Western New England University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Western New England University in Springfield, MA with West Chester University of Pennsylvania in West Chester, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

West Chester University of Pennsylvania is larger than Western New England University based on total student enrollment (17,171 students vs. 3,674 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western New England University is located in Springfield, MA (Midsize City setting); West Chester University of Pennsylvania is in West Chester, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western New England University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western New England University 12:1; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 20:1.

Western New England University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Western New England University or WCU? 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 West Chester University of Pennsylvania than Western New England University ($22,546 vs. $27,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at West Chester University of Pennsylvania are 4.8% lower than at Western New England University ($14,828 vs. $15,570).
• Western New England University is 343.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $37,045 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $10,775.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 111.6% higher at Western New England University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (about $25,221 more per year; $47,820.00 vs. $22,599.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Western New England University than at West Chester University of Pennsylvania (97% vs. 73%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western New England University students is 479.2% larger than aid received by West Chester University of Pennsylvania students ($33,067 vs. $5,709).

Western New England University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Western New England University or WCU? 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 WCU and Western New England University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western New England University (1200) is 10 points higher than at WCU (1190).
• Incoming WCU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Western New England University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western New England University 1090/1300; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 1100/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western New England University 21/28; West Chester University of Pennsylvania 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Western New England University - Test optional; WCU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Western New England University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.49) than students at WCU (3.43).
• Western New England University has a higher acceptance rate (83.5%) than WCU (78.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Western New England University vs. 22.4% at WCU.

Western New England University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Western New England University and WCU? 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).

• West Chester University of Pennsylvania's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Western New England University's (61%).
• Graduates from Western New England University earn a median of about $10,800 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, West Chester University of Pennsylvania graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than Western New England University graduates ($23,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $37 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Western New England University graduates ($242 vs. $279).
• More Western New England University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (76% vs. 75%)

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.