WestConn vs. Buffalo State College

Comparable Facts

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

SUNY Buffalo State University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (6,188 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); SUNY Buffalo State University is in Buffalo, NY (Large City setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. SUNY Buffalo State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; SUNY Buffalo State University 14:1.

WestConn vs. Buffalo State College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Buffalo State College? 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 SUNY Buffalo State University than WestConn ($12,023 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Connecticut State University are 2% lower than at SUNY Buffalo State University ($15,659 vs. $15,986).
• Western Connecticut State University is 57% more expensive for in-state tuition than Buffalo State College (about $4,868 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $8,533.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 16.3% higher at Buffalo State College than at Western Connecticut State University (about $2,752 more per year; $19,653.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at SUNY Buffalo State University than at Western Connecticut State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 10% larger than aid received by SUNY Buffalo State University students ($12,870 vs. $11,697).

WestConn vs. Buffalo State College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn or Buffalo State College? 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 Buffalo State College and WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is the same as at Buffalo State College (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; SUNY Buffalo State University 980/1240.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Buffalo State College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman WestConn students have a 0.54 point higher average high school GPA (3.38) than students at Buffalo State College (2.84).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Buffalo State College (72.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 9.2% at Buffalo State College.

WestConn vs. Buffalo State College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Buffalo State College? 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).

• SUNY Buffalo State University's six-year graduation rate (47%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Buffalo State College graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $40,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, SUNY Buffalo State University graduates have a $3,591 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($21,409 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Buffalo State College graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($221 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Buffalo State College students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 59%)

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.