WestConn vs. LRC

Comparable Facts

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

Western Connecticut State University is larger than LRC based on total student enrollment (4,169 students vs. 2,153 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WestConn vs. LRC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or LRC? 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 LRC ($17,185 vs. $24,108).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at La Roche University are 14.5% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($13,390 vs. $15,659).
• La Roche University is 154.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $20,651 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 101.5% higher at LRC than at Western Connecticut State University (about $17,151 more per year; $34,052.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Connecticut State University than at La Roche University (86% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by La Roche University students is 79.4% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($23,083 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. LRC Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn or LRC? 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 LRC and WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 40 points higher than at LRC (1070).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; La Roche University 940/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLa Roche University 15/22.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; LRC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: LRC Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at LRC (3.2).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than LRC (75.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 9.8% at LRC.

WestConn vs. LRC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and LRC? 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).

• La Roche 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 $3,100 more per year than LRC graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Connecticut State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than LRC graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than LRC graduates ($258 vs. $268).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former LRC students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 62%)

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.