WestConn vs. Rivier University

Comparable Facts

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

Western Connecticut State University is larger than Rivier University based on total student enrollment (4,169 students vs. 2,777 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Rivier University is in Nashua, NH (Small City setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Rivier University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Rivier University 14:1.

WestConn vs. Rivier University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or Rivier 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 Western Connecticut State University than Rivier University ($17,185 vs. $28,584).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Rivier University are 0.1% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($15,636 vs. $15,659).
• Rivier University is 194.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than WestConn (about $26,087 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $13,401.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 133.6% higher at Rivier University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $22,587 more per year; $39,488.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Rivier University than at Western Connecticut State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Rivier University students is 93.7% larger than aid received by Western Connecticut State University students ($24,927 vs. $12,870).

WestConn vs. Rivier University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Rivier University (1120) is 10 points higher than at WestConn (1110).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; Rivier University 1055/1175.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; Rivier University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Rivier University Oct 16, 2026.
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than Rivier University (82.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 15.3% at Rivier University.

WestConn vs. Rivier University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and Rivier 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).

• Western Connecticut State University's six-year graduation rate (40%) is higher than Rivier University's (32%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $1,000 more per year than Rivier University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Connecticut State University graduates have a $455 lower median loan debt than Rivier University graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,455).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Rivier University graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More Rivier University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WestConn students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 65%)

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.