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Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT·Public·3,434 students
Last updated: March 21, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 3,434 students.

81%
Accept
3,434
Students
$18,617
Net Price
50%
Grad Rate
$50,400
Earnings
10 yr
$17,002
Debt

About This School

Western Connecticut State University is a public institution located in Danbury, Connecticut with approximately 3,434 undergraduate students enrolled. Western Connecticut State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 81%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,617 per year. The graduation rate is 50%, and the typical graduate earns $50,400 within 10 years of enrollment.

Western Connecticut State University is a public university in Danbury, Connecticut, United States. It was founded in 1903 as a teacher's college and is part of the Connecticut State University System.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $18,617 average net price and low median debt of $17,002 make this one of the more affordable options in Connecticut, and $50,400 in median earnings a decade out is respectable for a regional public school. The real concern is the 50% graduation rate — only half of students who start here finish, which is worth taking seriously before enrolling. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan to stay on track, but ask hard questions about academic support and what's driving that attrition.

Founded
1893
Setting
Small city

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing27%
Health Professions13%
Visual & Performing Arts9%
Psychology8%
Education6%
Communications5%
Biological Sciences4%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Thurston MooreJodi Rell

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1044
Reading 75th %ile600
Math 75th %ile550

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$12,763
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,095
Avg Net Price
$18,617
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants35%
Median debt at graduation$17,002

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
50%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
70%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,400
after enrollment
Median Debt
$17,002
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$17,002
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$37,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$50,400
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.0x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White50%
Black9%
Hispanic/Latino29%
Asian5%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (3,434 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Western Connecticut State University

181 White Street

Danbury, CT 06810-6826

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Connecticut

Browse all Connecticut schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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