Head-to-head · 2026
Trinity College vs Western Connecticut State University
Compare average net price ($34,832 at Trinity College; $17,604 at Western Connecticut State University), ROI score (6.52 vs 8.40), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($90,779 vs $59,115), and admissions selectivity (29.3% acceptance at Trinity 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 | Trinity College | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 6.52 | 8.40 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $34,832 | $17,604 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $139,328 | $70,416 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $70,770 | $13,401 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $70,770 | $16,901 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $90,779 ✓ | $59,115 |
| Acceptance rate | 29.3% | 87% |
| Graduation rate | 83.8% ✓ | 51.8% |
| Retention rate | 90% ✓ | 73.2% |
| Median debt | $23,000 ✓ | $24,147 |
| Enrollment | 2,146 | 3,511 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1415 | 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 | Trinity College | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $11,054 ✓ | $13,507 |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,599 ✓ | $13,716 |
| Family income $48–75k | $18,325 | $16,697 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $24,369 | $18,737 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $48,515 | $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 | Trinity College | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| Economics | 15.8% | 0.2% |
| Psychology, General | 6.3% | 5.9% |
| Political Science and Government | 11.2% | 0.4% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 1.5% | 4.1% |
| Biology, General | 3.3% | 2.1% |
| English Language and Literature, General | 4% | 0.9% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 1.7% | 2.7% |
| Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General | 1.6% | 2% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Western Connecticut State University reports the lower average net price by $17,228 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $68,912 difference over four years ($70,416 vs $139,328).
Trinity College reports $31,664 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($90,779 vs $59,115). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 90% at Trinity College and 73.2% at Western Connecticut State University. Median federal debt among completers is $23,000 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
Trinity College vs Western Connecticut State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Connecticut State University is cheaper — average net price $17,604 per year vs $34,832 at Trinity College. The annual difference of $17,228 adds up to about $68,912 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Trinity College reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $90,779 vs $59,115 at Western Connecticut State University. The gap in the federal data is $31,664. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Trinity College is more selective at 29.3% acceptance vs 87% at Western Connecticut State University.
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.