WestConn vs. Lander University

Comparable Facts

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

Lander University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (4,378 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Lander University is in Greenwood, SC (Distant Town setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Lander University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Lander University 18:1.

WestConn vs. Lander University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Lander 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 Lander University than WestConn ($15,520 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lander University are 22.7% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($12,100 vs. $15,659).
• Western Connecticut State University is 14.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lander University (about $1,701 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $11,700.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26% higher at Lander University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $4,399 more per year; $21,300.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lander University than at Western Connecticut State University (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 5.2% larger than aid received by Lander University students ($12,870 vs. $12,232).

WestConn vs. Lander University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 50 points higher than at Lander University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Lander University 950/1178.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsLander University 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Lander University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Lander University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Lander University (81.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 22.7% at Lander University.

WestConn vs. Lander University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Lander 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).

• Western Connecticut State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Lander University's (37%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $10,400 more per year than Lander University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $37,000), 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 Lander University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lander University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lander University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 46%)

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.