Where is Western Connecticut State University located. What undergraduate degree programs does Western Connecticut State University offer. How can students apply to Western Connecticut State University. What are the admission requirements for Western Connecticut State University. What financial aid options are available at Western Connecticut State University.
Western Connecticut State University: An Overview
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is a public university located in Danbury, Connecticut. Founded in 1903, WCSU has grown to become a respected institution offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and community engagement.
Location and Campus
WCSU is situated in Danbury, a city in Fairfield County, Connecticut. The university comprises two campuses:
- Midtown campus: Located on White Street, this campus houses most of the university’s academic buildings, the student center, and several residence halls.
- Westside campus: Situated on Lake Avenue Extension, this campus is home to the School of Visual and Performing Arts, the Westside Athletic Complex, and additional residence halls.
The two campuses are approximately two miles apart, connected by a shuttle service for students and faculty.
Undergraduate Degree Programs at WCSU
Western Connecticut State University offers a diverse array of undergraduate degree programs across various fields of study. These programs are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in their chosen discipline while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills.
Schools and Departments
WCSU’s undergraduate programs are organized into four main schools:
- Ancell School of Business
- Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences
- School of Professional Studies
- School of Visual and Performing Arts
Each school houses multiple departments, offering specialized programs tailored to students’ interests and career goals.
Popular Majors
Some of the most popular undergraduate majors at WCSU include:
- Business Administration and Management
- Psychology
- Nursing
- Justice and Law Administration
- Communication and Media Arts
- Biology
- Music
- Theatre Arts
These programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience, preparing students for successful careers or further education.
Admissions Process and Requirements
Gaining admission to Western Connecticut State University requires meeting specific criteria and following a structured application process. The university seeks to admit students who demonstrate academic potential, personal growth, and a commitment to learning.
Application Deadlines
WCSU operates on a rolling admissions basis for most programs. However, students are encouraged to apply early to ensure the best chance of admission and financial aid opportunities. Typically, the priority deadline for fall admission is March 15, while the spring admission deadline is December 1.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to WCSU, applicants must submit:
- Completed application form (online or paper)
- Official high school transcript or GED equivalent
- SAT or ACT scores (optional for most programs as of 2024)
- Letter of recommendation
- Application fee or fee waiver
Some programs, particularly in the arts, may require additional materials such as portfolios or auditions.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities
Western Connecticut State University is committed to making higher education accessible and affordable for all qualified students. The university offers various financial aid options and scholarship opportunities to help students fund their education.
Types of Financial Aid
Students at WCSU may be eligible for several types of financial assistance:
- Federal grants (e.g., Pell Grant, SEOG)
- State grants (e.g., Connecticut Governor’s Scholarship)
- Federal work-study programs
- Federal student loans
- Private loans
- Institutional scholarships and grants
To be considered for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.
Merit-Based Scholarships
WCSU offers several merit-based scholarships for incoming freshmen and transfer students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and community involvement. Some notable scholarships include:
- Presidential Merit Scholarship
- Trustee Scholarship
- Dean’s Scholarship
- Transfer Achievement Scholarship
Students are automatically considered for these scholarships upon admission, with no separate application required in most cases.
Student Life and Campus Activities
Western Connecticut State University offers a vibrant and diverse campus community, providing students with numerous opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and social engagement outside the classroom.
Student Organizations
WCSU boasts over 80 student-run organizations, catering to a wide range of interests and passions. These include:
- Academic and professional clubs
- Cultural and diversity organizations
- Performing arts groups
- Sports clubs
- Student government
- Greek life
Involvement in these organizations allows students to develop leadership skills, build friendships, and enhance their overall college experience.
Athletics
WCSU is a member of the NCAA Division III and competes in the Little East Conference. The university offers 14 varsity sports teams, known as the Colonials, including:
- Basketball (men’s and women’s)
- Soccer (men’s and women’s)
- Baseball
- Softball
- Lacrosse (men’s and women’s)
- Volleyball (women’s)
- Field hockey
- Tennis (men’s and women’s)
In addition to varsity sports, WCSU offers intramural and club sports programs for students seeking recreational athletic opportunities.
Academic Resources and Support Services
Western Connecticut State University is dedicated to supporting student success through various academic resources and support services. These resources are designed to help students excel in their studies, overcome challenges, and achieve their academic goals.
Academic Advising
WCSU provides comprehensive academic advising services to guide students throughout their academic journey. Each student is assigned a faculty advisor within their major department, who assists with course selection, degree planning, and career exploration. Additionally, the Academic Advisement Center offers support for undeclared students and those seeking general academic guidance.
Tutoring and Learning Centers
The university offers free tutoring services through various learning centers, including:
- Math Clinic
- Writing Center
- Science Learning Center
- Ancell Learning Commons (for business students)
These centers provide one-on-one and small group tutoring sessions, workshops, and study resources to support student learning across disciplines.
AccessAbility Services
WCSU’s AccessAbility Services office ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities. The office provides accommodations, assistive technology, and support services tailored to individual student needs.
Career Development and Internship Opportunities
Western Connecticut State University places a strong emphasis on career readiness and professional development. The university’s Career Success Center offers a range of services and resources to help students explore career options, gain valuable work experience, and successfully transition into the workforce.
Career Counseling and Exploration
The Career Success Center provides individualized career counseling sessions to help students:
- Assess their skills, interests, and values
- Explore potential career paths
- Develop job search strategies
- Prepare for graduate school applications
Additionally, the center offers career assessments, workshops, and networking events to support students’ professional development.
Internship Programs
WCSU encourages students to participate in internships to gain hands-on experience in their fields of study. The university maintains partnerships with local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to provide internship opportunities. Many academic departments also offer internship courses for academic credit, allowing students to integrate classroom learning with practical experience.
Job Search Resources
The Career Success Center provides various tools and resources to assist students and alumni in their job search, including:
- Resume and cover letter reviews
- Mock interviews
- Job and internship databases
- Career fairs and employer information sessions
- Alumni networking events
These resources help students develop essential job search skills and connect with potential employers.
Research Opportunities and Facilities
Western Connecticut State University is committed to fostering a culture of research and innovation among its undergraduate students. The university offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in meaningful research projects across various disciplines.
Undergraduate Research Programs
WCSU encourages undergraduate research through several initiatives:
- Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF): A competitive program that provides funding for students to conduct research projects under faculty mentorship during the summer months.
- Western Research Day: An annual event where students showcase their research findings through poster presentations and oral presentations.
- Department-specific research opportunities: Many academic departments offer research courses or independent study options for students to pursue specialized research projects.
These programs allow students to develop critical thinking skills, gain hands-on experience in their fields, and potentially contribute to academic publications.
Research Facilities
WCSU boasts modern research facilities and equipment to support student and faculty research across various disciplines. Some notable research facilities include:
- Science Research Center: Houses state-of-the-art laboratories for biology, chemistry, and environmental science research.
- Weather Center: Equipped with advanced meteorological instruments for atmospheric science research and forecasting.
- Westside Nature Preserve: A 33-acre ecological research site adjacent to the Westside campus, used for environmental studies and biological research.
- Psychology Research Labs: Dedicated spaces for conducting psychological experiments and studies.
These facilities provide students with access to professional-grade equipment and resources, enhancing their research experiences and preparing them for future careers or graduate studies.
| Assc. | Bach. | Mast. | Doct. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting. | ||||
| Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | ||||
| American/United States Studies/Civilization. | ||||
| Applied Behavior Analysis. | ||||
Art/Art Studies, General. | ||||
| Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General. | ||||
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | ||||
| Business Administration and Management, General. | ||||
| Business/Commerce, General. | ||||
Chemistry, General. | ||||
| Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist. | ||||
| Communication and Media Studies, Other. | ||||
| Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling. | ||||
| Computer Programming/Programmer, General. | ||||
Computer and Information Sciences, General. | ||||
| Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services. | ||||
| Creative Writing. | ||||
| Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | ||||
| Criminal Justice/Police Science. | ||||
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia. | ||||
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | ||||
| Economics, General. | ||||
| Education, General. | ||||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | ||||
English Language and Literature, General. | ||||
| Finance, General. | ||||
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | ||||
| Geology/Earth Science, General. | ||||
| Health Teacher Education. | ||||
Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | ||||
| History, General. | ||||
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | ||||
| Management Information Systems, General. | ||||
| Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | ||||
Mathematics, General. | ||||
| Music Teacher Education. | ||||
| Music Theory and Composition. | ||||
| Music, General. | ||||
| Musical Theatre. | ||||
| Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN) | ||||
Political Science and Government, General. | ||||
| Psychology, General. | ||||
| Secondary Education and Teaching. | ||||
| Social Sciences, General. | ||||
| Social Work. | ||||
| Sociology and Anthropology. | ||||
Spanish Language and Literature. | ||||
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | ||||
| Teacher Education, Multiple Levels. | ||||
| Writing, General. |
Western Connecticut State University Overview
Western Connecticut State University Overview
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by our College Data Analytics Team
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Want the scoop on Western Connecticut State University? We’ve put together a comprehensive report on the school that covers what majors WestConn offers, how the school ranks, how diverse it is, and much more.
Want to know more about a specific stat? Just click on its tile, and you’ll go to a page that goes more in-depth on that subject. You can also use the links below to go directly to any section on this page.
- Rankings
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- Average Earnings
- Location
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2023 Rankings
College Factual analyzes over 2,000 colleges and universities in its annual rankings and ranks them in a variety of ways, including most diverse, best overall quality, best for non-traditional students, and much more.
Western Connecticut State University was awarded 96 badges in the 2023 rankings. The highest ranked major at the school is registered nursing.
Overall Quality
WestConn is ranked #1,695 out of 2,241 schools in the nation for overall quality on College Factual’s 2023 Best Colleges list./US-Map-with-States-and-Capitals-56a9efd63df78cf772aba465.jpg)
WestConn also holds the #21 spot on the Best Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
See all of the rankings for Western Connecticut State University.
Is It Hard to Get Into WestConn?
Acceptance Rate
When it comes to admittance, Western Connecticut State University is somewhat selective. Its acceptance rate is 81%, which means you’ll face some strong competition during the admissions process. Do what you can to make your application stand out.
Learn more about Western Connecticut State University admissions.
Student to Faculty Ratio
The student to faculty ratio at WestConn is an impressive 12 to 1. That’s quite good when you compare it to the national average of 15 to 1. This is a good sign that students at the school will have more opportunities for one-on-one interactions with their professors.
Percent of Full-Time Faculty
Another measure that is often used to estimate how much access students will have to their professors is how many faculty members are full-time.
The idea here is that part-time faculty tend to spend less time on campus, so they may not be as available to students as full-timers.
The full-time faculty percentage at Western Connecticut State University is 100%. This is higher than the national average of 47%.
Full-Time Faculty Percent 100 out of 100
Freshmen Retention Rate
Western Connecticut State University has a freshmen retention rate of 75%. That’s a good sign that full-time students like the school and their professors enough to want to stick around for another year. It’s also a sign that the admissions team did a good job in choosing applicants who were a good fit for the school.
Freshmen Retention Rate 75 out of 100
Graduation Rate
The on-time graduation rate is the percent of first-time, full time students who obtain their bachelor’s degree in four years or less. This rate is 25% for first-time, full-time students at WestConn, which is lower than the national rate of 33.
3%.
On-Time Graduation Rate 25 out of 100
Find out more about the retention and graduation rates at Western Connecticut State University.
During the 2017-2018 academic year, there were 4,640 undergraduates at WestConn with 3,849 being full-time and 791 being part-time.
The overall average net price of WestConn is $18,166. The affordability of the school largely depends on your financial need since net price varies by income group. See the table below for the net price for different income groups.
Net Price by Income Group for WestConn
| $0-30 K | $30K-48K | $48-75 | $75-110K | $110K + |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,358 | $15,874 | $16,376 | $19,353 | $21,587 |
The net price is calculated by adding tuition, room, board and other costs and subtracting financial aid.Note that the net price is typically less than the published for a school.
For more information on the sticker price of WestConn, see our tuition and fees and room and board pages.
Student Loan Debt
It’s not uncommon for college students to take out loans to pay for school. In fact, almost 66% of students nationwide depend at least partially on loans. At WestConn, approximately 63% of students took out student loans averaging $6,777 a year. That adds up to $27,108 over four years for those students.
The student loan default rate at WestConn is 6.3%. Although this is lower than the national default rate of 10.1%, you’ll still want to keep this in mind when taking out student loans.
Get more details about paying for Western Connecticut State University.
How Much Money Do WestConn Graduates Make?
Yearly salaries vary depending on what you major in, but on average, bachelor’s degree recipients from WestConn make around $53,289 per year during the early years of their employment. That’s great news for WestConn students since it is 25% more than the average college graduate’s salary of $42,485 per year.
See which majors at Western Connecticut State University make the most money.
Western Connecticut State University is a public institution situated in Danbury, Connecticut. The surrounding area of the school is a good match for students who enjoy city life.
Get more details about the location of Western Connecticut State University.
Contact details for WestConn are given below.
| Contact Details | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 181 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810-6826 |
| Phone: | 203-837-8200 |
| Website: | www.wcsu.edu/ |
| Facebook: | http://www.wcsu.edu/facebook/ |
| Twitter: | https://twitter.com/westconn |
During the most recent year for which we have data, students from 42 majors graduated from Western Connecticut State University. Of these students, 1,024 received undergraduate degrees and 183 graduated with a master’s or doctor’s degree.
The following table lists the most popular undergraduate majors along with the average salary graduates from those majors make.
| Most Popular Majors | Bachelor’s Degrees | Average Salary of Graduates |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice & Corrections | 102 | $32,205 |
| Nursing | 84 | $75,081 |
| General Psychology | 80 | $28,573 |
| Business Administration & Management | 78 | NA |
| Accounting | 64 | $51,332 |
| Communication & Media Studies | 60 | $33,199 |
| Marketing | 56 | $40,029 |
| Mental & Social Health Services | 50 | $22,728 |
| Social Work | 44 | $33,925 |
| General Biology | 43 | $30,212 |
Learn more about the majors offered at Western Connecticut State University along with which ones have the highest average starting salaries.
Online Learning at WestConn
Online learning is becoming popular at even the oldest colleges and universities in the United States. Not only are online classes great for returning adults with busy schedules, they are also frequented by a growing number of traditional students.
In 2019-2020, 4,997 students took at least one online class at Western Connecticut State University. This is an increase from the 1,577 students who took online classes the previous year.
| Year | Took at Least One Online Class | Took All Classes Online |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | 4,997 | 1,844 |
| 2018-2019 | 1,577 | 232 |
| 2017-2018 | 1,533 | 207 |
| 2016-2017 | 1,178 | 166 |
| 2015-2016 | 1,109 | 153 |
Learn more about online learning at Western Connecticut State University.
Find Out More About Western Connecticut State University
Notable Rankings
Tuition and Fees
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Return on Investment
If you’re considering Western Connecticut State University, here are some more schools you may be interested in knowing more about.
- Keene State College
- Minot State University
- University of Pittsburgh – Bradford
- University of Southern Indiana
- University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Curious on how these schools stack up against WestConn? Pit them head to head with College Combat, our free interactive tool that lets you compare college on the features that matter most to you!
Notes and References
Footnotes
*The racial-ethnic minorities count is calculated by taking the total number of students and subtracting white students, international students, and students whose race/ethnicity was unknown.
This number is then divided by the total number of students at the school to obtain the racial-ethnic minorities percentage.
References
- National Center for Education Statistics
- College Scorecard
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System
- Image Credit: By Andrew Gusciora under License
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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Connecticut in the United States of America
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Connecticut is a mixture of cities and countryside: in addition to the main cities populated by commuters who work in New York City, there are peaceful colonial villages surrounded by rural scenery. Among the state’s top attractions are Yale University with numerous world-class museums, the Mystic Seaport, downtown New Haven restaurants and nightlife, the Sea Aquarium and two major Indian casinos.
The state of Connecticut is located in the New England area and joined the Union of the United States of America on January 9, 1788. The state capital is Hartford. This is an area rich in forests and lakes, the Connecticut River crosses the state from north to south and touches the capital Hartford. In addition to the capital, other notable cities are New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Waterbury, Danbury.
Hartford was first inhabited by Indians who gave it the name “Suckiaug”. A terrible fire, the most tragic in the United States, hit Hartford on July 6, 1944 years old, he broke out at the Ringling Brothers’ Barnum and Bailey Circus.
Hartford is home to the Old State House: built in 1796, it is one of the oldest government buildings in the United States. Also located are the Hartford Conservatory, the Hartt School of Music, Trinity College, the University of Hartford, and the University of Connecticut School of Law and Economics. Here you’ll also find the eccentric home of famed comedian Mark Twain, now a museum dedicated to him as a “National Historic Landmark,” as well as the Traveler’s Tower, a 34-story building built in 1863. From its observatory you can admire a magnificent panorama.
New Haven is a green city that is home to the oldest private Yale University in the US.
Bridgeport is considered part of the New York metropolitan area. In the 1970s and 1980s, the crisis led to an increase in unemployment and crime, as well as a relative increase in drug use. Industrial areas were polluted and subsequently abandoned, but despite everything, the city remains the largest in Connecticut, although many have forgotten it.
Stamford has many companies that are located in the south in the industrial area, in the residential area in the north, and along the coast we find luxury villas, especially along Shippan Avenue.
Postal University is located in Waterbury.
Danbury is located in eastern Connecticut, near New York City, to which it is connected via the Northern Metro rail service. Danbury has a Municipal Airport and “The Mall” a large shopping centre. The city is home to Western Connecticut State University, in addition to museums, we find the Danbury Museum and Historical Society, where you can see finds that testify to the history of this place, the Danbury Railroad Museum and the Southern New England War Museum .
Elena Kuravleva
I am the author of many articles on this site and a travel blogger. In 2011, I quit my corporate job and started traveling. I’ve been to 36 countries on 6 continents and don’t want to stop anytime soon!
What to see in West Hartford
Author michellerlee – Source /
Licensing
West Hartford
West Hartford (English: West Hartford) is a city in the northeastern United States, a suburb of the capital of Connecticut, the city of Hartford.
Founded in 1854. According to the 2010 census, the population is 63,268. West Hartford is an upscale suburb of Hartford. The city has a central area formed by the intersection of Farmington Avenue and North and South Main Streets. The center abounds with boutiques, restaurants and bank offices. The city is home to two universities: the University of Hartford and the University of Saint Jose…
Location Information
1 – 24 places to see
Connecticut State Capitol… the capital of the state of Connecticut. Meetings of the State House of Representatives and the State Senate take place here, in addition to the building is the office of the governor.
wikipedia/Connecticut_State Capitol
Mark Twain House
Hartford 4-189The famous American writer Mark Twain lived for 1 years. The three-story house with 19 rooms was built in 1874 in the Victorian style. The interior decoration of the house was done by Tiffany & Wheeler” in 1881. Living in it, the writer wrote such works as “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer”, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”, “A Connecticut Yankee in the Court of King Arthur”, “The Prince and the Pauper”, etc.
In 1891, material …
Hartford: Mark Twain House…
3 km. NE West Hartford
The University of Hartford is a private university located in West Hartford, Connecticut, USA. About 6.5 thousand students study at the University, who come from 48 states of the USA and from 43 countries of the world.
wikipedia/University of Hartford
I-84
3 km. SW West Hartford
The University of Central Connecticut (English: Central Connecticut State University) is a US public university located in New Britain, Connecticut, the oldest public university in the state. Founded in 1849year, the current campus has been open since 1922. One of the four universities that make up the .
wikipedia/University_of_Central_Connecticut
Hawk
6 km. NE West Hartford
The Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut is the oldest public art museum in the United States. The Wadsworth Atheneum was founded by Daniel Wadsworth and built in 1842 by architects Alexander Jackson Davies and Itiel Towne.
On July 31, 1844 the museum was opened. Wadsworth donated 78 paintings to the museum on opening day, along with busts and sculptures. Thanks to the extensive legacy of Elizabeth Jarvis Colt and John Pierpont Morgan, the museum’s collection grew. The next part is assembled …
wikipedia/Wadsworth_Atheneum
IMG_20120331_193231
5 km. NE West Hartford
The Archdiocese of Hartford (Latin: Archidioecesis Hartfortiensis) is an archdiocese of the Roman Catholic Church headquartered in the city of Hartford, USA. The Archdiocese of Hartford includes the dioceses of Bridgeport, Norwich and Providence. The cathedral church of the Archdiocese of Hartford is St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
wikipedia/Archdiocese_of Hartford
IMG_7161
11 km. SW West Hartford
Charterock College (English: Charter Oak State College) is a public liberal arts college located in New Britain, Connecticut, USA. Founded in 1973. 3 km. NE West Hartford
Colt Armory
Hartford
IMGP0284.
