black students. The 100% retention rate seems impressive but likely reflects the unique nature of competency-based education where students progress at their own pace. Only 37.71% receive financial aid, suggesting many students pay out of pocket or through employer assistance.

Academics & Faculty

Charter Oak State College pioneered competency-based education for working adults who need flexible degree options. The college allows students to earn up to 75% of their degree credits through prior learning assessment, recognizing professional experience and military training. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, advisors provide personalized guidance for creating individualized degree plans. The school offers bachelor's degrees in liberal arts, business, healthcare administration, and public safety administration. Students complete coursework entirely online or through portfolio assessment. The 100% retention rate reflects the college's focus on serving motivated adult learners who return to complete degrees they started elsewhere. Most students continue working full-time while earning their credentials.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Retention Rate: 100.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $64,209
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$61,516
Health and Medical Administrative Services.	Bachelor	$55,036
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$47,260
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Bachelor	$42,775

View all 27 programs →

Campus Life

Charter Oak State College operates entirely online, serving working adults who balance studies with full-time jobs and family responsibilities. The school enrolls 1,620 students, with 76.79% being women and most studying part-time around their schedules. Students never visit a physical campus since all courses happen through digital platforms and competency-based assessments.

The typical Charter Oak experience revolves around flexibility rather than traditional college life. Students log in during early morning hours before work, lunch breaks, or late evenings after putting kids to bed. With 69.77% of students living in Connecticut, many continue their regular routines while earning degrees through prior learning assessment. Weekend "social life" means catching up on coursework between family obligations and work shifts. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio translates to personalized online mentoring rather than lecture halls. Students connect through virtual discussion boards and group projects, building professional networks across Connecticut's suburbs and beyond. The semester calendar system provides structure, but the real rhythm comes from fitting education into already-packed adult lives.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1973

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 20°–36°F
July Avg: 65°–84°F
Annual Precipitation: 42.8"
Annual Snowfall: 38.6"

Student Demographics

Charter Oak attracts working adults seeking flexible degree completion options, with three-quarters of students being women who often return to education while managing careers and families. The student body draws heavily from Connecticut and neighboring states, reflecting the college's reputation as a regional leader in competency-based learning. About 38% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves middle and working-class adults looking for affordable pathways to degrees. The diverse enrollment includes nearly equal numbers of white, Black, and Hispanic students, making it one of the more racially integrated colleges in Connecticut's public system.

Men: 23.2%
Women: 76.8%
White: 49.4%
Black: 20.7%
Hispanic: 22.5%
Asian: 2.9%
In-State Students: 69.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 37.7%

Location

Charter Oak State College operates from New Britain, Connecticut, about 10 miles southwest of Hartford. The school serves 1,620 students primarily through online programs rather than a traditional campus experience. New Britain sits in central Connecticut's post-industrial corridor, known for its manufacturing history and diverse working-class communities. The city has transformed from its hardware manufacturing roots into a more service-oriented economy. About 69.77% of Charter Oak students are Connecticut residents who benefit from the same tuition rate regardless of residency status. The college's distance learning model means students rarely need to visit the physical location. Students considering colleges in Connecticut may also compare Charter Oak State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: New Britain, Connecticut 06051

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $64,209
Median Earnings (5 years): $59,956
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $48,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 52.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $198/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,683

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Charter Oak State College?

Charter Oak State College operates as an open-admission institution designed for adult learners, meaning qualified applicants can enroll without a traditional competitive admissions process. The college specializes in serving working adults who want to complete their degrees through prior learning assessment and distance education. With 1,620 students enrolled, the focus is on accessibility rather than selectivity.

How much does Charter Oak State College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $15,663 annually, with both in-state and out-of-state tuition set at $8,506. About 37.71% of students receive financial aid, though the college offers minimal institutional grants with an average of just $8,195. The median student debt at graduation is $18,683 with monthly loan payments averaging $198.

What academic programs is Charter Oak State College known for?

Charter Oak State College pioneered competency-based education and prior learning assessment since its founding in 1973. The college operates entirely online with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing students to earn credit for professional experience and prior learning. Students can complete degrees through flexible, self-paced programs designed around work schedules.

What are the job outcomes for Charter Oak State College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $64,209 ten years after graduation, with an employment rate of 94.6%. Early career earnings start at $53,393 one year post-graduation and grow to $59,956 after five years. The loan repayment rate stands at 52.17%, reflecting the practical career focus of the programs.

Where is Charter Oak State College located and what is campus life like?

Charter Oak State College is based in New Britain, Connecticut, but operates as a fully online institution without a traditional campus. Students attend virtually from across the country, though 69.77% are Connecticut residents. The college serves a unique population with 76.79% women and a diverse student body that includes 20.68% Black and 22.47% Hispanic students.

Does Charter Oak State College have a high retention rate?

Charter Oak State College reports a 100% retention rate, though this figure reflects the unique nature of competency-based, self-paced learning rather than traditional semester progression. The college's flexible format allows adult learners to continue their studies around work and family obligations. Students progress at their own pace rather than following traditional academic calendars.