Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) : Overview, Courses, Scholarships & Rankings
About Western Connecticut State University
In a wooded corner of Danbury, Western Connecticut State University blends creative energy with career-minded grit. It has a reputation for strengths in the arts, sciences, business, education, and health fields, with faculty who keep learning personal and practical. Students tap performance spaces, studios, and science labs, a bright library, plus tutoring, writing, counseling, advising, and a career center that actually picks up the phone.
And student life runs lively but down to earth. Clubs, service work, student media, and intramurals keep things moving, while nearby trails and Candlewood Lake offer quick escapes. The culture feels welcoming and collaborative, with a commuter and residential mix. Career prep leans hands-on through internships around Danbury and into the New York metro area, along with employer visits and showcases. Downtown brings food, music, and community events, and long-running traditions give campus a steady heartbeat.
Key Institutional Details
Contact & Profile
Academic & Institutional
Academic Programs & Fields of Study
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) offers 51 degree programs across 16 major academic fields, graduating approximately 926 students annually. The most popular fields by graduate volume are Business (6 programs, 218 graduates), Health (5 programs, 132 graduates), Psychology (3 programs, 126 graduates), Education (9 programs, 82 graduates) and Arts (6 programs, 74 graduates). Explore program details, award levels, and graduate demographics below.
Business (6 programs, 218 graduates)
Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management | 67 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0201 |
| Marketing Management | 40 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1401 |
| Management Information Systems | 32 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.1201 |
| Accounting | 30 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0301 |
| Business Administration | 25 |
|
Master's
|
52.0101 |
| Finance, General | 24 |
|
Bachelor's
|
52.0801 |
Health (5 programs, 132 graduates)
Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | 69 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.3801 |
| Community Health Counseling | 33 |
|
Bachelor's
|
51.1504 |
| Adult Health Nursing | 18 |
|
Master's
|
51.3803 |
| Health Administration and Management | 7 |
|
Master's
|
51.0701 |
| Nursing Education | 5 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
51.3203 |
Psychology (3 programs, 126 graduates)
Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Psychology | 78 |
|
Bachelor's
|
42.0101 |
| Applied Behavior Analysis | 35 |
|
Master's
|
42.2814 |
| Applied Psychology | 13 |
|
Master's
|
42.2899 |
Education (9 programs, 82 graduates)
Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Counseling and Guidance | 28 |
|
Master's
|
13.1101 |
| Elementary Education | 17 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1202 |
| Music Teacher Education | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1312 |
| Secondary Education and Teaching | 8 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1205 |
| Educational Leadership and Administration | 4 |
|
Doctorate (P)
|
13.0401 |
| Multiple Level Teacher Education | 4 |
|
Master's
|
13.1206 |
| Health Education Teacher Preparation | 3 |
|
Bachelor's
|
13.1307 |
| Reading Teacher Education | 3 |
|
Master's
|
13.1315 |
| Special Education Teaching | 1 |
|
Master's
|
13.1001 |
Arts (6 programs, 74 graduates)
Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theatre Arts | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0501 |
| Music Theory and Composition | 15 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0904 |
| Musical Theatre | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0509 |
| Art Studies | 14 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0701 |
| Music | 10 |
|
Bachelor's
|
50.0901 |
| Studio Arts, General | 6 |
|
Master's
|
50.0702 |
Security & Safety (1 programs, 69 graduates)
Emergency Management, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice and Police Science | 69 |
|
Bachelor's
|
43.0107 |
Communication (3 programs, 51 graduates)
Media Communications, Journalism and Public Relations
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Communication and Rhetoric | 37 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0101 |
| Communication and Media Studies | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0199 |
| Digital Media and Multimedia | 7 |
|
Bachelor's
|
09.0702 |
Biological Sciences (2 programs, 36 graduates)
Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Biomedical Research
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology and Biological Sciences | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
26.0101 |
| Conservation Biology | 7 |
|
Master's
|
26.1307 |
Public Services (1 programs, 29 graduates)
Public Administration, Social Work and Community Services
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work | 29 |
|
Bachelor's
|
44.0701 |
English (3 programs, 28 graduates)
English Literature, Creative Writing and Literary Analysis
| Program Name | Graduates | Gender Distribution | Award Levels | CIP Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Writing | 19 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.1301 |
| Creative Writing | 5 |
|
Master's
|
23.1302 |
| English Language and Literature | 4 |
|
Bachelor's
|
23.0101 |
Admission Requirements & Test Scores
Comprehensive overview of admission criteria, standardized test score ranges, and application requirements for prospective students at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU).
Application Requirements
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Test score ranges represent the middle 50% of admitted students (25th-75th percentile). Requirements may vary by program.
Tuition, Fees & Estimated Costs
Overview of tuition rates, housing, and other annual education expenses for undergraduate and graduate students
Financial Aid & Student Support
Summary of scholarships, grants, student loans, and financial aid statistics for undergraduate students
Student Success Metrics
Graduation rates and post-graduation earnings to help assess student outcomes and long-term value of education.
Loan Burden & Repayment Outcomes
Breakdown of loan repayment rates and student debt levels by income and dependency status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Western Connecticut State University (WCSU)
How much does it cost to attend Western Connecticut State University (WCSU)?
The annual tuition at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) is $12,763 for in-state students and $16,095 for out-of-state students. When including room and board, books, and other expenses, the total estimated cost is approximately $30,552 for in-state students and $33,884 for out-of-state students. Additional costs include room and board $15,131 (on) / $9,282 (off) and books and supplies $1,300.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2022-2023 academic year. Tuition and cost estimates are approximate and may not include all fees, personal expenses, or transportation costs.
What academic programs and degree levels does Western Connecticut State University offer?
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) offers 51 academic programs across 16 major fields of study, with available degree levels: Associate's, Bachelor's, Postbac Cert., Master's, Post-Master's, Doctorate (Professional).
Most popular program areas include:
- Business Administration, Marketing and Entrepreneurship (6 programs)
- Healthcare Professions, Medical Sciences and Clinical Practice (5 programs)
- Psychological Sciences, Mental Health and Behavioral Studies (3 programs)
- Educational Sciences, Teaching Methods and Pedagogy (9 programs)
- Fine Arts, Design Studies and Creative Performance (6 programs)
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated, not all offered programs.
What is the acceptance rate for Western Connecticut State University?
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) has an 81.4% acceptance rate and a 16% yield rate, making it moderately selective.
Admission statistics breakdown:
- Total applicants: 5,457
- Students admitted: 4,440
- Students enrolled: 711
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Admission statistics may vary by program and application cycle.
What financial aid and scholarships are available at Western Connecticut State University?
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) provides financial aid to 16% of first-time, full-time students, with average grants of $7,943 and average loans of $6,609.
Average financial aid amounts by type:
- Pell grants: $5,130
- State/Local grants: $3,978
- Institutional grants: $4,158
- Federal loans: $5,306
The university supports 388 students with grants and 355 students with loans annually.
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Financial aid amounts and percentages may vary by program, enrollment status, and individual circumstances.
What is the average salary for Western Connecticut State University graduates?
Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) graduates earn a median salary of $45,997 after 6 years and $59,115 after 10 years.
The salary range 10 years after graduation spans from $31,567 (25th percentile) to $86,883 (75th percentile).
Data based on IPEDS for 2022-2023 academic year. Salary data reflects graduates who received federal financial aid (approximately 60% of all graduates). Actual earnings may vary significantly based on program, location, and individual circumstances.
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