WestConn vs. Centenary University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Connecticut State University is larger than Centenary University based on total student enrollment (4,169 students vs. 1,398 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WestConn vs. Centenary University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Centenary 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 Centenary University ($17,185 vs. $22,640).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Centenary University are 19.8% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($12,552 vs. $15,659).
• Centenary University is 181.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $24,331 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 123.3% higher at Centenary University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $20,831 more per year; $37,732.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Centenary University than at Western Connecticut State University (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Centenary University students is 130.1% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($29,617 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Centenary University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 30 points higher than at Centenary University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Centenary University 990/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsCentenary University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Centenary University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Centenary University (3.23).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Centenary University (83.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 14.7% at Centenary University.

WestConn vs. Centenary University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Centenary 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).

• Centenary University's six-year graduation rate (49%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Centenary University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than WestConn graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,600 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Connecticut State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than Centenary University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Centenary University graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Centenary University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WestConn students, three years after graduation. (68% 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.