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Western Connecticut State University

Liaison Partner

Danbury , CT

Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is a public university located in Danbury, Connecticut. Established in 1903, WCSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through its two campuses - Westside and Midtown - both situated near the scenic beauty of the Connecticut countryside. The university is known for its strong emphasis on experiential learning, providing students with practical hands-on experiences that prepare them for careers in various fields.

Academics at WCSU are diverse, with programs available in arts and sciences, education, business, health professions, and visual and performing arts. The university is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education and offers over 50 undergraduate majors and more than 30 graduate programs, including professional certification and advanced degrees. WCSU prides itself on small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from faculty members who are experts in their respective fields.

Beyond academics, WCSU offers numerous extracurricular activities and organizations for students to engage in. With over 90 student clubs and organizations, there is something for everyone's interests, from academic and professional clubs to performing arts groups and sports teams. The university also provides a vibrant campus life, hosting events such as concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions. WCSU's location in Danbury offers easy access to New York City and other major cities, providing students with opportunities for internships, networking, and cultural experiences.

Overall, Western Connecticut State University combines rigorous academic programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and a supportive campus community to create a well-rounded educational experience. Students benefit from a comprehensive curriculum taught by dedicated faculty, while enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding area and the cultural attractions nearby. WCSU fosters an environment that encourages personal growth, critical thinking, and career preparation, making it an excellent choice for students seeking an enriching college experience.

Located in Danbury, CT and set in an urban environment, Western Connecticut State University is a public university. This school uses a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 81%. The freshman retention rate at Western Connecticut State University is 70% and the six-year graduation rate is 51%.

Discover more about what you can expect if you get into Western Connecticut State University.

Quick Facts

3,542

Total Number of Undergraduate Students

11:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

51%

Graduation Rate

Admissions

You need to learn as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the university in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. Discover some important information about admission policy and requirements at Western Connecticut State University.

According to the most recent data, this school uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 4,440 in 2021. Western Connecticut State University has an official test-optional admission policy but considers standardized test scores in cases when they are submitted by the applicant. As far as admission difficulty is considered, based on data self-reported by the institution this school is moderately difficult to get into.

Test Scores

4% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 1% submitted ACT scores, out of the total number of those who submitted test scores. The percent of freshman students who submitted ACT Composite scores in the range between 30-36 was 2, 33 between 24-29, 49 in the range between 18-23, and 16 between 12-17.

The average ACT score for all the enrolled students in 2021 was 22 while the average GPA was 3.38. This implies that you'll probably need a GPA above the average to secure admission, as well as an above-average ACT score.

The SAT Critical Reading average score was 555 for the enrolled first-year students, while the average SAT Math score was 546.

Average Test Scores

Retention Rate

What is the freshman retention rate? The freshman retention rate is the percentage of full-time students who entered the institution as freshmen in the previous academic year and returned for the fall term of the current academic year. Why is that metric important? Because it tells you if the majority of freshmen enjoyed their first year at a school enough to come back.

The freshman retention rate for Western Connecticut State University was 70% in 2021.

Another important metric to consider is the graduation rate. This rate indicates how many students finish their degrees within a certain timeframe. At this academic institution, the proportion of students graduating in six years is 51%.

Student Body

It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. Knowing more about the student population can help you get a better idea of the school's culture and life.

Main Student Body

In 2021, the school enrolled 4,137 students.

That year, the school had 22% of out-of-state students. There was a total of 3,542 undergraduate students, including 10 international students. 369 students were admitted as transfer students.

Student Population Gender Ratio

The student body is coeducational, with 1,501 male and 1,566 female full-time students in 2021, which speaks volumes for gender equality at this institution. 27 full-time graduate men and 41 full-time graduate women attended this school.

Student Population Diversity

Higer Education is committed to focusing on the diversity of its student body and improving students' sense of inclusion and belonging. A diverse student body brings together individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Find out more about different ethnic groups you can meet at Western Connecticut State University.

In 2021, out of the total number of students enrolled at the institution, the number of students of Asian origin was 155, and the number of Afro-American students was 324. 1,010 undergraduate students at this school declared as Hispanic/Latino and 184 identified with more than one race. The school also had 1 student who identified as Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 16 American Indian or Alaska Native students. There were also 28 students whose ethnicity is unknown.

Cost

Before you send an application to any college or university, you should take into account the financial component. The most recent data reported regarding the expenses for attending this school are detailed below.

Tuition and Fees

Wondering about tuition at Western Connecticut State University? Here is what you need to know.

According to the reports from public county and municipal institutions, tuition fees were $6,998 for area residents. Tuition fees were $10,858 for students coming from a different state. For international students, tuition fees at this school amounted to $10,858, as well. Fees per academic year required of full-time students amounted to $6,403 in 2021.

Category Tuition Fees Total
Out-of-State $10,858 $6,403 $17,261
In-State $6,998 $6,403 $13,401

Books and Supplies

Another important financial factor to consider is the estimated cost of books and supplies for a college or university. Most students have to allocate about $1,200 for books and supplies during their time at Western Connecticut State University.

Boarding

Besides tuition, another cost to consider is the price of housing in the dorms and eating at the school cafeteria. How much do room and board fees average around at colleges and universities?

In 2021, the price of room and board at Western Connecticut State University was $15,132 per academic year. Room-only (on campus) cost per academic year at this school amounted to $8,932, according to the data from 2021.

Tuition $ 6,998
Room and Board $ 15,132
Book and Supplies $ 1,200
Total Expense $ 23,330

Financial Aid

Getting some financial help in forms of grants, loans, scholarships or work-study programs can be very important for finishing your studies. If you are interested in finding out more about need-based and non-need-based aid at Western Connecticut State University, here are some recent data you should take into consideration.

The most recent records show that 405 freshmen received some sort of financial help. Students of this school received an average of $9,492 in financial help.

Need-based

If you need help with paying for your studies and you meet some eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for need-based aid.

There were 1,800 students who secured need-based financial aid of any kind. Need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid at Western Connecticut State University is available to international students. The overall number of students (including freshmen) who were determined to have financial need amounted to 2,028. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution came to $6,589,366, and state $1,491,992. The students of Western Connecticut State University received the -institutional need-based aid in the amount of $3,589,654, and external in the amount of $182,250.

$4,868

Average Amount of Aid Received

Non-Need Based

Non-need-based financial aid is any type of financial aid provided to a student who does not meet the criteria for need-based aid. The most popular forms of non-need-based financial aid for students are loans and grants, like Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Graduate PLUS Loans, Parent PLUS Loans, and the Teacher Education Access for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant.

Institutional non-need-based scholarships or grants were given to 302 students overall (including freshmen) at Western Connecticut State University in 2021. 86 full-time freshmen were awarded institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid. The total amount of non-need-based institutional scholarships/grants was $1,230,484. This includes endowment, alumni, other institutional awards, and also external funds awarded by the institution, but doesn't include athletic aid and tuition waivers. The amount the students of this school received from external sources (e.g. Kiwanis, National Merit) was $1,098,432 USD.

Open Applications

Find open programs by choosing your preferred academic interest from the list below, and select your desired term start. Get started with your application process and find more information using the Apply button.

The Common Application for Transfer (Common App for transfer)

Spring

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Fall

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Majors

Faculty

11:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

Knowing more about a school's faculty can help you gauge the caliber of the education it can provide to you.

According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Western Connecticut State University was 11:1: that means 11 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. According to the most recent information, there are 892 teachers at this school. Out of that number, there were 426 male and 466 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school speaks volumes for gender equality at Western Connecticut State University.

Student Population Diversity Graph

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Campus Life

Knowing what to expect out of campus life at a college or university can set you up for success. Check out some details about social life at Western Connecticut State University.

Its campus is 340 acres in size.

Student Organizations

Being a member of a student organization will make you connect better with your fellow students and enjoy your college years more.

The number of student organizations and groups with open membership at this school is 83. That includes sororities and fraternities. At this school, 3% of male students are members of social organizations, while that percentage is 5 for female students. The student organization that attracts the greatest number of students is Meteorology, followed by American Marketing Club and Jazz Club. Other popular organizations among the students at Western Connecticut State University are Criminology Club and National Society of Collegiate Scholars.

For students with a talent for acting, there is a drama club. You have a talent for media and communication? Western Connecticut State University publishes its own newspaper and has its own radio station.

Student Services

At Western Connecticut State University, there are many amenities that make life on campus pleasant and safe.

There are phone and alarm devices that can be accessed 24/7 for emergency situations. The dormitory entrances at the school are electronically controlled. There is a 24-hour security patrol. The late-night transport/escort service is available.

There is a health clinic with personal/psychological counseling. In addition, other services like Veteran's Affairs and Women's Center are available to the students of Western Connecticut State University.

All in all, campus life at Western Connecticut State University is rich and vibrant and provides everything most students need.

Career Services

Having career services at a college or university can mean a great deal for your career planning, so find out what you can expect at Western Connecticut State University.

Career Counselling

At Western Connecticut State University, there is both group career counseling for all students and individual career counseling for all students. There are a library, a job bank, and job fairs. Job interviews are also available to students through the career center. The career center offers resume preparation and resume referral to employers. The school has campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be highly beneficial for your future career. Individual job placement is available to all students at this school.

FAQ

Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT.

Western Connecticut State University offers need-based college-administered scholarship and grant aid to international students.

This school has an official test-optional admission policy but makes use of SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, or other standardized test scores in admission decisions for the candidates who choose to submit them.

According to the latest information, the acceptance rate for Western Connecticut State University is 81%.

The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for Western Connecticut State University is 70%.

Contact Information

Western Connecticut State University

181 White Street

Danbury , CT

06810

203 837-9000

School Website

Data Source: IPEDS and Peterson's Databases © 2023 Peterson's LLC All rights reserved. Portions of this content were co-written with OpenAI's GPT-3.5 model.

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