Overview of Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College building

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.

Accreditation

Charter Oak is licensed and accredited by the state of Connecticut and regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. 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 higher education options. The actual cost of a degree varies based on your individual circumstances, credits earned elsewhere, etc. Get more information on Tuition, Payment Plans, and Financial Aid.

Programs of Study

The College offers the following degree programs: a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership, six Bachelors of Science ( Business Administration, Cyber Security, Health Care Administration, Health Information Management, Psychology and General Studies), a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies, an Associate in Science, and an Associate in Arts. The General Studies Bachelor's degree programs are available with 40 different workforce-relevant concentrations, 12 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

*Charter Oak State College reserves the right to limit or exclude the transfer of credit if the course content, assessment process , or student learning outcomes do not meet Charter Oak’s faculty standards. Given these standards, effective January 16, 2020, credit will no longer be accepted in transfer from the following organizations:

  • Consortium for International Studies (CIS)
  • Coopersmith
  • Rechtschaffen Institute of Judaic Studies (RIJS)
  • Tor Academy

Student Body

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

Graduates

The College has more than 16,000 alumni. In a recent survey, 98% of degree completers indicated being  "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with Charter Oak overall.  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 faculty who 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 Military so 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
185 Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051

Telephone

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

Fax

(860) 760-6047