At $15,663/yr net price, Charter Oak State College graduates earn $64,209/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $30,209/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $15,663 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $62,652 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $64,209/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$30,209/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.1 years |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,683 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $15,663/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $61,516 | $20,497 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $55,036 | $21,958 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $47,260 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $42,775 | $16,098 |
Analysis
Charter Oak State College delivers solid financial returns with a $64,209 median salary after graduation and manageable debt of $18,683. The net price of $15,663 annually creates a reasonable path to degree completion without crushing financial burden.
Business Administration graduates earn $61,516 with $20,497 in debt, making this the strongest financial choice at Charter Oak. Health and Medical Administrative Services pays $55,036 but carries higher debt at $21,958, reducing the overall return. Liberal Arts programs show weaker outcomes, with some graduates earning just $42,775.
Your biggest risk here is program selection. The $18,000 earnings gap between business and liberal arts graduates makes your major choice critical to financial success. Charter Oak's 100% retention rate suggests strong student support, but this statistic may reflect the school's adult-focused, online format rather than traditional campus engagement.
Charter Oak works best if you need flexible scheduling and can commit to business or health administration programs. The school serves working adults well with its competency-based approach and credit for prior learning, potentially reducing your time to degree and total costs. However, if you're considering liberal arts or want a traditional college experience, you should explore other Connecticut public options that may offer better career services and alumni networks.
Financial aid reaches only 38% of students, so plan to cover most costs through personal funds or external scholarships. The low debt levels suggest many students pay as they go, making Charter Oak a viable choice if you can manage the annual $15,663 expense without heavy borrowing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charter Oak State College worth the cost?
Charter Oak State College offers a relatively affordable education at $15,663 per year with modest debt levels around $18,683. However, the 10-year median earnings of $64,209 are below average for college graduates, making the financial return questionable for many students.
What are the highest paying majors at Charter Oak State College?
Business Administration leads with median earnings of $61,516, followed by Health and Medical Administrative Services at $55,036. Liberal Arts programs fall significantly behind at $42,775-$47,260, which may struggle to justify even Charter Oak's modest costs.
How much student debt do Charter Oak State College graduates have?
Charter Oak graduates typically leave with $18,683 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low debt load helps offset the school's below-average earning outcomes for most programs.
Does Charter Oak State College have good financial aid?
With a net price of $15,663, Charter Oak appears to provide decent financial aid that keeps costs reasonable. The school's online format and state funding help maintain affordability for Connecticut residents and working adults.