Trinity College vs Western Connecticut State University
Trinity College is a private college in Hartford, CT, and Western Connecticut State University is a public university in Danbury, CT. Trinity College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 29% 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 $34,832 at Trinity College. About 83% of students graduate at Trinity College, compared with 51% at Western Connecticut State University. Ten years after enrolling, Trinity College alumni earn a median of about $90,779, against $59,115 for Western Connecticut State University.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Hartford, CT
Danbury, CT
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
2,146
3,511
Acceptance rate
29%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.46–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1298–1470
1040–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
30–34
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$34,832
$17,604
Full cost / yr
$87,840
$24,877
In-state tuition
$70,770
$13,401
Out-of-state tuition
$70,770
$16,901
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$11,054
$13,507
$30k - $48k
$13,599
$13,716
$48k - $75k
$18,325
$16,697
$75k - $110k
$24,369
$18,737
Over $110k
$48,515
$21,318
Outcomes
Graduation rate
83%
51%
Freshman retention
90%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$67,628
$45,997
Median earnings (10 yr)
$90,779
$59,115
Median debt at graduation
$23,000
$24,147
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
35%
First-generation students
18%
38%
International students
14%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
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 Trinity College or Western Connecticut State University harder to get into?
- Trinity College is harder to get into. It admits about 29% 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, Trinity 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 $34,832 at Trinity 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 Trinity College and Western Connecticut State University?
- Before aid, Western Connecticut State University costs about $24,877 a year and Trinity College about $87,840. 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, Trinity College or Western Connecticut State University?
- Trinity College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $11,054 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, Trinity College or Western Connecticut State University?
- Western Connecticut State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,511 undergraduates against 2,146 at Trinity College.
- Does Trinity College or Western Connecticut State University have a better graduation rate?
- Trinity College has the higher graduation rate, at about 83% against 51% at Western Connecticut State University.
- Do graduates of Trinity College or Western Connecticut State University earn more?
- Trinity College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $90,779 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,115 for Western Connecticut State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do Trinity College and Western Connecticut State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- Trinity 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 Trinity College and Western Connecticut State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 1298–1470 at Trinity College and 1040–1170 at Western Connecticut State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
Related comparisons
Trinity College vs Wesleyan UniversityTrinity College vs United States Coast Guard AcademyTrinity College vs Connecticut CollegeWestern Connecticut State University vs Wesleyan UniversityWestern Connecticut State University vs United States Coast Guard AcademyWestern Connecticut State University vs Connecticut College
Which of these is the better fit for you?
These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.
1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school