Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Porter & Chester Institute
Set in a coastal, working city, Porter and Chester Institute in Bridgeport is known for career-focused training that leans into healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. The campus centers on hands-on labs and shop spaces that feel close to real workplaces, with instructors who bring industry experience to the classroom. Students find practical support like tutoring, advising, and career services that help with resumes, interviews, and professional etiquette.
Life here feels commuter friendly and close knit. You'll see study groups in lounge areas, quick meetups between classes, and occasional skills showcases where work gets put on the table. The culture is straightforward, collaborative, and pretty no nonsense. Career preparation is woven into the routine, with employer engagement and guidance toward certifications and next steps. Bridgeport's waterfront parks, local arts spots, and easy train links open up internships, part-time work, and weekend breathing room. It's a place built for momentum.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Degree Programs & Career Salary Prospects
Explore degree programs offered at Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) with detailed career prospects, starting salary ranges, and job opportunities in Connecticut. See what you can do with your degree and expected earnings after graduation.
Health (3)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
51.0601
Dental Assisting/Assistant.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $91,100 | -$46,800 (-33.9%) |
| 31-9091 | Dental Assistants | $48,860 | $53,000 | +$4,140 (+8.5%) |
51.0801
Medical/Clinical Assistant.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1071 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | $137,900 | $91,100 | -$46,800 (-33.9%) |
| 31-9092 | Medical Assistants | $44,720 | $46,010 | +$1,290 (+2.9%) |
51.3901
Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29-2061 | Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $64,150 | $68,950 | +$4,800 (+7.5%) |
Construction (2)
Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts
46.0302
Electrician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $84,500 | $82,220 | -$2,280 (-2.7%) |
| 47-2111 | Electricians | $69,630 | $76,600 | +$6,970 (+10%) |
| 49-2098 | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | $60,040 | $67,640 | +$7,600 (+12.7%) |
| 49-9097 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | $84,940 | N/A | N/A |
46.0503
Plumbing Technology/Plumber.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47-1011 | First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | $84,500 | $82,220 | -$2,280 (-2.7%) |
| 47-2152 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | $69,940 | $64,130 | -$5,810 (-8.3%) |
| 47-4071 | Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | $52,730 | $59,350 | +$6,620 (+12.6%) |
Mechanics (3)
Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance
47.0101
Electrical/Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair Technology/Technician, General.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49-2092 | Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | $56,820 | $62,180 | +$5,360 (+9.4%) |
| 49-9099 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | $53,270 | $61,780 | +$8,510 (+16%) |
47.0201
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49-9021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | $62,690 | $64,990 | +$2,300 (+3.7%) |
47.0604
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49-2093 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | $80,980 | N/A | N/A |
| 49-2096 | Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | $50,240 | $39,170 | -$11,070 (-22%) |
| 49-3023 | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | $55,260 | $56,860 | +$1,600 (+2.9%) |
Production (1)
Manufacturing Technology, Quality Control and Industrial Arts
48.0508
Welding Technology/Welder.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51-4121 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $55,100 | $57,970 | +$2,870 (+5.2%) |
| 51-4122 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $49,270 | $53,180 | +$3,910 (+7.9%) |
Computer & IT (1)
Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity
11.0901
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | $187,990 | $136,150 | -$51,840 (-27.6%) |
| 15-1211 | Computer Systems Analysts | $111,960 | $94,320 | -$17,640 (-15.8%) |
| 15-1212 | Information Security Analysts | $127,730 | $129,330 | +$1,600 (+1.3%) |
| 15-1231 | Computer Network Support Specialists | $79,610 | $79,430 | -$180 (-0.2%) |
| 15-1241 | Computer Network Architects | $135,890 | $149,070 | +$13,180 (+9.7%) |
| 25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $105,830 | $104,990 | -$840 (-0.8%) |
Eng. Technologies (1)
Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support
15.1303
Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.
(Cert<1y)
Graduate Career Earnings in Connecticut
| SOC Code | Occupation | US National | Connecticut Avg | CT vs US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17-3011 | Architectural and Civil Drafters | $68,860 | $61,780 | -$7,080 (-10.3%) |
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Porter & Chester Institute (PCI)
How much does it cost to attend Porter & Chester Institute (PCI)?
The annual tuition at Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) is $15,856 for in-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $17,896 for in-state students. Additional costs include room and board $11,560 (off-campus) and books and supplies $2,040.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Porter & Chester Institute offer?
Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) offers 12 academic programs across 6 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Certificate (1-2 yrs).
Most popular program areas include:
- Automotive Technology, Equipment Repair and Maintenance (3 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (3 programs)
- Building Trades, Construction Management and Skilled Crafts (2 programs)
- Computer Science, Information Technology and Cybersecurity (1 programs)
- Applied Engineering Technologies and Technical Support (1 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Porter & Chester Institute?
Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) provides financial aid to 19% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,603 and average loans of $7,640.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $6,895
- State/Local grants: $5,000
- Institutional grants: $1,538
- Federal loans: $8,423
The university supports 346 students with grants and 298 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Porter & Chester Institute graduates?
Porter & Chester Institute (PCI) graduates earn a median salary of $37,807 after 6 years and $41,588 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $21,062 (25th percentile) to $61,919 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $68,500 (90th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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