Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) vs Nichols College

Western Connecticut State University and Nichols College, while both offering quality education, present distinct characteristics that cater to different student preferences. Western Connecticut State University, a public institution, boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it more accessible to a broader range of students. In contrast, Nichols College, a private institution, maintains a more selective admissions process. When it comes to academic offerings, Western Connecticut State University excels in fields like nursing, education, and social work, while Nichols College specializes in business, management, and hospitality. Additionally, the student body demographics vary, with Western Connecticut State University having a larger and more diverse student population compared to Nichols College. As for graduation rates, both institutions demonstrate a strong commitment to student success, achieving comparable completion rates. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a comprehensive comparison table that delves into these aspects and more, allowing you to assess which institution aligns best with your academic goals and personal preferences.
Nichols College logo

Nichols College

Western Connecticut State University logo

Western Connecticut State University

Overview

Location Dudley, Massachusetts Danbury, Connecticut
Campus setting Suburb: Large City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Public
Calendar system Semester Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 74.0% 69.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 84.8% 84.9%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $50

Graduate: $50
SAT range 970 - 1160 N/A
ACT range 20 - 26 N/A
Students submitting SAT score 13.0%
Students submitting ACT score 2.0%
Total number of applicants 2,193 4,688
Total number of admissions given out 1,859 3,978
Admitted students who chose to enroll 316 733
Yield rate 17.0% 18.4%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Not required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $48,400
In state: $28,783

Out of state: $42,187
Average net price $28,184 $15,660
Tuition $36,050
In state: $6,162

Out of state: $18,436
Room & board $13,950
Room/dormitory: $8,020

Meal plan: $5,856
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

100.0%
Average amount $24,624
78.0%
Average amount $6,312
Students receiving federal student loan 93.0%
Average amount $6,086
58.0%
Average amount $7,417
Students taking out private loans 17.0%
Average amount $19,280
5.0%
Average amount $12,388

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 1,207
Men 66.4% Women 33.6%
4,172
Men 47.6% Women 52.4%
Graduate students 227
Men 65.6% Women 34.4%
630
Men 25.4% Women 74.6%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students N/A 28.6%
International students 3.0% 0.4%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Large City: Small
Dormitory capacity 890 1,315
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from N/A Connecticut New York New Jersey Mississippi Maine

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Communication and Journalism
  • History
  • English Language and Literature
  • Business
  • Psychology
  • Health Professions
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 16:1 11:1
Institutional accreditation New England Commission on Higher Education New England Commission on Higher Education

Outcome

Graduation rate 57.6% 52.9%
Dropout rate 40.2% 12.0%
Transferred out N/A 31.0%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,056
  • Year 2: $65,387
  • Year 3: $77,370
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $45,536
  • Year 2: $48,432
  • Year 3: $56,807
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $52,425
  • Year 2: $50,717
  • Year 3: $55,404
Business/Commerce, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,838
  • Year 2: $45,956
  • Year 3: $54,161
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,403
  • Year 2: $51,169
  • Year 3: $53,268
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,212
  • Year 2: $46,478
  • Year 3: $52,702
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,724
  • Year 2: $39,729
  • Year 3: $45,965
Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $25,742
  • Year 2: $35,060
  • Year 3: $40,471
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $29,685
  • Year 3: N/A
Accounting and Related Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $63,128
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $75,081
  • Year 2: $75,104
  • Year 3: $76,468
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $51,332
  • Year 2: $57,995
  • Year 3: $70,455
Management Information Systems and Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $44,994
  • Year 2: $57,318
  • Year 3: $65,192
Education, General (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $56,867
  • Year 3: $58,464
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $49,944
  • Year 2: $46,321
  • Year 3: $51,949
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,260
  • Year 2: $41,464
  • Year 3: $50,288
Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $47,672
  • Year 2: $46,087
  • Year 3: $49,639
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $42,963
  • Year 2: $45,340
  • Year 3: $47,607
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $40,029
  • Year 2: $41,441
  • Year 3: $44,462
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,205
  • Year 2: $35,877
  • Year 3: $43,291

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