WestConn vs. Murray State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT with Murray State University in Murray, KY on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Murray State University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (10,020 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Murray State University is in Murray, KY (Remote Town setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Murray State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Murray State University 17:1.

WestConn vs. Murray State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Murray State 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 Murray State University than WestConn ($10,182 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Murray State University are 29% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($11,112 vs. $15,659).
• Western Connecticut State University is 35.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Murray State University (about $3,501 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $9,900.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.4% higher at Murray State University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $2,935 more per year; $19,836.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Murray State University than at Western Connecticut State University (100% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Murray State University students is 10.2% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($14,178 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Murray State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn or Murray State 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 Murray State University and WestConn.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 50 points higher than at Murray State University (1060).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Murray State University 940/1170.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMurray State University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Murray State University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Murray State University students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.57) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Murray State University (85.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 17.4% at Murray State University.

WestConn vs. Murray State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Murray State 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).

• Murray State University's six-year graduation rate (52%) is higher than Western Connecticut State University's (40%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Murray State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $40,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Murray State University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Murray State University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Murray State University students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 57%)

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.