Head-to-head · 2026
Western Connecticut State University vs Yale University
Compare average net price ($17,604 at Western Connecticut State University; $23,777 at Yale University), ROI score (8.40 vs 10.57), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($59,115 vs $100,533), and admissions selectivity (87% acceptance at Western Connecticut State University; 3.9% at Yale 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 | Western Connecticut State University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 8.40 | 10.57 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,604 ✓ | $23,777 |
| 4-year avg net price | $70,416 ✓ | $95,108 |
| In-state tuition | $13,401 | $67,250 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $16,901 | $67,250 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $59,115 | $100,533 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 87% | 3.9% |
| Graduation rate | 51.8% | 95.7% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 73.2% | 98.8% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,147 | $12,975 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 3,511 | 6,758 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | 1110 | 1534 |
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 | Western Connecticut State University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $13,507 ✓ | $17,633 |
| Family income $30–48k | $13,716 ✓ | $15,626 |
| Family income $48–75k | $16,697 ✓ | $17,943 |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,737 | $12,558 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $21,318 ✓ | $45,951 |
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 | Western Connecticut State University | Yale University |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 6.3% | 11.4% |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 8.9% | 4.6% |
| Economics | 0.2% | 5.3% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 4.1% | 1.1% |
| History | 2% | 3.2% |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 0.7% | 3.8% |
| Fine and Studio Arts | 2.7% | 1.8% |
| Music | 1.9% | 2.5% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Western Connecticut State University reports the lower average net price by $6,173 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $24,692 difference over four years ($70,416 vs $95,108).
Yale University reports $41,418 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($100,533 vs $59,115). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 73.2% at Western Connecticut State University and 98.8% at Yale University. Median federal debt among completers is $24,147 vs $12,975, 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
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Frequently asked
Western Connecticut State University vs Yale 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 $23,777 at Yale University. The annual difference of $6,173 adds up to about $24,692 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Yale University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $100,533 vs $59,115 at Western Connecticut State University. The gap in the federal data is $41,418. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Yale University is more selective at 3.9% 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.