Western Connecticut State University

  • 5/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Danbury, CT
  • 0 reviews
#5 Best Public Universities in Connecticut

Overview

Total enrollment

4,169
Western Connecticut State University overview
Western Connecticut State University overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Western Connecticut State University spans two campuses in Danbury, Connecticut, located 70 miles northeast of New York City in Fairfield County. The institution, founded in 1903 as a teacher training school, operates on a main Midtown campus and a complementary Westside campus connected by a frequent shuttle service. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across four academic schools, with particular strengths in music, theater arts, professional writing, and business administration. The Westside campus houses the School of Visual and Performing Arts, featuring specialized facilities including a performing arts center and recording studios, while the Midtown campus contains traditional academic buildings and the majority of student housing facilities. NCAA Division III athletic programs compete as the Colonials in the Little East Conference, with baseball and men's basketball maintaining consistent competitive records.

Ratings

WestConn is rated within the lower 46% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    5 out of 10
  • Academics
    4 out of 10
  • Resources
    9 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    4 out of 10
  • Value
    4 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Very Easy
Western Connecticut State University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1040/1170
  • GPA 3.38

Acceptance Rate

87%
Western Connecticut State University applications overview
  • Applications Due -
  • Enrollment Rate 16.7%
  • Application Fee $50

Applicant Competition Very Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Connecticut Resident Tuition

$13,401

Out of State Resident Tuition

$16,901

Breakdown

In State Costs for Western Connecticut State University
  • Tuition $13,401
  • Books and Supplies $1,200
  • Other Fees $6,403
  • Room and Board $15,659
  • Budget for Other Expenses $1,438
  • Total One Year Cost $38,101

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$47,400 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

40% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Western Connecticut State University are Business, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Communication. 27% of students major in Business, 12% in Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and 8% in Communication.

  • Business 27%
  • Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting 12%
  • Communication 8%
  • Visual and Performing Arts 8%
  • Education 8%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Western Connecticut State University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=130776.

GPA calculator: Western Connecticut State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026