Western Connecticut State University logo

Western Connecticut State University

Danbury, CT·Public·https://www.wcsu.edu/

At a Glance

Western Connecticut State University is a mid-size public university in Danbury, CT. Approximately 3,511 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 87% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Candlewood, just 2 miles from the water. The nearest beach is about 21 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 11 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 60/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

87%
Acceptance Rate
5,910 applications
N/A
ACT Score (50th %ile)
$13,401
2024-25 Tuition
In-state rate
$17,604
Avg Net Price
What students actually pay
$15,614
Room & Board
3,511
Undergraduates
Degree-seeking, all years
17%
Yield Rate
Admitted students who enrolled
52%
Graduation Rate
Within 150% of normal time
Selectivity87% · Open
Highly SelectiveOpen

SAT Scores (25th–75th Percentile)

SAT Evidence-Based Reading

510560580

SAT Math

530550590

Location

Danbury, CT

Campus Identity

Lake LifeNCAA D3Greek LifePhD Programs

Western Connecticut State University is a mid-size public university in Danbury, CT. Approximately 3,511 undergraduates are enrolled. Admissions are accessible with a 87% acceptance rate. The campus sits on Lake Candlewood, just 2 miles from the water. The nearest beach is about 21 miles from campus. Ski resorts are within 11 miles of campus. Greek life is active on campus. CollegeCove's campus safety score is 60/100 (Pretty Safe), based on U.S. Department of Education Clery Act data.

Campus Lifestyle

Western Connecticut State University is a 1,000–4,999, urban school with NCAA D3 athletics and a moderate greek life Greek scene. The campus is 21 miles from Burying Hill Beach, CT and 10 miles from Thunder Ridge Ski Area.

Athletics

NCAA D3

Little East

School Size & Setting

1,000–4,999

Urban setting

Beach Access

21 miles

Burying Hill Beach, CT

Ski Access

10 miles

Thunder Ridge Ski Area

Weather

Cold Climate

44°F avg school-year

Greek Life at Western Connecticut State University

At Western Connecticut State University, 3% of men are in a fraternity and 5% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution’s reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the student life office for the current season.

3%

Men in fraternities

5%

Women in sororities

Moderate Greek Life

Greek life scale

Nearby Ski Resorts

Western Connecticut State University students have access to 3 ski resorts within driving distance. The closest is Thunder Ridge Ski Area, 10 miles away with 6 lifts and 100 skiable acres. All are within 28 miles of campus.

10 mi away
100 skiable acres6 lifts
Woodbury Ski Area

Connecticut

16 mi away
50 skiable acres5 lifts
28 mi away

Nearest Beach

Students at Western Connecticut State University are 21 miles from Burying Hill Beach, CT.

Burying Hill Beach, CT

Ocean access within 20.7 miles

21 mi away

Lake Life Campus

Lake Candlewood is 2 miles from campus, making it a true lake-life school, giving Western Connecticut State University students access to boating, swimming, and waterfront recreation.

Lake Candlewood

Lake access within 1.6 miles

2 mi away

Average Monthly Temperature

1991–2020 Climate Normals · Danbury, CT

Danbury has a cool climate, with winters averaging 28°F in Jan and summers peaking around 75°F in Jul.

28°Jan30°Feb38°Mar50°Apr60°May69°Jun75°Jul72°Aug65°Sep53°Oct42°Nov33°Dec

Station: DANBURY · Source: NOAA NCEI

On Campus Safety Score

2021–2023 U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security data normalized per 1,000 students

Western Connecticut State University in CT earns a composite safety score of 60/100, rated Less Safe among U.S. colleges.

60/100
Less Safe
PersonalSafetyPropertySafetyParty SceneSafety489142
48/100
Personal
assault, rape, stalking, dating and domestic violence
91/100
Property
burglary, vehicle theft, arson
42/100
Party Scene
drug, alcohol & weapons enforcement

On Campus Safety data from the U.S. Dept. of Education Clery Act Database, normalized per 1,000 enrolled students. Higher scores indicate a safer environment. Review detailed data on the U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security website.

Cost Breakdown

2024-25 academic year. Tuition: College Scorecard. Fees and room & board: IPEDS/NCES.

Tuition
$13,401$16,901
Fees
$5,619$6,749
Room & Board
$15,614$15,614
Total
$34,634$39,264
In-StateOut-of-State
App Fee: $50
$17,604avg net price / year

What students actually pay after grants and scholarships. Source: College Scorecard.

Calculate your personalized net price

Fields of Study

70 programs offered

Most Popular Programs

Business Administration, Management and OperationsBachelor's
81 grads/yr
Criminal Justice and CorrectionsBachelor's
76 grads/yr$66,510
Clinical, Counseling and Applied PsychologyMaster's
75 grads/yr$74,783
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBachelor's
74 grads/yr$96,483
Psychology, GeneralBachelor's
68 grads/yr$50,410

Bar width proportional to graduates per year. Earnings = median 4 years after graduation.

Computer and Information Sciences, General
Bachelor's9 grads$118,324
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
Bachelor's74 grads$96,483
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Master's$88,576
Finance and Financial Management Services
Bachelor's34 grads$81,768
Accounting and Related Services
Bachelor's38 grads$80,895
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
Master's75 grads$74,783
Management Information Systems and Services
Bachelor's34 grads$72,291
Marketing
Bachelor's46 grads$68,490
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
Bachelor's$66,878
Criminal Justice and Corrections
Bachelor's76 grads$66,510

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect graduates working and not enrolled full-time. Data suppressed (shown as —) for programs with fewer than 30 graduates. Most recent available year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Western Connecticut State University located?

Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT. The main campus address is 181 White Street, Danbury, CT. It is a public institution offering 4-year degree programs.

What is the acceptance rate at Western Connecticut State University?

Western Connecticut State University has an acceptance rate of 87%, making it accessible. Out of 5,910 applicants, 5,142 were admitted in the most recent year. 3,511 enrolled.

How many students attend Western Connecticut State University?

Western Connecticut State University enrolls 3,511 undergraduates. That figure counts degree-seeking undergraduate students across all years, not just the incoming class, and it excludes graduate students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

How much does it cost to attend Western Connecticut State University?

For the 2024-25 academic year, Western Connecticut State University charges $13,401/year for in-state students and $16,901/year for out-of-state students. Including room and board ($15,614/year), the total estimated cost is approximately $25,185/year. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $17,604/year — what students actually pay. Use Western Connecticut State University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.

What is the application fee for Western Connecticut State University?

The undergraduate application fee at Western Connecticut State University is $50. Check the admissions website for fee waiver eligibility.

What NCAA division is Western Connecticut State University in?

Western Connecticut State University competes in NCAA Division III, part of the Little East. Division III programs compete without athletic scholarships and emphasize academics alongside varsity sport.

What percentage of students at Western Connecticut State University are in Greek life?

At Western Connecticut State University, 3% of men are in a fraternity and 5% of women are in a sorority. That is a modest Greek presence. Chapters exist and are active, but most students are not affiliated. Figures come from the institution's reported Greek system data. Recruitment timing and chapter counts vary year to year, so check the school's student life office for the current season.

Is Western Connecticut State University the right fit for me?

Whether Western Connecticut State University is right for you depends on your academic goals, budget, lifestyle preferences, and career aspirations. Key factors to consider: admissions selectivity (87% admit rate), avg net price ($17,604/year after aid), campus culture in Danbury, and available programs. Use CollegeCove's compare tool to weigh Western Connecticut State University against similar schools side-by-side.

Tuition: College Scorecard (2024-25). Fees, room & board, and other data: IPEDS/NCES 2024. Always verify with Western Connecticut State University directly for the most current information.

Ready to apply?

Start your application at the official website.

Apply NowVisit Official Website

Quick Facts

Type
Public
Location
Danbury, CT
Size
1,000–4,999
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral
NCAA
NCAA D3
Conference
Little East
School Year Weather
Cold · 44°F avg
App Fee
$50
On Campus Safety Score
60/100
Nearest Airport
Danbury, CT (DXR) · 3 mialso BDR (23 mi), HPN (27 mi)
Data Sources: Admissions, cost, and enrollment data sourced from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) (NCES, 2024 survey year). Fields of Study data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. On Campus Safety Score computed from Clery Act data (U.S. Dept. of Education, 3-year average normalized per 1,000 students). Data may not reflect most recent changes. Always verify with the institution directly.