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Charter Oak State College Announces Recipient of Annual Honorary Degree
Charter Oak alum Kimberly L. Beauregard has served as President and CEO of InterCommunity, Inc. for the past decade Read more »

Charter Oak to hold 2013 commencement ceremony on June 2
Approximately 500 students comprise the class of 2013, with 150 attending Read more »

Charter Oak Expands Exam For Credit Offerings
New agreement with Excelsior College announced. Read more »

Charter Oak launches Health Information Management bachelor degree program
The College now offers first public HIM online degree program in Connecticut Read more »

Charter Oak State College awarded Military Friendly Schools title by Victory Media
Inclusion on the 2013 list of Military Friendly Schools shows Charter Oak's commitment to providing a supportive environment for military students Read more »

Charter Oak hires Dr. Frank M. Valier as Coordinator for new Health Information Management program
College will launch its first major later this fall Read more »

Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education
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Overview of Charter Oak State College

History

The Connecticut General Assembly created the Board of State Academic Awards in 1973.  In 1980, the Board received legislative authorization to designate its degree program as a college.  The name chosen, "Charter Oak College," commemorated an early success in Connecticut's struggle for self-governance and was particularly suited to a public institution in what is popularly known as the Constitution State.  In 1992, the name was changed to Charter Oak State College to facilitate recognition that the College was part of the state system of public higher education.  In 2009, the State statute was changed to grant Charter Oak State College authority to offer Master's degrees. In 2011, the Connecticut Legislature reorganized the state system of higher education, combining the twelve community colleges, the four state universities, and Charter Oak State College under one governing board called the Board of Regents.

Accreditations

Charter Oak is licensed and accredited by the state of Connecticut and regionally accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The College is governed by The Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.  See our Accreditation for more information.

Cost and Payment Options

Charter Oak is one of the most affordable options. See how we compare to other Connecticut and online colleges in our Cost Comparison Chart: The actual cost of a degree varies based on your individual circumstances. Get more information on Tuition, Payment Plans, and Financial Aid.

Programs of Study

The College offers four General Studies Degrees - Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees (requiring a minimum of 60 credits), and Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees (requiring at least 120 credits). A range of workforce relevant concentrations are available, many of which can be completed through the exclusive use of our online courses. In addition the College offers professional certificate programs and workforce related credential programs. Get more information on our Programs of Study.

Transferring and Earning Credits

Students at Charter Oak can take advantage of our flexible credit transfer policy to accelerate their path to degree completion. The college awards credit for:

  • Up to 87 credits of coursework from other regionally accredited colleges and universities
  • Standardized tests (CLEP, DANTES)
  • Military training and occupation evaluated by ACE
  • Corporate and agency training programs evaluated by ACE/PONSI
  • Connecticut Credit Assessment Program (CCAP)
  • Portfolio Assessment
  • Faculty evaluated licensures and certifications

Student Body

More than 2,000 students are enrolled at the College.

Graduates

The College has more than 11,000 alumni. In a recent survey, 97% said they were "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their program. The survey also indicated:

  • 90% were employed full or part-time while completing their degrees
  • 60% gained immediate professional and/or financial recognition from their employers after earning their degrees.
  • Nearly 41% have been accepted into graduate programs at more than 350 colleges and universities.

Faculty

Charter Oak students reap the benefits of learning from dedicated and distinguished facultywho hold teaching positions at other accredited colleges and universities and from professionals with expertise in a broad range of career environments. Each faculty member is an esteemed educator unhesitating in his or her desire to challenge, guide and inspire you to achieve your educational goals.

Associations

Workforce development has been an integral part of the mission of Charter Oak State College since its inception in 1973. The College seeks to provide assistance to business and industry in advancing the educational credentials of their employees. Charter Oak State College has partnered with many branches of the US Militaryso that service members and their spouses can complete their degrees from a distance at a reduced rate.

Location

Our administrative offices are located in New Britain, Connecticut.

Mailing Address

Charter Oak State College
55 Paul J. Manafort Drive
New Britain, CT 06053-2150 Contact Us

Telephone

(860) 515-3800
Monday - Thursday 8:30AM to 7:00PM
Friday 8:30AM to 5:00PM

Fax

(860) 760-6047