Commencement Recap: CSCU System Graduates 8,706 Students in Class of 2023

The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system graduated an estimated 8,706 students this spring — many with degrees in the high demand fields of health care, education, manufacturing, and business — at commencement ceremonies held at 17 CSCU institutions statewide.

CSCU institutions conferred a combined 9,975 degrees and certificates. These include 8,816 undergraduate credentials and 1,159 graduate awards. CSCU consists of Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western Connecticut State Universities; Charter Oak State College, the state’s only public online college; and 12 community colleges that will merge on July 1, 2023, to become CT State Community College. When factoring in noncredit programs, an estimated total of more than 12,000 credentials were conferred during the spring semester.

“Each and every CSCU graduate exemplifies the mission of public higher education to provide the opportunity for people of all backgrounds to learn, think critically, and be contributing members of society,” said CSCU President Terrence Cheng. “I am proud of our graduates, many who will stay to live and work in Connecticut. The knowledge and skills they have gained at CSCU institutions will be the catalyst for growth and workforce development in this state. They are Connecticut’s future.”

Graduates earned degrees in the high demand fields, including nursing, health professions, and clinical sciences; education; advanced manufacturing; business management; social science; public administration and social service; and engineering technologies.

“This year’s graduates are key to the future of Connecticut’s workforce,” said JoAnn Ryan, chair of the Board of Regents, who also serves as president of the Northwestern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. “The knowledge and skills they have acquired at CSCU will prepare our graduates well to think outside the box and take on 21st century challenges. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the class of 2023.”

Number of Degree Completions:

Undergraduate Awards

• 3,315 Associate Degrees
• 4,659 Bachelor’s Degrees
• 842 Certificates

Graduate Awards

• 922 Master’s Degrees
• 54 Doctorates
• 183 Graduate-Level certificates

Degrees Awarded by CSCU Institutions: 

CSCU Total: 8,706

Top 10 Degree Categories:

Demographics:

Ethnicity