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Connecticut State Colleges and Universities: Access, Affordability and Opportunity


The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) is the state’s largest system of higher education that provides more than 1,300 high-quality, affordable and accessible programs of study in a wide range of fields and disciplines.

CSCU consists of 17 institutions statewide — four universities, 12 community colleges, and one online college — that offer affordable, innovative and rigorous undergraduate and graduate degrees in hundreds of academic fields, as well as certificates in manufacturing technology, cyber security, and allied health. The universities also offer doctoral degrees in nursing, education, and social work.

CSCU strives to offer its 85,000 students unique and comprehensive degree and certificate programs, non-credit lifelong learning opportunities, and job skills training programs to help supply the state and its businesses with a skilled, well-trained and educated workforce.

Low tuition and fees, along with financial aid opportunities and college scholarship programs, make CSCU an affordable higher education option for students who are pursuing their personal and career goals.

Transferring from a Connecticut Community College to a Connecticut State University or Charter Oak State College is now easier than ever. Upon transfer, students are guaranteed full junior status and can complete a bachelor's degree in their major without losing any credits or being required to take any extra credits.

Connecticut State Universities

Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut State Universities

The four Connecticut State Universities offer exemplary and affordable undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, fine arts, applied fields, and professional disciplines. The Universities offer extensive opportunities for internships, community service, athletics and cultural engagement. Through a variety of living and learning environments, the Universities strive to meet the needs of a broad range of students. They work to advance knowledge, research, and learning, while preparing students to enter the workforce.

Connecticut Community Colleges

Asnuntuck, Capital, Gateway, Housatonic, Manchester, Middlesex, Naugatuck Valley, Northwestern Connecticut, Norwalk, Quinebaug Valley, Three Rivers and Tunxis Community Colleges

The 12 Connecticut Community Colleges offer more than 100 degree and certificate programs and thousands of credit and non-credit professional development courses and training programs that help students earn career-oriented degrees and certificates, or pursue further education.

At each of the 12 community colleges statewide, students — ranging from high school graduates to adults who are changing careers — learn the workplace skills they need or can easily transfer credits to the Connecticut State Universities or Charter Oak State College.

In addition, CSCU community college students can easily search for No or Low Cost text-based course materials during course registration, offering significant savings for students.

Charter Oak State College

Charter Oak State College is the state’s only public online degree-granting institution that offers affordable and alternative opportunities for adults to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates.

The College offers non-traditional degree completion programs in high-demand fields such as business, health care, public safety, cyber security and more. Students can complete degrees in many majors and concentrations through the exclusive use of accelerated online courses offered by the College. The College rigorously upholds standards of high quality for its degrees and seeks to inspire adults with the self-enrichment potential of non-traditional higher education.

Advanced Manufacturing Technology Centers

Recognizing the need to train additional workers for careers in manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing programs at the community colleges lead to growth-oriented, high-tech careers in aerospace, submarines, biomedical technology and other exciting fields.

Students can earn certificates in less than 10 months, and benefit from a 98 percent job placement rate upon completion. The cost is as low as $1,000 out of pocket with scholarships and grants. Many of the programs offer internships, apprenticeships, and financial aid.

Asnuntuck, Housatonic, Naugatuck Valley, Quinebaug Valley, Manchester, Middlesex, Three Rivers, and Tunxis Community Colleges offer full advanced manufacturing technology programs, while other colleges offer manufacturing courses.

Visit ct.edu for more information and visit the CSCU booths at the Hartford College Fair.

Please Join us on April 2 at 7:15 p.m. in Room 1 for a workshop:

“Affordability. Transferability. Career Training.

What You Need to Know About CT’s Community Colleges"

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