WestConn vs. Saint Francis University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Connecticut State University is larger than Saint Francis University based on total student enrollment (4,169 students vs. 2,963 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Saint Francis University is in Loretto, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Francis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Saint Francis University 16:1.

WestConn vs. Saint Francis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University ($17,185 vs. $28,326).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Francis University are 13.8% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($13,500 vs. $15,659).
• Saint Francis University is 228.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $30,599 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 160.3% higher at Saint Francis University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $27,099 more per year; $44,000.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Francis University than at Western Connecticut State University (99% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Francis University students is 145.6% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($31,610 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Saint Francis University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Francis University (1140) is 30 points higher than at WestConn (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Saint Francis University 1050/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsSaint Francis University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Saint Francis University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Saint Francis University students have a 0.31 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Saint Francis University (76.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 19.6% at Saint Francis University.

WestConn vs. Saint Francis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Saint Francis 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).

• Saint Francis University's six-year graduation rate (64%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Saint Francis University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than WestConn graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,000 vs. $47,400), 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 Saint Francis University graduates ($25,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Francis University graduates ($258 vs. $279).
• More Saint Francis University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WestConn students, three years after graduation. (74% 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.