WestConn vs. Eastern University

Comparable Facts

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

Eastern University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (8,727 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Eastern University is in Saint Davids, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Eastern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Eastern University 21:1.

WestConn vs. Eastern University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Eastern 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 Eastern University ($17,185 vs. $27,422).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern University are 13.8% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($13,498 vs. $15,659).
• Eastern University is 186.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $24,999 more per year; $38,400.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 127.2% higher at Eastern University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $21,499 more per year; $38,400.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Eastern University than at Western Connecticut State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Eastern University students is 108.5% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($26,838 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Eastern University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 10 points higher than at Eastern University (1100).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Eastern University 1010/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsEastern University 20/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Eastern University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Eastern University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.58) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• Eastern University has a higher acceptance rate (90.8%) than WestConn (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 21% at Eastern University.

WestConn vs. Eastern University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Eastern 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).

• Eastern University's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Eastern University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Connecticut State University graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Eastern University graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Eastern University graduates ($258 vs. $274).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Eastern University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 58%)

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.