Head-to-head · 2026
Connecticut State Community College vs Western Connecticut State University
Compare average net price ($11,513 at Connecticut State Community College; $17,604 at Western Connecticut State University), ROI score (8.98 vs 8.40), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($41,344 vs $59,115), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Connecticut State Community College; 87% at Western Connecticut State University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Connecticut State Community College | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.98 ✓ | 8.40 |
| Avg net price | $11,513 ✓ | $17,604 |
| 4-year avg net price | $46,052 ✓ | $70,416 |
| In-state tuition | $5,338 | $13,401 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $15,596 | $16,901 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $41,344 | $59,115 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 87% |
| Graduation rate | 24.1% | 51.8% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 68.5% | 73.2% ✓ |
| Median debt | $9,200 ✓ | $24,147 |
| Enrollment | 33,645 | 3,511 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1110 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Connecticut State Community College | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $11,009 ✓ | $13,507 |
| Family income $30–48k | $11,280 ✓ | $13,716 |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,173 ✓ | $16,697 |
| Family income $75–110k | $12,512 ✓ | $18,737 |
| Family income $110k+ | $13,551 ✓ | $21,318 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Connecticut State Community College | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 5.8% | 8.9% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 1.5% | 8.1% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 2.4% | 6.3% |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | 3.9% | 3.9% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 4.9% | 2.7% |
| Business/Commerce, General | 5.1% | 1.9% |
| Management Information Systems and Services | 3.9% | 2.7% |
| Psychology, General | 0.2% | 5.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Connecticut State Community College reports the lower average net price by $6,091 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $24,364 difference over four years ($46,052 vs $70,416).
Western Connecticut State University reports $17,771 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($59,115 vs $41,344). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 68.5% at Connecticut State Community College and 73.2% at Western Connecticut State University. Median federal debt among completers is $9,200 vs $24,147, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Connecticut State Community College vs Western Connecticut State University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Connecticut State Community College is cheaper — average net price $11,513 per year vs $17,604 at Western Connecticut State University. The annual difference of $6,091 adds up to about $24,364 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Western Connecticut State University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $59,115 vs $41,344 at Connecticut State Community College. The gap in the federal data is $17,771. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.