University of Bridgeport vs Western Connecticut State University
University of Bridgeport is a private university in Bridgeport, CT, and Western Connecticut State University is a public university in Danbury, CT. University of Bridgeport is the more selective of the two, admitting about 83% 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 $27,807 at University of Bridgeport. About 51% of students graduate at Western Connecticut State University, compared with 45% at University of Bridgeport. Ten years after enrolling, Western Connecticut State University alumni earn a median of about $59,115, against $50,323 for University of Bridgeport.
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Bridgeport, CT
Danbury, CT
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,534
3,511
Acceptance rate
83%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.26–3.76
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
880–1115
1040–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
17–22
20–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$27,807
$17,604
Full cost / yr
$52,957
$24,877
In-state tuition
$35,760
$13,401
Out-of-state tuition
$35,760
$16,901
Application fee
$0
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$27,238
$13,507
$30k - $48k
$28,124
$13,716
$48k - $75k
$26,062
$16,697
$75k - $110k
$27,487
$18,737
Over $110k
$29,733
$21,318
Outcomes
Graduation rate
45%
51%
Freshman retention
61%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$38,575
$45,997
Median earnings (10 yr)
$50,323
$59,115
Median debt at graduation
$25,750
$24,147
Student body
Pell grant recipients
53%
35%
First-generation students
42%
38%
International students
5%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
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 University of Bridgeport or Western Connecticut State University harder to get into?
- University of Bridgeport is harder to get into. It admits about 83% 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, University of Bridgeport 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 $27,807 at University of Bridgeport. 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 University of Bridgeport and Western Connecticut State University?
- Before aid, Western Connecticut State University costs about $24,877 a year and University of Bridgeport about $52,957. 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, University of Bridgeport or Western Connecticut State University?
- Western Connecticut State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,507 there, against about $27,238 at University of Bridgeport. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
- Which is bigger, University of Bridgeport or Western Connecticut State University?
- Western Connecticut State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,511 undergraduates against 1,534 at University of Bridgeport.
- Does University of Bridgeport or Western Connecticut State University have a better graduation rate?
- Western Connecticut State University has the higher graduation rate, at about 51% against 45% at University of Bridgeport.
- Do graduates of University of Bridgeport or Western Connecticut State University earn more?
- Western Connecticut State University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,115 ten years after enrolling, against about $50,323 for University of Bridgeport. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
- Do University of Bridgeport and Western Connecticut State University require SAT or ACT scores?
- University of Bridgeport 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 University of Bridgeport and Western Connecticut State University look for?
- The middle 50% of admitted students score 880–1115 at University of Bridgeport and 1040–1170 at Western Connecticut State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.
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