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Charter Oak State College

New Britain, CT | Public | College

Charter Oak State College is a public university in New Britain, CT ranked #691 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B, and enrolling about 1,620 undergraduates. Students most often pursue Health and Medical Administrative Services and Business Administration, Management and Operations.

Day to day, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 100.0% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.

Families typically invest $15,663, about $1,335 less than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -14.2%, roughly 99.5 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $53,779. That's about $10,091 higher than national results. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.

B
Ranking
#691 of 6,272
How We Rank Schools Close mentorshipPublic school optionSmall campus feel
At a Glance
Ranking
#691 of 6,272 (Top 11%)
Tuition
$8,506
Net Price
$15,663
4-Year Tuition
$34,024
Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Transfer Rate
Not reported
Student Population
1,620
Student-Faculty
16:1
Graduation Rate
Not reported
Retention Rate
100.0%
6-Yr Earnings
$53,779
ROI
-14.2%

Who is Charter Oak State College Best For?

A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.

Students who thrive with close mentoring
Momentum seekers needing high retention
First-gen or Pell-eligible support
Learners who value a tight-knit campus
Students valuing supportive learning environments

EDsmart Scores Summary

Overall Ranking
#691 of 6,272
Top 11% of all institutions
EDsmart Score
65.0 / 100 (national index)
Curved score (top institution = 100.0)
Value Rating
3.25 / 5
Based on ROI and outcomes
Completion
B+
#418 of 6,272
Affordability
B+
#601 of 6,272
Support
A-
#277 of 6,272
Career Outcomes
C-
#1,839 of 6,272

Charter Oak State College does not report a six-year graduation rate and keeps 100.0% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B+ compared with similar schools.

How we calculate this →

Cost & Financial Aid

Quick Answers

Can you afford it?
Depends on income
$15,663 average net price after aid.
Will you graduate?
Data not reported
Six-year completion data not reported.
Will you get a job?
Challenging
27.3% of alumni are employed within three years of leaving. Median earnings six years after entry are $53,779. Pay varies by major.
Get Your Personalized Cost Estimate

The costs shown are averages. Use Charter Oak State College's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.

Calculate Your Net Price →

Total Degree Cost Summary

4-Year Total Cost (Pay with Cash)
$90,232
$22,558 × 4 years
Average Total Cost (Pay with Financial Aid)
$70,484
$15,663 × 4.5 years average
Time to Degree
Average: 4.5 years | 4-Year Rate: N/A | 6-Year Rate: Not reported
Completion rate data is not available for this institution.

Annual Cost Comparison

Pay with Cash
$22,558
Total annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses; excluding any financial aid, grants or scholarships.
Pay with Financial Aid
$15,663
Average annual cost including tuition, books and living expenses after financial aid, grants or scholarships.

Cost of Undergraduate Attendance

Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.

View cost of attendance line items
Costs to Consider Price
Tuition and Fees $8,506
Books and Supplies $2,000
On-Campus Room and Board Not reported
On-Campus Other Expenses Not reported
Total On-Campus Cost $22,558

Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.

Students Receiving Aid

Pell Grant
37.7%
Federal Loan
0.0%

Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.

EDsmart Insight: About 37.7% of Charter Oak State College students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.

Net Price by Family Income

Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.

$0 - $30,000
$15,663
Average annual cost for families earning $0-$30K

Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Use Charter Oak State College's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

4-Year Total Cost Estimates:
$0-$30K families
~$70,484

ROI & Career Outcomes

Return on Investment
-14.2%
Based on 6-year median earnings vs. total degree cost
  • 6-Year Median Earnings $53,779
  • 10-Year Median Earnings $53,779
  • Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
  • Average Student Debt $12,422
  • Repayment Rate (3yr) 52.2%
  • Employment Rate 27.3%

Graduate Earnings Distribution

Earnings range for Charter Oak State College graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.

Graduates earn a median of $53,779 six years after enrollment — roughly 23% above the national median.
Payback Period
1.31 years
Total Degree Cost ÷ Annual Earnings

Charter Oak State College vs. National Average

Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Charter Oak State College's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Charter Oak State College's performance within the broader higher education landscape.

EDsmart Insight: While Charter Oak State College graduates earn $53,779 median, the -14.2% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.

Acceptance & Selectivity

Getting In

Acceptance Rate
Not reported
Extremely Selective
National Average
69%
Average acceptance rate
  • SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
  • SAT Math Not reported
  • SAT Writing Not reported
  • ACT Composite Not reported
  • SAT & ACTNot required
  • Undergraduate Enrollment 1,620
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Retention Rate 100.0%
  • Graduation Rate Not reported
  • Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1

How to Get Into Charter Oak State College

1. Meet Academic Requirements: Charter Oak State College requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.

2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.

3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of Not reported, Charter Oak State College is selective. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.

4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.

Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.

Academic Programs

Undergraduate Program Distribution

Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Charter Oak State College undergraduates. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Health and Medical Administrative Services draw the most students.

  • Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 43.9%
  • Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.3%
  • Health and Medical Administrative Services 13.6%
  • Criminal Justice and Corrections 9.3%
  • Psychology, General 8.2%
  • Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.0%
See more majors
  • Security Science and Technology 3.0%
  • Sociology 0.5%

Highest Earning Programs

Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)

  • 1. Health and Medical Administrative Services $76,376
  • 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $72,972
  • 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections $68,956
Show additional high-earning majors
  • 4. Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management $68,659
  • 5. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $60,492
  • 6. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $50,074
  • 7. Psychology, General $45,428

Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)

  • 1. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $80,486

Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Health and Medical Administrative Services grads earn $76,376—68% more than Psychology, General ($45,428). Graduate: Human Resources Management and Services programs lead with $80,486 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.

Online Degrees & Distance Learning

College Scorecard does not list any fully online degree programs for Charter Oak State College. This institution may offer hybrid or partially online courses, but no fully online degree programs are reported in the latest data release.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard

Student Demographics

Student Population

  • Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,620
  • Full-Time Students 95.0%
  • Part-Time Students 5.0%
  • Male Students 23.2%
  • Female Students 76.8%
  • Caucasian 49.4%
  • Asian 2.9%
  • Hispanic 22.5%
  • Black 20.7%
  • Pell Grant Recipients 37.7%

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Charter Oak State College's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.

Gender Distribution

Gender breakdown of Charter Oak State College's undergraduate population. Women make up 76.8% of the student body, while men represent 23.2%.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Charter Oak State College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
33.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
35.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
1.9 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

EDsmart Insight: Charter Oak State College has a diverse student body, with 49.4% identifying as White. Women make up 76.8% of undergraduates.

Graduation Rate Equity Analysis

How well does Charter Oak State College support students from different economic backgrounds?

Pell Grant Recipients
33.2%
6-year graduation rate
Non-Pell Students
35.1%
6-year graduation rate
Equity Gap
1.9 pts
excellent equity

What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at nearly the same rate as higher-income students, indicating strong institutional support for all economic backgrounds.

Our Take

Charter Oak State College serves as an affordable college for students seeking quality education without elite university costs. Ranked #691 nationally with ROI data not available, the institution balances practical outcomes with budget-friendly pricing.

At $15,663 annually, students gain access to career-focused programs leading to $53,779 median earnings. Graduation rate data is not reported for this college. While 100.0% retention suggests adequate student support.

College Value: Charter Oak State College's Strengths

Ranked #691 with a B grade, Charter Oak State College prioritizes accessibility and local career connections over national prestige.

Primary Strengths: Colleges like Charter Oak State College excel at providing affordable education ($15,663 annually) with strong local employer relationships. Many programs emphasize practical skills and internships within the regional economy.

Best For: Students planning to work in the region after graduation benefit from established employer connections. Adult learners and part-time students appreciate flexible scheduling. First-generation students and budget-conscious families gain degrees without overwhelming debt.

Honest Assessment: Available data trail elite universities but align with typical college performance. Career outcomes ($53,779 median earnings) reflect regional job markets more than national opportunities.

Value Verdict: For students committed to regional careers, Charter Oak State College and $15,663 cost deliver solid value. Those seeking national job mobility or prestigious credentials should compare against flagship state universities or targeted private scholarships.

Key Takeaways

  • 100.0% first-year retention is 23.2 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
  • -14.2% return on investment is 99.5 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
  • Median earnings of $53,779 run about 23% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
  • Average net price of $15,663 is roughly $1,455 lower than the national median of $17,118.
  • 27.3% employment rate within three years is 40.9 points below the national 68.2%.

Helpfulness for Students

Green Flags
  • 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
  • 100.0% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
  • 27.3% employment rate within three years sits 40.9 points below national outcomes.
Red Flags
  • Pell participation at 37.7% trails the national share by 1.1 points, so equity work remains important.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
  • Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis

Charter Oak State College is a public university based in New Britain, CT and earns a B overall grade. It is currently ranked #691 nationally Category results include Completion (B+), Support (A-), Career Outcomes (C-), and Affordability (B+).

Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.

First-year retention sits near 100.0%. Return on investment currently measures -14.2% for this program.

Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.

EDsmart Financial Snapshot

Families pay about $15,663 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $22,558.

Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $6,895 per year.

Graduates leave with a median of $12,422 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.

About 37.7% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.

Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.

EDsmart Career Snapshot

Graduates report median earnings of about $53,779 six years after entry. This is roughly 23% above typical U.S. college outcomes.

Employment outcomes report about 27.3% of alumni working within three years.

Plan around an ROI of about -14.2% according to the Scorecard data.

Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.

EDsmart Admissions Snapshot

This institution has not reported a current acceptance rate.

The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.

Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Charter Oak State College admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.

Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.

EDsmart Verdict
3.25 / 5
Value Rating - Based on affordability and career outcomes

Your Decision Toolkit

Run the Net Price Calculator
Get your personalized cost estimate
Compare with similar schools
See how Charter Oak State College stacks up to alternatives
Check your major's earnings
See ROI for your specific field of study
Visit the campus
Schedule a campus tour or virtual visit
Visit Charter Oak State College Website →

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Contact Information

  • AccreditationNew England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE)
  • Endowment$2.4M

Data Source & Methodology