WestConn vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

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

Salem State University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Salem State University 12:1.

WestConn vs. Salem State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Salem 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 Salem State University ($17,185 vs. $17,541).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Connecticut State University are 7% lower than at Salem State University ($15,659 vs. $16,838).
• Western Connecticut State University is 8.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Salem State University (about $1,063 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $12,338.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at Salem State University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $2,630 more per year; $19,531.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Western Connecticut State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 24.7% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,870 vs. $10,319).

WestConn vs. Salem State University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 30 points higher than at Salem State University (1080).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Salem State University 990/1160.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Salem State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Salem State University (3.17).
• Salem State University has a higher acceptance rate (95.9%) than WestConn (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

WestConn vs. Salem State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Salem 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).

• Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (42%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $3,000 more per year than Salem State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $44,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 63%)

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.