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Wesleyan University vs Western Connecticut State University

Wesleyan University is a private university in Middletown, CT. Western Connecticut State University is a public university in Danbury, CT. Wesleyan University admits about 16% of applicants and Western Connecticut State University about 87%, making Wesleyan University the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,604 a year at Western Connecticut State University after aid, and about $30,177 at Wesleyan University. About 92% of students graduate at Wesleyan University, compared with 51% at Western Connecticut State University. Ten years after enrolling, Wesleyan University alumni earn a median of about $73,897, against $59,115 for Western Connecticut State University.

Wesleyan University

Middletown, CT · Private

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Middletown, CT
Danbury, CT
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,067
3,511
Acceptance rate
16%
87%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–4
3.34–3.84
SAT (middle 50%)
1415–1540
1040–1170
ACT (middle 50%)
33–35
20–27
Test policy
Considered
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$30,177
$17,604
Full cost / yr
$89,020
$24,877
In-state tuition
$70,342
$13,401
Out-of-state tuition
$70,342
$16,901
Application fee
$65
$50
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$4,871
$13,507
$30k - $48k
$3,604
$13,716
$48k - $75k
$6,175
$16,697
$75k - $110k
$17,294
$18,737
Over $110k
$51,140
$21,318
Outcomes
Graduation rate
92%
51%
Freshman retention
95%
73%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$60,385
$45,997
Median earnings (10 yr)
$73,897
$59,115
Median debt at graduation
$17,000
$24,147
Student body
Pell grant recipients
14%
35%
First-generation students
20%
38%
International students
10%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 15
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 1
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.

Frequently asked questions
Is Wesleyan University or Western Connecticut State University harder to get into?
Wesleyan University is harder to get into. It admits about 16% 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, Wesleyan University 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 $30,177 at Wesleyan University. 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 Wesleyan University and Western Connecticut State University?
Before aid, Western Connecticut State University costs about $24,877 a year and Wesleyan University about $89,020. 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, Wesleyan University or Western Connecticut State University?
Wesleyan University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,871 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, Wesleyan University or Western Connecticut State University?
Western Connecticut State University is the larger of the two, with about 3,511 undergraduates against 3,067 at Wesleyan University.
Does Wesleyan University or Western Connecticut State University have a better graduation rate?
Wesleyan University has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 51% at Western Connecticut State University.
Do graduates of Wesleyan University or Western Connecticut State University earn more?
Wesleyan University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,897 ten years after enrolling, against about $59,115 for Western Connecticut State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Wesleyan University and Western Connecticut State University require SAT or ACT scores?
Wesleyan University considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them. Western Connecticut State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Wesleyan University and Western Connecticut State University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1415–1540 at Wesleyan University and 1040–1170 at Western Connecticut State University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

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