Western Connecticut State University
About Western Connecticut State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
Western Connecticut State University is a public university in Danbury, Connecticut. It serves students with programs in criminal justice, psychology, nursing, and business, offering a balance of affordability and access to the New York metro area.
Founded
1903
Location
Danbury, Connecticut
Students
4,113
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
87%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
51.8%
Below national average
In-State Tuition
$13,401
Out-of-state: $16,901
Avg Net Price
$17,604
After financial aid
SAT Average
1110
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$59,115
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$50
Early
Mar 1
Regular
Rolling
Western Connecticut State University accepts the majority of applicants at 87%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1110/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
51.8% complete their degree within six years
Retention
73.2%
4-Year Grad
30%
6-Year Grad
53%
Teaching Quality
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
100%
$/Student
$16.0K
Class Size
Medium
The 30% graduation rate is below average, but 73.2% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$13,401
In-State
$16,901
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$15,659
Books & Supplies
$1,200
Total Cost of Attendance
$24,877
After Financial Aid
$17,604
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$13,507
Receive Grants
35.2%
Take Loans
48.6%
The total cost of attendance runs about $24,877/yr, including $15,659 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $17,604.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Western Connecticut State University fund their education.
While in School
35.2%
Get Grants
Free money
48.6%
Take Loans
Must repay
$49,923
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$24,147
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$256/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Students typically graduate with $24,147 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Western Connecticut State University.
Gender
50.2%
Female
50%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
3,511
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
602
Graduates
38%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
12.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (50% women, 50% men). 38% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
3,511
Students
public
Institution
Small
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
No
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Western Connecticut State University fields 13 varsity teams with 574 student athletes, about 16% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division III with football
Conference
Little East
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
13
Biggest: Football
Student Athletes
574
16% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
69% / 31%
397
Men
177
Women
10
Men's Teams
11
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Western Connecticut State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$59,115
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Business Administration, Management and Operations
—
81 grads
Criminal Justice and Corrections
$38K
76 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$87K
74 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$32K
68 grads
1yr Earnings
Marketing
$46K
46 grads
1yr Earnings
Social Work
$33K
45 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $59K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Western Connecticut State University
What is the acceptance rate at Western Connecticut State University?▾
How much does Western Connecticut State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Western Connecticut State University?▾
How much do Western Connecticut State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.