WestConn vs. CSUMB

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT with California State University Monterey Bay in Seaside, CA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

California State University Monterey Bay is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (7,713 students vs. 4,169 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); California State University Monterey Bay is in Seaside, CA (Rural Fringe setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. California State University Monterey Bay is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; California State University Monterey Bay 24:1.

WestConn vs. CSUMB Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or CSUMB? 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 California State University Monterey Bay than WestConn ($14,493 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Connecticut State University are 9.1% lower than at California State University Monterey Bay ($15,659 vs. $17,234).
• Western Connecticut State University is 72.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than CSUMB (about $5,622 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $7,779.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.6% higher at CSUMB than at Western Connecticut State University (about $3,478 more per year; $20,379.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Connecticut State University than at California State University Monterey Bay (86% vs. 71%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 5.6% larger than aid received by California State University Monterey Bay students ($12,870 vs. $12,185).

WestConn vs. CSUMB Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn or CSUMB? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between CSUMB and WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 50 points higher than at CSUMB (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; California State University Monterey Bay 960/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scoresCalifornia State University Monterey Bay 17/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; CSUMB - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: CSUMB Jan 15, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman CSUMB students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.45) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• CSUMB has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than WestConn (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 9.8% at CSUMB.

WestConn vs. CSUMB Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and CSUMB? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Western Connecticut State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than California State University Monterey Bay's (38%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than CSUMB graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $45,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, California State University Monterey Bay graduates have a $11,000 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($14,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, CSUMB graduates have an estimated $114 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($144 vs. $258).
• More CSUMB graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WestConn students, three years after graduation. (66% vs. 65%)

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.