USJ vs. WestConn

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, CT with Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Connecticut State University is larger than USJ based on total student enrollment (4,169 students vs. 1,952 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Saint Joseph is located in West Hartford, CT (Small City setting); Western Connecticut State University is in Danbury, CT (Small City setting).
• University of Saint Joseph is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Saint Joseph 10:1; Western Connecticut State University 11:1.

USJ vs. WestConn Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, USJ or WestConn? 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 Western Connecticut State University than USJ ($17,185 vs. $29,300).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Saint Joseph are 7.9% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($14,426 vs. $15,659).
• University of Saint Joseph is 252.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $33,877 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 179.7% higher at USJ than at Western Connecticut State University (about $30,377 more per year; $47,278.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Saint Joseph than at Western Connecticut State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Saint Joseph students is 138.9% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($30,747 vs. $12,870).

USJ vs. WestConn Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, USJ or WestConn? 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 WestConn and USJ.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 100 points higher than at USJ (1010).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Saint Joseph 850/1170; Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: USJ - Test optional; WestConn - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman USJ students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.46) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than USJ (78.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.2% at USJ vs. 16.7% at WestConn.

USJ vs. WestConn Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for USJ and WestConn? 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).

• University of Saint Joseph's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from University of Saint Joseph earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than WestConn graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,200 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Connecticut State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than USJ graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USJ graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USJ students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 60%)

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.