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Western Connecticut State University

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.

Western Connecticut State University is a public university located in Danbury, CT and set in an urban environment. This educational institution operates on a semester-based calendar. It has an acceptance rate of 80%. The freshman retention rate at Western Connecticut State University is 75.5% and the six-year graduation rate is 51%.

Learn more about what Western Connecticut State University has to offer based on the most recent data this institution has reported.

Quick Facts

4,641

Total Number of Undergraduate Students

80%

Acceptance Rate

13:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

51%

Graduation Rate

Admissions

You need to discover as much as you can about the entrance requirements of the institution in order to maximize your chances of being accepted. What are the admission requirements for Western Connecticut State University?

According to the most recent information reported, this institution uses standardized test scores for admission and it admitted 4,188 in 2021. Western Connecticut State University has an official test-optional admission policy but takes into consideration standardized test scores if the applicant decides to submit them. 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

66% of first-time, first-year degree-seeking students submitted their SAT scores for admission, and 6% submitted ACT scores, out of the overall number of those who submitted test scores. The percent of first-year 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 ACT composite average score for all the accepted students in 2021 was 22 and the average GPA was 3.38. That means you'll most likely need an above-average GPA to get accepted as well as an above-average ACT score.

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

Average Test Scores

Retention Rate

The percentage of new students at a college or university who stay on for their second year is known as the freshman retention rate. Why is that information 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 75.5% in 2021, a testament to the outstanding educational experience provided by this institution.

The graduation rate is another indicator to take into account. It reflects the proportion of students who obtain their degrees within the expected timeframe. The six-year graduation rate at this school is 51%.

Student Body

It is always challenging to figure out which school is best for you. You can better understand the culture and life of the school by finding out more about the student body.

Main Student Body

The total number of students enrolled at Western Connecticut State University in 2021 was 5,247.

That year, the institution had an out-of-state student body percentage of 22. 369 students were accepted as transfer students.

Student Population Gender Ratio

With a coeducational student body, the school had 1,840 male and 2,022 female full-time students in 2021. 27 full-time graduate men and 41 full-time graduate women attended this school.

Student Population Diversity

Higher Education is dedicated to increasing student diversity and enhancing students' feelings of inclusion and belonging. An inclusive student body brings together individuals from diverse 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 218, while the number of African American students was 403. 1,003 undergraduate students at this school identified as Hispanic/Latino and 183 identified with more than one race. There were also 86 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

Here are some facts that can be useful if you were curious about Western Connecticut State University estimated tuition costs.

If you are an area resident, your tuition was $6,998. Tuition fees were $10,498 for students coming from a different state. Tuition costs at Western Connecticut State University for international students amounted to $10,498. Full-time students in 2021 were required to pay additional fees in the amount of $6,403.

Tuition Fees Total
Out-of-State $10,498 $6,403 $16,901
In-State $6,998 $6,403 $13,401

Books and Supplies

When you try to estimate the cost of attendance for a college or university, you need to think about the cost of books and supplies you're going to need. 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?

At Western Connecticut State University, the 2021 annual cost of room and board (on campus) was $14,932. 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 $ 14,932
Book and Supplies $ 1,200
Total Expense $ 23,130

Financial Aid

Financial aid for students comes in different forms: grants, loans, scholarships, or work-study programs. If you want to find 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.

According to the most recent data, 405 freshmen were awarded financial aid. The average amount of financial aid given to students was $9,492.

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 attained 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 came to be 2,028. The amount of federal need-based scholarships/grants awarded to the students at this institution totaled $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. Institutional help in the form of non-need-based scholarships or grants was given to 86 full-time freshmen. 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. $1,098,432 was the amount that the students at this institution got from external sources (like Kiwanis and National Merit).

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)

Fall

Spring

Majors

Faculty

13:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

The student-to-faculty or student-to-professor ratio represents the number of students compared to the number of professors at a school.

According to the most recent data, the student-faculty ratio at Western Connecticut State University was 13:1: that means 13 students per one teacher, which is considered a good ratio. According to the most recent information, there are 560 teachers at this school. This number included 256 male and 323 female faculty members. The fact that female faculty members outnumber the male ones at this school is telling of the importance gender equality has at Western Connecticut State University.

Student Population Diversity Graph

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100
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100

Campus Life

Not everything at Western Connecticut State University is about learning and grades: campus life is an essential part of your educational experience. Find out some info about students' life at Western Connecticut State University.

Its campus is 340 acres in size.

Student Organizations

Joining multiple student organizations can provide you a more interesting and dynamic experience.

According to recently gathered data, there are 83 open-membership organizations at Western Connecticut State University. This number 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 gathers the largest 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

Western Connecticut State University provides a number of services crucial for a comfortable and safe life on campus.

24/7 emergency phone and alarm devices are available. There are electronically operated dormitory entrances. There is a round-the-clock security patrol. The after-hours transportation/escort service is available.

This school has 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. There is campus employer recruitment for all the students. This school offers alumni networking opportunities, which could be a great asset 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.

The most recent reported acceptance rate for Western Connecticut State University is 80%.

The most recent data indicate that the freshman retention rate for Western Connecticut State University is 75.5%.

Contact Information

Western Connecticut State University,

181 White Street

Danbury, CT

06810-6885

203 837-8200

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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