ECSU vs. Drew University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, CT with Drew University in Madison, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Connecticut State University is larger than Drew University based on total student enrollment (4,355 students vs. 2,232 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Connecticut State University is located in Willimantic, CT (Distant Town setting); Drew University is in Madison, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Drew University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Connecticut State University 15:1; Drew University 11:1.

ECSU vs. Drew University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU or Drew University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Eastern Connecticut State University than Drew University ($21,512 vs. $28,425).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Connecticut State University are 1.1% lower than at Drew University ($17,445 vs. $17,640).
• Drew University is 238.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $33,172 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $13,928.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 170.3% higher at Drew University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (about $29,672 more per year; $47,100.00 vs. $17,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Drew University than at Eastern Connecticut State University (97% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Drew University students is 251.2% larger than aid received by Eastern Connecticut State University students ($36,807 vs. $10,480).

ECSU vs. Drew University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU or Drew University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Drew University and ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Drew University (1220) is 50 points higher than at ECSU (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Connecticut State University 1070/1260; Drew University 1103/1338.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsDrew University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; Drew University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Drew University Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECSU students have a 0.3 point higher average high school GPA (3.4) than students at Drew University (3.1).
• ECSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Drew University (67.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 15% at ECSU vs. 10.7% at Drew University.

ECSU vs. Drew University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU and Drew University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Drew University's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Eastern Connecticut State University's (49%).
• Graduates from Drew University earn a median of about $9,100 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($55,500 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Eastern Connecticut State University graduates have a $4,000 lower median loan debt than Drew University graduates ($23,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, ECSU graduates have an estimated $42 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Drew University graduates ($237 vs. $279).
• More Drew University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 68%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.