CT State Community College Celebrates National Community College Month
CT State Community College (CT State) joins community colleges across the nation in commemorating National Community College Month throughout April. This year's theme, "Cultivating Skills for the Future," underscores the vital role community colleges play in empowering individuals to develop the skills necessary for success in an ever-evolving world.
"National Community College Month provides us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the stories and achievements of our students and highlight the essential role of CT State Community College in shaping our state's future workforce," said CT State President John Maduko, M.D. "At CT State, we are dedicated to empowering our students to cultivate the skills necessary for success in their chosen careers, and in partnering with employers to meet critical workforce needs."
As the largest college in Connecticut, the largest community college in New England, and the sixth-largest degree-granting two-year college in the nation, CT State offers accessible and inclusive education to a diverse student population of more than 70,000 students annually that is 60 percent students of color and 66 percent part-time students.
More than 98 percent of CT State students are Connecticut residents, and over 90 percent remain in Connecticut after graduating.
Renowned as the most affordable higher education option in Connecticut, 85 percent of CT State students receive some form of financial aid. Compared to the average annual tuition excluding housing fees of $14,487 at Connecticut public colleges and $38,786 at private colleges nationally, CT State's annual tuition of $4,972 is less than half the price of public and 87 percent less than private colleges, making it a cost-effective choice.
“I’m really happy that I get to experience such a valuable education without the high expense,” said Liliani Lee Feagin, of Newington, a first-generation student at CT State Tunxis majoring in criminal justice. “I’m grateful to have all of the resources, our beautiful library, an amazing computer lab, helpful tutors, friendly and personable staff, experienced professors, and most of all, a mixing pot of diverse students who want more than anyone to make it.”
Since the inception of the free tuition program in fall 2020, over 22,500 students have received more than $45 million in funding. This program will expand further to students with prior college credit starting in the fall of 2024, enhancing access to education for more individuals.
“We have a significant number of savvy students who are saving a lot on their first two years of college with us, and taking advantage of our many transfer agreements and pathway degrees to more affordably attain their bachelor’s degree,” said Maduko of the more than 32 percent of CT State students who transfer to four-year colleges and universities.
With over 300 programs of study, including nursing, business administration, manufacturing and early childhood education, CT State prepares students for employment and offers pathway programs that provide seamless transfer to four-year institutions, including the Connecticut State Universities, Charter Oak State College, University of Connecticut, and private universities.
CT State is Connecticut’s frontrunner in workforce development, offering more than 120 short-term career training programs. Among them are over 30 accredited nursing and health career programs across 12 campuses that enroll more than 3,800 credit students each year.
The college is also a leader in advanced manufacturing, providing training at locations statewide to 2,000 credit and noncredit students each year who enjoy a 90 percent employment rate upon graduating. Another 2,500 students are enrolled in information technology programs.
More than 8,000 high school dual enrollment students benefit from grant-funded free college classes each year through 181 high schools.
As CT State Community College celebrates National Community College Month, it invites prospective students to attend Open House events throughout Connecticut in April. These events offer opportunities to tour CT State campuses and learn about degree and certificate programs, financial aid, debt-free community college and admissions. For more details including open house hours and event updates, visit www.ctstate.edu/openhouse.