Danbury, CT · Private University
Is Western Connecticut State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$59,115
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$12,763
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$16,095
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$64,380
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
3.67x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
2.7 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
50.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$24,147
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$18,617
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Western Connecticut State University graduates earn $14,115 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Western Connecticut State University ranked by graduate earnings
121 graduates
22 graduates
69 graduates
39 graduates
30 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Western Connecticut State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Western Connecticut State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing: $82,388) and the lowest (Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft: $24,928) is $57,460/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical NursingBest ROI | $82,388 | 5.1x |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General(1yr data) | $77,969 | 4.8x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $71,963 | 4.5x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $68,063 | 4.2x |
| Management Information Systems and Services | $67,438 | 4.2x |
| Marketing | $58,801 | 3.6x |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods | $56,465 | 3.5x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $49,967 | 3.1x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,367 | 3.1x |
| Social Work | $49,110 | 3.0x |
| Leisure and Recreational Activities | $46,689 | 2.9x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $45,339 | 2.8x |
| Psychology, General | $44,713 | 2.8x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $43,870 | 2.7x |
| Biology, General | $39,551 | 2.5x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $39,126 | 2.4x |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities(1yr data) | $27,784 | 1.7x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $24,928 | 1.6x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Western Connecticut State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $59,115 10 years after starting, $14,115 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 2.7 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.