Connecticut College vs Western Connecticut State University
Connecticut College is a private college in New London, CT, and Western Connecticut State University is a public university in Danbury, CT. Connecticut College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 37% of applicants against 87% at Western Connecticut State University. Western Connecticut State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $17,604 a year against $36,175 at Connecticut College. About 83% of students graduate at Connecticut College, compared with 51% at Western Connecticut State University. Ten years after enrolling, Connecticut College alumni earn a median of about $75,001, against $59,115 for Western Connecticut State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
New London, CT
Danbury, CT
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,937
3,511
Acceptance rate
37%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.5–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1350–1500
1040–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
30–33
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$36,175
$17,604
Full cost / yr
$84,623
$24,877
In-state tuition
$67,242
$13,401
Out-of-state tuition
$67,242
$16,901
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$13,341
$13,507
$30k - $48k
$16,892
$13,716
$48k - $75k
$28,961
$16,697
$75k - $110k
$29,797
$18,737
Over $110k
$47,031
$21,318
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
51%
Freshman retention
90%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,165
$45,997
Median earnings (10 yr)
$75,001
$59,115
Median debt at graduation
$23,500
$24,147
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
35%
First-generation students
14%
38%
International students
6%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 15
Rolling
Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.
- Is Connecticut College or Western Connecticut State University harder to get into?
- Connecticut College is harder to get into. It admits about 37% of applicants, compared with 87% at Western Connecticut State University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- Which is cheaper, Connecticut College or Western Connecticut State University?
- Western Connecticut State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,604 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $36,175 at Connecticut College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
- What is the full cost of attendance at Connecticut College and Western Connecticut State University?
- Before aid, Western Connecticut State University costs about $24,877 a year and Connecticut College about $84,623. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
- Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Connecticut College or Western Connecticut State University?
- Connecticut College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,341 there, against about $13,507 at Western Connecticut State University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, Connecticut College or Western Connecticut State University?
- Western Connecticut State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,511 undergraduates against 1,937 at Connecticut College.
- Does Connecticut College or Western Connecticut State University have a better graduation rate?
- Connecticut College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 51% at Western Connecticut State University.
- Do graduates of Connecticut College or Western Connecticut State University earn more?
- Connecticut College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $75,001 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,115 for Western Connecticut State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Connecticut College and Western Connecticut State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Connecticut College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Western Connecticut State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
- What SAT scores do Connecticut College and Western Connecticut State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1350–1500 at Connecticut College and 1040–1170 at Western Connecticut State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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Which of these is the better fit for you?
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