WestConn vs. Bowie State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT with Bowie State University in Bowie, MD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Bowie State University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (6,353 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Bowie State University is in Bowie, MD (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Bowie State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Bowie State University 15:1.

WestConn vs. Bowie State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Bowie State University? 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 Bowie State University ($17,185 vs. $17,287).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowie State University are 21.8% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($12,241 vs. $15,659).
• Western Connecticut State University is 45.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowie State University (about $4,183 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $9,218.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at Bowie State University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $3,037 more per year; $19,938.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Connecticut State University than at Bowie State University (86% vs. 54%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 88.7% larger than aid received by Bowie State University students ($12,870 vs. $6,819).

WestConn vs. Bowie State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn or Bowie State University? 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 Bowie State University and WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 170 points higher than at Bowie State University (940).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Bowie State University 796/1083.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Bowie State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowie State University May 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Bowie State University (3.12).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Bowie State University (72.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 27.3% at Bowie State University.

WestConn vs. Bowie State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Bowie State University? 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).

• Bowie State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Bowie State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than WestConn graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,500 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have a $609 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($24,391 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Bowie State University graduates have an estimated $6 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($252 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowie State University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 29%)

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.