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 gives you a solid financial return if you pick the right major. You earn $64,209 a year a decade out while carrying just $18,683 in median debt, so your earnings run more than three times your total borrowing. That debt-to-income ratio is the strongest part of the picture here.
The gap between programs is what you need to watch. Business Administration pays $61,516 and Health and Medical Administrative Services pays $55,036, but the debt on both sits above $20,000. General Studies and Humanities pays $42,775 with the lowest debt of the three. If you enroll in the Liberal Arts track expecting business-level pay, the numbers don't back that up. The management degree is where the money is, and it's worth the extra borrowing.
The specific risk here is the net price. Charter Oak is a public college built for adult and transfer students, and the price doesn't drop for lower incomes. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay the full $15,663 a year. There's no discount tier for you, so budget for the sticker price and lean on the low borrowing to keep debt in check.
This school fits you if you're finishing a business or health administration degree and want to keep debt low while earning a real return. It fits less well if you plan to major in general studies and expect a high salary, or if you need a school that scales cost to your income. The math works best when you match your major to the top-earning tracks and treat the flat net price as a fixed cost you'll pay regardless of what you make.
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.