According to the Census Bureau, over an adult's working life, high school graduates earn an average of $1.2 million; associate degree holders earn about $1.6 million, $400,000 more than someone with only a high school diploma. Individuals who attain an associate degree experience lower unemployment rates than those who have just a high school diploma. Plus, students who complete an associate degree before transferring to a baccalaureate institution are more successful academically than those students who transfer before completing an associate degree.

It can be challenging to finish a degree, though. Maybe you're juggling home, family and work. Maybe finances, your job, or life, in general, are keeping you from finishing your degree.

We want you to finish your degree. CT State provides a welcoming and supportive learning environment. Take just one class a semester or as many as four or five – you decide. We can work with your schedule, the demands on your time and your dreams to craft a college experience that will help you successfully reach your educational, personal and professional goals. You just have to ask.

Students who have not been enrolled in one of Connecticut’s community colleges for two or more years are considered a readmit student and must reapply. To learn how, visit ctstate.edu/readmit-students.

CT State offers financial aid, scholarships and grants, and payment options in order to make completing your degree more affordable. Even if you don’t think you will qualify, be sure to fill out a federal financial aid application at www.fafsa.gov. If you owe the college money, contact the Bursar’s (Business) office to make arrangements for payment.

CT State has full-semester and accelerated (6-, 8- and 12-week) classes, both online and on-campus; some courses even combine both. Classes are offered days, evenings and occasionally weekends, so they can fit your home and work schedule. If finishing your degree is not possible at this time, we may be able to help you choose a short-term or non-credit certificate that will give you the credentials you need.

Students who earn an associate degree before transferring are more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree, and often perform better academically than those students who attend all four years at a university. That’s why we want you to stick around. CT State has transfer agreements with many of the local colleges and universities, and the CSCU Transfer Tickets are Connecticut’s most affordable bachelor’s degree.

Has someone contacted you about your academic progress? They are ready to help you go over your transcript and past classroom performance and to work with you on an educational plan that will help you achieve your goals. They can set you up with an academic coach, connect you with a counselor, and work with your program advisor to get you on track. Once you are back at CT State, there are mentoring programs, tutoring, and other services that will help keep you there.

Maybe it's childcare issues, uncertainty about your housing, an unreliable car. Sometimes when life hands you lemons, you just want to throw them back. Our holistic student services can lend a hand with whatever life throws your way. All credit students are eligible for free, in-state bus and rail transport. Many of CT State's campuses have accredited childcare centers and food pantries that can assist you when times are tough. Learn more about the services available on each campus.