WestConn vs. Carlow University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Connecticut State University is larger than Carlow University based on total student enrollment (4,169 students vs. 2,416 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Carlow University is in Pittsburgh, PA (Large City setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Carlow University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Carlow University 12:1.

WestConn vs. Carlow University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Carlow 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 Carlow University ($17,185 vs. $21,002).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carlow University are 11.8% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($13,808 vs. $15,659).
• Carlow University is 167.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $22,473 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 112.3% higher at Carlow University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $18,973 more per year; $35,874.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carlow University than at Western Connecticut State University (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carlow University students is 119.4% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($28,233 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Carlow University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn or Carlow 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 Carlow University and WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 50 points higher than at Carlow University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Carlow University 960/1168.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Carlow University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Carlow University students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.6) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Carlow University (86.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 15.7% at Carlow University.

WestConn vs. Carlow University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Carlow 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).

• Carlow University's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $5,500 more per year than Carlow University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $41,900), 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 Carlow University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carlow University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carlow University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 59%)

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.