WestConn vs. Montclair State University

Comparable Facts

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

Montclair State University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (23,375 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Montclair State University is in Montclair, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Montclair State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Montclair State University 18:1.

WestConn vs. Montclair State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Montclair State 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 Montclair State University ($17,185 vs. $17,669).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Connecticut State University are 6.4% lower than at Montclair State University ($15,659 vs. $16,730).
• Montclair State University is 18.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $2,511 more per year; $15,912.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 54% higher at Montclair State University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $9,121 more per year; $26,022.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western Connecticut State University than at Montclair State University (86% vs. 84%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 4.3% larger than aid received by Montclair State University students ($12,870 vs. $12,341).

WestConn vs. Montclair State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 50 points higher than at Montclair State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Montclair State University 910/1210.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Montclair State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Montclair State University (3.3).
• Montclair State University has a higher acceptance rate (87.9%) than WestConn (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 18.2% at Montclair State University.

WestConn vs. Montclair State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Montclair State 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).

• Montclair State University's six-year graduation rate (62%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Montclair State University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than WestConn graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $47,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have a $2,001 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($22,999 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Montclair State University graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($237 vs. $258).
• More Montclair State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WestConn students, three years after graduation. (67% 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.