WestConn vs. University of Akron

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, CT with University of Akron Main Campus in Akron, OH on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Akron Main Campus is larger than WestConn based on total student enrollment (13,332 students vs. 4,169 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Western Connecticut State University is located in Danbury, CT (Small City setting); University of Akron Main Campus is in Akron, OH (Midsize City setting).
• Western Connecticut State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Akron Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Western Connecticut State University 11:1; University of Akron Main Campus 17:1.

WestConn vs. University of Akron Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WestConn or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus than WestConn ($14,693 vs. $17,185).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Akron Main Campus are 24% lower than at Western Connecticut State University ($11,904 vs. $15,659).
• Western Connecticut State University is 2% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Akron (about $266 more per year; $13,401.00 vs. $13,135.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.2% higher at University of Akron than at Western Connecticut State University (about $3,914 more per year; $20,815.00 vs. $16,901.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Akron Main Campus than at Western Connecticut State University (95% vs. 86%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Connecticut State University students is 11.4% larger than aid received by University of Akron Main Campus students ($12,870 vs. $11,551).

WestConn vs. University of Akron Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WestConn or University of Akron? 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 University of Akron and WestConn.

• University of Akron Main Campus reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Connecticut State University (1110) is 60 points higher than at University of Akron (1050).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Connecticut State University 1040/1170; University of Akron Main Campus 900/1190.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsUniversity of Akron Main Campus 17/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WestConn - Test optional; University of Akron - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Akron Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Akron students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.47) than students at WestConn (3.38).
• WestConn has a higher acceptance rate (87%) than University of Akron (59.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 16.7% at WestConn vs. 18.3% at University of Akron.

WestConn vs. University of Akron Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WestConn and University of Akron? 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 University of Akron Main Campus's (38%).
• Graduates from Western Connecticut State University earn a median of about $7,300 more per year than University of Akron graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,400 vs. $40,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Connecticut State University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than University of Akron graduates ($25,000 vs. $25,500).
• Among borrowers, WestConn graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Akron graduates ($258 vs. $263).
• More WestConn graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Akron students, three years after graduation. (65% vs. 45%)

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.