WestConn vs. Salem State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT with Salem State University in Salem, MA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the tables above.

Salem State University is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (6,230 students vs. 4,169 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); Salem State University is in Salem, MA (Large Suburban setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; Salem State University 12:1.

Cost details

• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Connecticut State University are 7% lower than at Salem State University ($15,659 vs. $16,838).
• Out-of-state tuition is 15.6% higher at Salem State University than at Western Connecticut State University (about $2,630 more per year; $19,531 vs. $16,901).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Salem State University than at Western Connecticut State University (98% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 24.7% larger than aid received by Salem State University students ($12,870 vs. $10,319).

Admissions details

• SAT or ACT scores are test optional at WestConn, test-free at Salem State University.
• Typical fall application deadline: Salem State University Jun 1, 2027.
• Enrolled first-year students at WestConn average a 3.38 high school GPA, 0.21 higher than at Salem State University (3.17).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 11.3% at Salem State University.

Loans and repayment

• Among federal student loan borrowers, Salem State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than WestConn graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Salem State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WestConn graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Salem State University students, three years after graduation (65% vs. 63%).

Sources: U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.