CCSU vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, CT with West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than CCSU based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 9,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Central Connecticut State University is located in New Britain, CT (Large Suburban setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Central Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Central Connecticut State University 14:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

CCSU vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, CCSU or WCU? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Central Connecticut State University than WCU ($17,528 vs. $22,546).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Central Connecticut State University are 11.7% lower than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania ($13,086 vs. $14,828).
• Central Connecticut State University is 21.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $2,275 more per year; $13,050.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 36.5% higher at WCU than at Central Connecticut State University (about $6,049 more per year; $22,599.00 vs. $16,550.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Central Connecticut State University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (94% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Central Connecticut State University students is 54.9% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($8,842 vs. $5,709).

CCSU vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, CCSU or WCU? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between WCU and CCSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (1190) is 110 points higher than at CCSU (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Central Connecticut State University 960/1190; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWest Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: CCSU - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: CCSU Aug 26, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WCU students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.43) than students at CCSU (3.2).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (78.4%) than CCSU (73.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 20.6% at CCSU vs. 22.4% at WCU.

CCSU vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for CCSU and WCU? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Central Connecticut State University's (47%).
• Graduates of Central Connecticut State University and WCU have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $49,000), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Central Connecticut State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than WCU graduates ($22,500 vs. $23,500).
• Among borrowers, CCSU graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WCU graduates ($232 vs. $242).
• More WCU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former CCSU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.