Excelsior vs Charter Oak State

Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College, both accredited online institutions, offer flexible and accessible higher education opportunities to students across the country. While they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two institutions that prospective students should consider when making their college choice. Excelsior College boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students with diverse academic backgrounds. Charter Oak State College, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong commitment to student success. Both institutions offer a wide range of popular majors, including business, healthcare, and education, catering to students with varying career aspirations. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve into further details about these institutions, including student body demographics, tuition costs, and available financial aid options, to determine which college best aligns with your academic goals and preferences.

	Charter Oak State College	Excelsior College
Overview
Location	New Britain, Connecticut	Albany, New York
Campus setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system	Semester	Non Traditional
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	67.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $50
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $18,386 Out of state: $20,786
Average net price	$9,697
Tuition	In state: $7,656 Out of state: $10,056
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	50.0% Average amount $5,731
Students receiving federal student loan	83.0% Average amount $6,148
Students taking out private loans	0.0% Average amount $0

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	1,526 Men 24.6% Women 75.4%	15,260 Men 52.4% Women 47.6%
Graduate students	92 Men 23.9% Women 76.1%	1,906 Men 55.2% Women 44.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Low
Out-of-state students	33.3%	N/A
International students	0.5%	1.1%
Campus local/setting	Suburb: Large	City: Small
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Connecticut North Carolina New Jersey California Michigan	N/A

Academics
Popular study areas	Liberal Arts Business Education Health Professions Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Health Professions Liberal Arts Business Engineering Technologies Law Enforcement and Firefighting
Students to faculty ratio	13:1	19:1
Institutional accreditation	New England Commission on Higher Education	Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Outcome
Graduation rate	N/A	N/A
Dropout rate	N/A	N/A
Transferred out	N/A	N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Health and Medical Administrative Services (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $52,192 Year 2: $55,036 Year 3: $60,445 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $70,038 Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $50,828 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $41,197 Year 2: $42,775 Year 3: $44,086 Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $34,918 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $57,913 Year 2: $61,516 Year 3: N/A	Nuclear Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $84,153 Year 2: $94,408 Year 3: $107,804 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $86,537 Year 2: $97,959 Year 3: $102,156 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $72,370 Year 2: $83,768 Year 3: $89,231 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $77,505 Year 2: $74,747 Year 3: $77,427 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $63,613 Year 2: $63,005 Year 3: $61,889 Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $47,382 Year 2: $49,631 Year 3: $61,881 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $46,784 Year 2: $53,358 Year 3: $53,546 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $45,508 Year 2: $49,660 Year 3: $51,791 Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $58,863 Year 2: $45,696 Year 3: $49,707 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $46,725 Year 2: $45,696 Year 3: $49,225

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College?

Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College are both public, online institutions primarily focused on serving adult learners. They are known for their flexibility and ability to award credit for prior learning, making them popular choices for students seeking to complete their degrees while balancing work and other commitments.
Are Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College accredited?

Yes, both Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College are regionally accredited. Excelsior College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and Charter Oak State College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education. Regional accreditation is a mark of quality and is essential for the transfer of credits and eligibility for federal financial aid.
What types of degrees do Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College offer?

Both colleges offer a range of associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. They have programs in areas like business, healthcare, technology, and liberal arts. The specific program offerings may vary, so it's best to check each college's website for a complete list of available degrees and specializations.
How do the tuition costs compare between Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College?

Tuition costs are generally competitive at both institutions, designed to be affordable for adult learners. However, tuition rates and fees can change, so it's crucial to check the most up-to-date information on each college's website. Financial aid, including federal and state grants and loans, is available at both schools to help offset the cost of attendance.
What is the typical student profile at Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College?

The typical student at both colleges is an adult learner, often with some prior college experience or work experience. Many students are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing their degrees. Both colleges are designed to accommodate these busy schedules with flexible online learning options.
How flexible are the online programs at Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College?

Both colleges offer highly flexible online programs. Courses are typically asynchronous, meaning you can complete coursework at your own pace and on your own schedule. They also offer various start dates throughout the year, allowing you to begin your studies when it's most convenient for you.
Do Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College accept transfer credits?

Yes, both colleges are very transfer-friendly. They accept transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions. They also have policies for awarding credit for prior learning, such as work experience, military training, and professional certifications. This can significantly reduce the time and cost required to earn your degree.
What are the differences in program offerings between Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College?

While both colleges offer similar degree types, the specific programs and specializations may differ. Excelsior College often has a broader range of programs, particularly in healthcare and technology. Charter Oak State College may have unique programs or partnerships that align with specific career paths. It's important to review the program details at each institution to determine which best fits your academic and career goals.
How do I apply to Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College?

The application processes are generally straightforward. You'll typically apply online through each college's website. You'll need to submit transcripts from any previous colleges attended, and may need to provide other documentation, such as proof of high school graduation or equivalent. Check the specific requirements on each college's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What kind of support services do Excelsior College and Charter Oak State College provide?

Both colleges offer a range of support services to help students succeed. These services often include academic advising, tutoring, career services, and technical support. They also provide resources for students with disabilities and other support services to help students navigate their academic journey.
Which college is better for me, Excelsior College or Charter Oak State College?

The 'better' college depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as the specific programs offered, tuition costs, transfer credit policies, and the level of support services available. Reviewing the program details, comparing costs, and exploring the support services offered by each college will help you make the best decision for your educational goals.

Compare Similar Colleges

The list of suggested college comparisons provided below is generated automatically by our system, utilizing statistics gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and various online sources. If you don't find the colleges you wish to compare, please visit our comparison page. There, you can search for the specific colleges and initiate your comparison.

Charter Oak State

Shawnee State University