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Private for-profit, 2-year

Porter and Chester Institute of Stratford

Bridgeport, Connecticut · www.porterchester.edu

中文

Tuition per year

$15,856

$30,306 with room and board

Undergraduates

1,373

Student-faculty ratio 15:1

Graduation rate

49.4%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 58.8%

About

Porter and Chester Institute (PCI) is a well-respected private vocational school located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Established in 1946, the institute has a long-standing tradition of providing quality education and training in various technical fields. PCI specializes in career-focused programs that prepare students for immediate employment in industries such as automotive technology, electrical, plumbing, and medical assisting. The school is particularly known for its hands-on training approach, which combines classroom instruction with practical experience, ensuring that graduates are job-ready upon completion of their programs.

In addition to its strong academic offerings, Porter and Chester Institute is committed to creating a supportive and engaging campus environment. The school encourages a culture of respect and collaboration among students and faculty, fostering a sense of community that enhances the overall educational experience. Students benefit from small class sizes, which allow for personalized attention and mentorship from experienced instructors. Furthermore, PCI's career services team actively assists students in job placement, offering resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking opportunities, which significantly contribute to high graduate employment rates. With a focus on developing skilled professionals, Porter and Chester Institute continues to play a vital role in supporting the workforce needs of the region.

Trends in Tuition, Student Enrollment, and Graduation Rates

The data from Porter & Chester Institute reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates over recent years. Starting with tuition, we observe a notable decline in costs for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students from 2014 to 2022, with tuition decreasing from $18,519 in 2014 to $15,775 in 2022. This reduction may reflect an overall trend in higher education where institutions are striving to make education more affordable, possibly in response to declining enrollment rates. Interestingly, tuition slightly increased again in 2023, suggesting potential financial pressures or strategic shifts by the institution.

In terms of student enrollment, there is a clear downward trajectory from 2014 to 2022, with the number of undergraduate students dropping from 2,630 to 1,633. However, a rebound in enrollment is noted in 2023, with numbers rising to 2,146. This fluctuation could be attributed to several factors, including changing market demands for vocational training or shifts in public perception regarding the value of higher education.

Graduation rates also reflect noteworthy changes. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates peaked at approximately 78% in 2013 but saw a decline to around 58% in 2022. This decline raises concerns about student support systems and overall institutional effectiveness. However, the graduation rate improved to approximately 62% in 2023, indicating a potential recovery or implementation of new strategies to enhance student success.

Overall, these trends highlight the complexities facing higher education institutions, including the balancing act between maintaining affordability, ensuring student enrollment, and improving graduation outcomes. As institutions adapt to these challenges, continuous monitoring and strategic planning will be essential to sustain growth and success in the coming years.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Midsize city
Nearest major city
In Bridgeport
Nearest international airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), about 50 mi
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Also known as
Porter and Chester Institute - Bridgeport
Academic calendar
Quarter
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
James A. Bologa (President, CEO)
Phone
8605292519
City
Bridgeport, Connecticut
Address
156 Boston Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Certificate9750 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Certificate majors by graduates
Electrician
145
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician
140
Medical/Clinical Assistant
126
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician
109
Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair Technology/Technician, General
105
Dental Assisting/Assistant
101
Plumbing Technology/Plumber
83
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training
74
Welding Technology/Welder
52
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
29

U.S. studentsInternational

Students

1,373 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 66:34 · Freshman retention 49.1%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,373)

Black
428 · 31.2%
Hispanic
404 · 29.4%
White
293 · 21.3%
Unknown
136 · 9.9%
Two or more races
74 · 5.4%
Asian
28 · 2.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Porter & Chester Institute in 2023

The student composition at Porter & Chester Institute in 2023 reflects a diverse educational environment, particularly among undergraduate newcomers and continuing students. The total number of undergraduate newcomers is 482, with a male representation of approximately 61.4% and female representation of 38.6%. This indicates a predominance of male students in the freshman category, which is a trend observed across many educational institutions, particularly in technical and vocational fields.

In contrast, the number of continuing undergraduate students is significantly higher at 1,664. The male representation among these students stands at 56.3%, while female students comprise 43.7%. The relatively balanced ratio suggests that while there is still a male majority, the gap is narrowing compared to the newer cohort.

Examining the racial demographics of the student body, the breakdown reveals the presence of various ethnic groups, including White, Asian, Latino, Pacific Islander, African American, and international students. Specific numbers for these subcategories were not reported for the continuing students, but the data for newcomers shows a total of 89 White students, which accounts for a significant portion of the demographic.

This data highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the educational landscape, particularly concerning gender representation and ethnic diversity. As discussions around inclusivity and equity in education continue, institutions like Porter & Chester Institute may benefit from targeted initiatives aimed at enhancing female enrollment and supporting underrepresented racial groups. Overall, the statistics provide a snapshot of the current student population and underline the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Porter & Chester Institute

The age composition data of students at Porter & Chester Institute reveals intriguing insights into the demographics of the student body. Notably, the largest group of undergraduates falls within the 25-29 age range, comprising 160 males and 200 females, which constitutes approximately 26% of the total male student population and around 36% of total females. This trend indicates a significant influx of mature students who may be seeking to enhance their skills or change career paths, reflecting a broader national trend in higher education where older adults are increasingly enrolling in programs for professional development.

The 18-19 age cohort shows a substantial number of younger students, primarily undergraduates, with 150 males and 65 females. This age group, making up about 24% of the total male and 18% of the total female population, suggests that traditional-age students are still a vital part of the institute, likely driven by the pursuit of bachelor's degrees.

Interestingly, the data shows a sharp decline in enrollment as age increases past 30, with only 77 males and 152 females in the 30-34 range and even fewer in older age brackets. This could indicate that as individuals progress in their careers, they may prioritize work over further education, or it may reflect barriers to entry for older students.

Moreover, there is a noticeable absence of graduate male students across all age categories, which raises questions about gender representation in advanced studies at the institute. In contrast, female graduate students appear more prominently, particularly in the 22-24 and 25-29 age ranges, indicating a growing trend of women pursuing higher education.

Overall, the data highlights the diverse age range of students at Porter & Chester Institute, showcasing an institution that caters to both traditional and non-traditional students, particularly emphasizing the role of women in graduate education.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years

Undergraduates0.0%

0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.0%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 0.0%2024: 0.0%2025: 0.0%
20162025

Data insights

Declining International Student Enrollment at Porter & Chester Institute

The data on international student enrollment at Porter & Chester Institute reveals a concerning trend over the years. Starting in 2006, the number of undergraduate students totaled 1,105, among which eight were international students, accounting for 0.72%. This figure showed slight improvement in subsequent years, peaking at 14 international students in both 2007 and 2008, although the percentage remained low at 0.82% and 0.67%, respectively.

However, a significant drop occurred in 2009, with the international student count plummeting to just three, resulting in a mere 0.12%. This downward trend continued, reaching its lowest point in 2015 and 2018, where only one international student was recorded, translating to just 0.04% and 0.10%. Such figures indicate a severe decline in the attractiveness of the institution for international students over the years.

This decline may be attributed to several factors, including shifting global educational trends, increased competition from other institutions, and potential changes in immigration policies affecting international students' ability to study in the U.S. It raises questions about the institution's strategies to attract and support international students, especially in a global context where diversity is increasingly valued in educational environments. As the world becomes more interconnected, fostering an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for international students could be crucial for the sustainability and growth of Porter & Chester Institute.

Cost

2025 cost per year

$30,306

Undergraduate tuition
$15,856
Room and board
$14,450
Tuition and room and board over time

Tuition rose -8% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 11%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$31.1M

Tuition and fees
$29.9M96.0%
Sales and services of educational activities
$2K0.0%
Other
$1.2M4.0%

Expenses$31.2M

Instruction
$11.0M35.2%
Institutional support
$3.4M10.9%
Student services
$2.7M8.7%
Academic support
$2.5M7.9%
Public service
$20K0.1%
Other
$11.6M37.2%

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools near Porter & Chester Institute:

  1. Yale University - Ranked 5 in the 2024 US News, Yale is an Ivy League research university located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is renowned for its academic excellence and historical significance.

  2. Wesleyan University - Ranked 11, Wesleyan is a prestigious liberal arts college in Middletown, Connecticut, known for its vibrant campus culture and commitment to undergraduate education.

  3. Columbia University in the City of New York - With a rank of 12, Columbia is another Ivy League institution located in New York City, celebrated for its rigorous academics and diverse student body.

  4. Vassar College - Ranked 16, Vassar is a highly regarded liberal arts college in Poughkeepsie, New York, known for its beautiful campus and strong emphasis on the arts and humanities.

  5. United States Military Academy - Also known as West Point, this academy is ranked 8 and is known for its rigorous military training alongside a comprehensive academic program.

These institutions are recognized for their academic rigor and diverse programs, making them significant educational hubs in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at Porter & Chester Institute

The crime data from Porter & Chester Institute reveals a generally low incidence of crime on campus over the years, particularly from 2013 to 2023. The data indicates that in most years, the average number of crimes per 1,000 students remains extremely low, with notable peaks in 2014 and 2016, where the arrest rates for gun-related offenses reached 1.14 and 1.53, respectively. However, these figures are a stark contrast to the overall trend, which shows many years with zero incidents reported.

This trend of low crime rates can be attributed to several factors, including effective campus safety measures, a strong community culture, and possibly a smaller student population, which often correlates with lower crime statistics. The absence of serious offenses, such as domestic violence or assault, in the years 2018 to 2023 suggests a continued commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment.

Moreover, it is essential to consider that crime data can fluctuate based on various external factors, including economic conditions, societal changes, and the effectiveness of law enforcement strategies. The importance of preventive measures and open communication about safety cannot be overstated, especially in educational institutions where students' well-being is paramount.

In conclusion, while the data shows a positive trend towards safety and low crime rates at Porter & Chester Institute, continuous efforts must be made to sustain this environment. Engaging students in safety programs and fostering community relationships are essential strategies that can further enhance campus security. For more information on crime rate calculations, you can visit: Crime Rate Calculation.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.