At Charter Oak, our focus is on the adult learner. We know that returning to college is a challenge– particularly for working adults – who have continuing education needs far different from those of the fresh-out-of-high school learner!
Our discerning students choose us because we are (click on each term for more information):
Flexible & Convenient
These terms go hand-in-hand, and there is simply no better way to describe the needs of the typical adult learner. Adults who are working toward completing a degree need maximum flexibility and convenience in many ways, including when, where, and how to earn credits or take classes.
When – online classes are completed according to your schedule. Although courses follow a structured syllabus, you are able to ultimately complete assignments at a time most convenient for you.
Where - all online courses can be completed anywhere there is a computer with an Internet connection. If you prefer classroom learning, we will assist you in finding on-ground courses that meet your needs.
How - credits can be earned in a variety of ways; by taking the College’s own distance learning courses or those offered by other regionally accredited colleges and universities; military training and experience evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE); college-level testing programs such as CLEP, DANTES; and even through life experience (portfolio assessment).
Return to Top
Affordable
It’s a tricky term! Everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to the issue of money – particularly as it relates to the value of an education. It’s tricky, too, because the cost of tuition may ‘appear’ to be less at one institution than at another. However, if one institution’s credit requirements dictate a longer period of time for degree completion, that degree may, in fact, cost a whole lot more. The bottom line is that Charter Oak is one of the most affordable options in higher education – please see our Cost Comparison Charts (PDF) for more information.
In addition to our reasonable tuition, we also offer interest-free payment plans to help you manage the costs of your education. For some students, they are even more convenient than applying for traditional loans or other forms of financial aid.
Return to Top
Efficient
Charter Oak strives to provide students the most direct route to completing a degree without duplicating classes or paying for unneeded credits. Unlike other colleges, we do not have an academic residency requirement. This means you will not have to enroll in any of our courses if they don’t meet your needs. Likewise, we will not make you repeat courses simply because you took those years ago. Our philosophy is one of lifelong learning based on the notion that an education doesn’t expire! At other colleges, the residency requirement and credit transfer restrictions can mean you must earn 30-45 MORE credits to complete a degree. In the end, such a degree would not only require more time, but much more money! One final note on efficiency – Charter Oak confers degrees six times per year so there is less waiting for that hard-earned diploma.
Return to Top
Supportive
The typical adult learner is under a great deal of stress. In most cases they have a significant amount of college experience, but have not been able to complete their degree. Perhaps you have tried, but life simply has gotten in the way – family, finances, work. We get it! We understand the pressure and stress of daily life, and our staff is anxious to help you see that there is a “light at the end of the tunnel” by guiding you every step of the way.
To begin with, you will be in contact with an Admissions Counselor who can help you sort out the best route to degree completion. Once enrolled (matriculated), you will then be assigned a personal Academic Counselor with expertise in your area of study. He or she will assist you throughout the degree completion process. We constantly hear from graduates that this type of personal support made all the difference in helping them achieve their goals. Visit Admissions to learn more about our helpful admissions staff.
Return to Top
Progressive
Charter Oak makes degree completion easier than other more traditional academic institutions. This stems from the core of our very creation. We were founded in 1973 in response to the bias that existed in the system of educational licensure and accreditation. Under such bias, intelligent, motivated adults were not recognized by the academic system. In order to empower the non-traditional learner, Charter Oak has developed many ways for adults to prove what they know and ultimately earn credits based on that knowledge. These include: online courses, transferal of credits from many accredited sources (often regardless of age), military training and experience evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE), college-level testing programs, the Connecticut Credit Assessment Program (CCAP), and portfolio assessment (credit for life experience).
Return to Top
Unique
Charter Oak’s degree options are diverse. We don’t offer “Majors” as do other institutions. Instead, all degrees are awarded in General Studies with an area of Concentration (or specialization) completed according to the student’s personal interests. It is a “design your own degree” format that gives you the freedom to choose courses based on your specific goals.
Return to Top
Academically-Sound
Although unique, the bachelor’s (baccalaureate) degree in General Studies provides an extremely well-rounded education. The core general education requirements of the degree promote strong communication and decision-making skills that prepare you for career success, while mandatory knowledge areas – history, global understanding, the arts and the sciences – contribute to your future as productive and cultured members of society. In addition, every degree awarded by Charter Oak is carefully reviewed by members of our esteemed faculty to ensure it meets the highest academic standards. Please see our Accreditation page for more information.
Return to Top
Reputable
Charter Oak State College has awarded degrees to adult learners for more than three decades. As a member of the Connecticut State System of Higher Education, with accreditation from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Connecticut Board of Governors for Higher Education, we uphold the highest academic standards. In addition, we regularly conduct surveys to ensure we provide the best possible service. For example, our analysis of, and resulting ongoing improvements in, our online courses led to a dramatic rise in student satisfaction from 76% in the fall of 1999 to 94.8% in the summer of 2004. In fact, no one sings our praises louder than our grads. In our 2005 graduate survey, 96.8% of responding graduates were satisfied to very satisfied with their Charter Oak experience. In addition, we regularly receive e-mails and letters from happy alumni telling us what a blessing the Charter Oak distance learning options have been in their lives. It is this strong word-of-mouth that helps us grow and assist others with their educational dreams. Please visit our Success Stories page for more information on our stellar reputation.
Return to Top
Successful
Nothing makes us prouder than to see our graduates succeed, and succeed they have. Approximately 48% of our recent graduates have gone on to pursue an advanced degree. Similarly, 45% of recent graduates report professional advancement as a result of their degree. Please see Our Grads at Work.
In general, earning a degree offers higher earning potential and career advancement over the course of a person’s lifetime. However, success goes well beyond career, educational, and financial advancement. Many of our graduates also report increased confidence and personal sense of satisfaction as a result of completing their degree. That kind of pride and lifelong confidence is priceless!
Return to Top
