Celebrating the pivotal role Connecticut State Community College (CT State) has in shaping the state’s workforce and providing affordable, high-quality education to thousands of students, Governor Ned Lamont has proclaimed April 2025 as Community College Month in Connecticut. This proclamation underscores the significant contributions of CT State and its campuses in fostering academic excellence and economic development across the state.
According to a recent study conducted by Lightcast, a global leader in labor market analytics, CT State has significantly bolstered the state’s economy, adding $3 billion in income during the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The report also highlighted that through its economic contributions, CT State supports an estimated 29,777 jobs statewide.
The proclamation aligns with the national observance of Community College Month, celebrated across the country throughout April. This year’s theme, “Best Decision Ever,” highlights the vital role of community colleges in offering accessible pathways to higher education, economic mobility, and career advancement.
“The strength of a state’s economy is only as good as the strength of its education system, and that is why in Connecticut we’ve made our schools a priority,” said Governor Ned Lamont. “Connecticut has among the most talented workers of any state in the nation, and that is due in large part to our state’s excellent community college, which is training the next generation with the high-quality skills they need to obtain jobs that lead to successful careers. Connecticut’s community college is at the forefront of building up our economy.”
“We are honored to have Governor Lamont join us in recognizing the vital role CT State Community College plays in transforming lives and strengthening our communities,” said CT State President O. John Maduko, M.D. “Community colleges offer accessible, affordable, and high-quality education that empowers students to reach their goals—whether by transferring to a four-year university, gaining in-demand workforce skills, or pursuing lifelong learning. As we celebrate Community College Month, we take pride in being a gateway to opportunity and economic growth for our students and the communities we serve.”
“For so many students, CT State Community College is the rocket ship they need to propel toward success and achieving their dreams – both personally and professionally,” said Connecticut State Colleges & Universities Chancellor Terrence Cheng. “CT State is an important part of the fabric of our state. Connecticut’s only community college not only cultivates the next generation of talent but supports nearly 30,000 jobs across the state, enhancing Connecticut’s overall vibrancy.”
As the largest college in Connecticut, the largest community college in the Northeast, 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 65,000 credit and noncredit students annually. Additionally, more than 98 percent of CT State students are Connecticut residents, and over 90 percent remain in Connecticut after graduating—contributing to the success and growth of the state.
Affordable Pathways to Higher Education
• Renowned as the most affordable higher education option in Connecticut, 89 percent of CT State students receive some form of financial aid.
• In the 2024-2025 academic year, close to 20,000 students have received debt-free tuition and, during the five years of the Mary Ann Handley Award’s existence, over $91 million has been paid for student’s education, enhancing access to education.
• With the help of seamless transfer pathway programs, more than 30% of students transfer to four-year colleges and universities after CT State.
• Compared to the average annual tuition excluding housing fees of $14,315 at Connecticut public colleges and more than $60,000 at private colleges, CT State’s annual tuition of $5,218 is less than half the price of public and 87 percent less than private colleges, making it Connecticut’s cost-effective choice.
Psychology major Sam Chandler shared how CT State helped him refine his academic and career path. “With two older siblings who attended private colleges, I started at Tunxis to save money,” said Chandler, who receives free tuition. “I knew I wanted to study psychology, but I wasn’t sure which specialization to pursue or the best path to get there. My psychology professors, many with real-world experience, helped me explore my options within the field and understand how to reach my goals. Now, I have a clear plan—earning my associate degree in psychology, transferring to UConn where I have been accepted, and continuing my education toward master’s and doctoral degrees.” He will also pursue a certification in social work so that he can gain hands-on experience while working toward his long-term career.
Enrollment Growth and Workforce Development
CT State has experienced steady enrollment growth, with a 6 percent increase in spring 2025 enrollment (34,399 credit students) and a 4 percent increase in fall 2024 enrollment (36,315 credit students), marking the largest increase in students and highest year-over-year growth in 15 years.
With more than 300 degree and certificate programs, CT State provides students with the skills needed for employment and transfer pathways to four-year universities. The college also leads in workforce development, offering:
More than 120 short-term career training programs
Over 30 credit and noncredit nursing and health career programs, serving over 3,800 students annually
Advanced manufacturing training at 11 locations, boasting a 90% job placement rate
More than 2,500 students enrolled in IT programs
Dual enrollment programs for 5,200 high school students at 181 schools statewide
Strategic partnerships with Connecticut’s key sectors and industries such as health care and manufacturing strengthen the workforce and provide important services to the community.
Community College Month Events and Open Houses
As part of Community College Month, CT State invites prospective students to attend Open House events at its campuses throughout April. These events provide opportunities to tour campuses, explore degree and certificate programs, and learn about financial aid, debt-free community college options, and the admissions process.
For more details on the Open Houses, visit www.ctstate.edu/openhouse.
About Connecticut State Community College
Launched on July 1, 2023, following the consolidation of Connecticut’s 12 legacy community colleges, CT State serves residents of 169 towns and neighboring states through its campuses and satellites in Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Danielson, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Norwalk, Norwich, New Haven, North Haven, Waterbury, Willimantic, and Winsted, with a central office located in New Britain. To learn more, visit ctstate.edu
