WCSU's high-tech facilities, top researchers and inspiring professors help you develop professional and leadership skills.
Almost 120 years ago, the small, but hard-working community of Danbury had a collective dream: to build a teacher-training institution (then called The Normal School) that would give people access to higher education and a chance to "touch the future" of America by becoming teachers.
Over time, the three acres with a single building grew. We achieved the status of college and then full-fledged university with degree programs preparing successful professionals in everything from music and fine arts to accounting, from nursing and physical education to meteorology.
With our decades of providing academic excellence, a fantastic collegiate experience and affordable tuition, WCSU is a great choice.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Address
181 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810
Danbury, CT 06810
Phone
(203) 837-9000
Email
admissions@wcsu.edu
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Visual and Performing Arts Center
Student Centers (Midtown and Westside)
O'Neill Center
Westside Athletic Complex
Science Building
Student Centers (Midtown and Westside)
O'Neill Center
Westside Athletic Complex
Science Building
Most Popular Places Off Campus
Danbury Fair Mall
AMC Movie Theatre
New York City
Ives Concert Park
Boston, MA
AMC Movie Theatre
New York City
Ives Concert Park
Boston, MA
Campus Tours
Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday
8-4:30
(203) 837-9000
8-4:30
(203) 837-9000
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Average Length: Varies
Dates: Year-round
Times: Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Average Length: Varies
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
Open house, First Saturday of November each year
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
http://www.westconnathletics.com/landing/index
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Academic Year
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Shuttle Bus,Danbury Train Station, Car, Taxi
Driving Instructions to Campus
Directions
Western Connecticut State University?s Midtown and Westside campuses, located in Danbury, Connecticut, are easily accessible from Interstate 84. The University is approximately an hour?s distance from New York City.
Please print a map with directions (pdf, 440k)
View Larger Map
To get to our Midtown Campus View Google Map
For GPS users:
181 White Street
Danbury, CT 06810
(From the West)
Take Exit 5 off I-84 to first traffic light (Main Street).
Turn right and continue on Main Street to White Street (fourth traffic light).
Turn left on White Street and continue 1/2 mile.
The campus is on the left. Parking is available in the parking garage on the right.
(From the East)
Take Exit 5 off I-84 to first traffic light (Clapboard Ridge Road).
Turn right and continue on (Clapboard Ridge will turn into Main Street) to White Street (fifth traffic light).
Turn left on White Street and continue 1/2 mile.
The campus is on the left. Parking is available in the parking garage on the right.
View Larger Map
To get to our Westside Campus View Google Map
For GPS users:
43 Lake Avenue Ext.
Danbury, CT 06811
(From the East and West)
Take Exit 4 off I-84.
Turn right onto Lake Avenue.
Go approximately one mile.
Campus entrance is on the right across from Super Stop & Shop.
Campus to Campus
TO GET FROM MIDTOWN TO WESTSIDE
Follow White Street and take a right onto Main Street (3rd Traffic light).
Follow Main Street to 3rd Traffic light (Main Street becomes Clapboard Ridge).
Turn left onto I-84 West.
Take Exit 4 off I-84.
Turn right onto Lake Avenue.
Go approximately one mile.
Campus entrance is on the right across from Super Stop & Shop.
TO GET FROM WESTSIDE TO MIDTOWN
Turn left onto Lake Avenue.
Go approximately one mile.
Turn left onto I-84 East. (3rd Traffic light).
Take Exit 5 off I-84 to first traffic light (Main Street).
Turn right and continue on Main Street to White Street (fourth traffic light).
Turn left on White Street and continue 1/2 mile.
The campus is on the left. Parking is available in the parking garage on the right.
Local Accommodations
Courtyard by Marriott
Radisson
Hampton Inn
Quality Inn & Suites
Maron Hotel
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
Western Connecticut State University has rolling admissions. We require that candidates for admission have a high school diploma from an accredited secondary school or an equivalency diploma. General Educational Development (GED) scores must be converted into a State of Connecticut Equivalency Diploma.
The following guidelines must also be met: Rank in Class (top one-third guideline); B average in the following: four years of English; three years math; two years of social sciences, including U.S. History; two years of laboratory sciences; two to three years of foreign language (recommended); SAT (1080 guideline); and ACT (21 composite).
WCSU is a test optional institution; see our website for additional information on applying as a test optional student.
Applicants to the Department of Music are required to audition. For more information, visit: https://www.wcsu.edu/music/audition/.
Applicants to the Musical Theatre program are required to submit a pre-screen audition in order to considered for an in-person audition. For more information, visit: https://www.wcsu.edu/theatrearts/musical-theatre/.
Overview
Applicants: 5,189
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Average HS GPA: 3.38
GPA Breakdown
1%
4.0
10%
3.75 - 3.99
18%
3.50 - 3.74
13%
3.25 - 3.49
19%
3.00 - 3.24
31%
2.50 - 2.99
8%
2.00 - 2.49
Need to boost your grades? We can help.
Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
510 - 610
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
510 - 590
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
20 - 26
Testing Policies
Yes
Yes
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Test Optional
Deadlines
Regular — April 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Standardized Test Scores
Non-Academic
Talent / Ability
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
As of Fall 2021, our student to faculty Ratio is 11 to 1.
Majors and Degrees Offered
The Ancell School of Business offers Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Accounting, Cybersecurity, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems and Marketing; a Bachelor of Science in Justice & Law Administration; and Master of Business Administration degrees in Business Administration and Health Administration.
The Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in American Studies, Anthropology/Sociology, Applied Computing, Biology, Communication, Computer Science, Digital and Interactive Media Art (DIMA), Earth and Planetary Science, Economics, English (Literature), History, Interdisciplinary-Studies, Mathematics, Media Arts, Political Science, Professional Writing, Psychology, Social Sciences and Spanish; Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry, Computer Science and Meteorology; and an Associate in Science in Liberal Arts. The school offers Master of Arts in Earth and Planetary Sciences, History and Mathematics; a Master of Fine Arts in Creative and Professional Writing; and Master of Science degrees in Integrative Biological Sciences and Addiction Studies.
WCSU's School of Professional Studies offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Secondary Education, Elementary Education, Health Education (PK-12), Health Promotion Studies, Nursing, Registered Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work. The school offers Master of Science degrees in Education, Counselor Education and Nursing; a Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education; and Doctorate degrees in Nursing Education and Nursing Practice.
WCSU's School of Visual and Performing Arts offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in Art, Music, and Theatre Arts; a Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art and a Master of Science in Music Education.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
13:1
Total Faculty
579
with Terminal Degree
194
323
Women
256
Men
112
Minority
Most frequent class size
20 - 29
Most frequent lab / sub section size
10 - 19
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
33%
Graduate in 5 years
50%
Graduate in 6 years
52%
Majors
-
AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Finance, General.
Management Information Systems, General.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
-
COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
-
EDUCATION.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
Health Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Secondary Education and Teaching.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Composition.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
Community Health Services/Liaison/Counseling.
Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN).
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
HOMELAND SECURITY, LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIREFIGHTING AND RELATED PROTECTIVE SERVICES.
Criminal Justice/Police Science.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General.
Chemistry, General.
Geology/Earth Science, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Social Work.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
Political Science and Government, General.
Social Sciences, General.
Sociology.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Music Theory and Composition.
Music, General.
Degrees
Associate
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Bachelor's
Doctoral/Professional
Master's
Post-Bachelor's certificate
Post-Master's certificate
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Coop
Internship
Notable Faculty
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
33%
Graduate in 5 years
50%
Graduate in 6 years
52%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
No
Career Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Coop
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
For Connecticut, New York and New Jersey residents (undergraduate): tuition and fees is 11,821 and room, board and fees $13,921; for N.E. Regional residents (undergraduate) $14,9003 and room, board and fees $13,921; and for non-resident (undergraduate) $25,225 and room, board and fees $13,921.
Financial Aid
Western Connecticut State University offers financial aid to help qualified students. Our staff assists students in determining their eligibility for the various sources of aid available. While not everyone may qualify for certain awards, a student should never assume he/she is ineligible without first applying. A wide spectrum of variables affect the application process, therefore many possible options exist that may pertain to a student's particular circumstances.
The evaluation of one's financial need is based on an analysis of several factors; e.g., student and/or family income, family size, assets and liabilities, and the number of family members in school. In addition to the above, the school's total allocation of funds for an academic year is also a factor that determines the amount of aid a student can receive. Therefore, meeting the application deadline, along with assessing the student's financial need, is important.
We also offer dozens of meritand need-based scholarships, administered by the WCSU Foundation.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Mar 15
Notification Date
Apr 15
Required Forms
FAFSA
School
School
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$6,221
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$5,767
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,119
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
71%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$38,747
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$5,560
Financial aid provided to international students
No
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition (In-State)
$6,162
Tuition (Out-of-State)
$18,436
Required Fees
$5,619
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,300
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
$2,000
Transportation for Commuters
$1,450
On-Campus Room and Board
$13,921
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
We are a small, diverse school. Women comprise 49.7% of the entering class, and members of historically-underrepresented racial and ethnic groups comprise 48.0% of the entering class.
About 75-80% of our students are from Connecticut and 20% are from New York; generally around 3-5% are from other states and countries.
The mean SAT composite score for all first-time full-time students is 1135 (Mathematics 556 plus Evidence-Based Reading 579).
WCSU has over 60 student organizations, ranging from the Accounting Society to WXCI Campus Radio and from Greek life to student government to varsity sports. With their involvement, students have fun, form networks, and learn soft skills that employers value. WCSU also offers a dynamic intramural and recreational program.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
4,640
Foreign Countries Represented
10
Demographics
4.90%
Asian
9.05%
Black
22.53%
Hispanic
57.25%
Caucasian
1.93%
Unknown
52% female
48% male
22% are out of state
82% are full time
18% are part time
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
WCSU has two campuses in Danbury, Connecticut (about 60 miles from New York City): a 34-acre downtown campus called Midtown, and a 364-acre campus on the western edge of Danbury, called Westside. A small, post-industrial city with many thriving businesses and home to some major corporations, Danbury is safer than 72% of the cities in the United States (Source: http://www.areavibes.com/danbury-ct/crime/).
Campus Facilities & Equipment
Midtown campus
On our Midtown campus are administrative offices, the Midtown Student Center with a variety of services and organizations, the Ruth Haas library (featuring a café, our Archives and student tutoring services and study spaces), the Kathwari Honors House, two multi-level parking garages, the quad, several classroom buildings, and student residences.
Westside campus
WCSU's 364-acre Westside campus features student residences, a Campus Center, an athletic stadium and a multi-purpose athletic facility — home to our Division III sports — and the Robert S. Young business library, a computer lab, classrooms, tutoring and study spaces. The Westside Nature Preserve is a 33-acre tract of land used as an educational and recreational resource for the university and the Greater Danbury region. With its diverse flora and fauna, the WNP serves as a laboratory for WCSU students. Trails are maintained year-round. Our Westside Observatory and Planetarium is outfitted with a 20? lens Ritchey Crétien telescope, one of the largest of its kind in the state. Viewings of the night sky are offered regularly and are usually free and open to the public.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Every WCSU department offers community service and internship opportunities. Our students can catch the nearby train to New York City to visit museums, see shows or snag internships with prestigious companies. Students enjoy a variety of activities like skiing, hiking and boating — or catching award-winning shows on campus. The Danbury area offers shops, movie theaters, coffee houses and museums, plus restaurants offering cuisines from Portuguese to Lebanese.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
27%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
First-Year Students living on campus
47%
Campus Environment
Small Urban
91/99
Housing Options
Dorms Coed
Other
Special Needs Admissions
Program / Service Name
AccessAbility Services
Type of Program
For all students with disabilities
Director
Elisabeth Morel
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
79
Number of Honor Societies
8
Number of Social Sororities
4
Number of Religious Organizations
3
3% join a fraternity
5% join a sorority
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
8% participate in intercollegiate sports
Men's Sports (Colonials)
10 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Women's Sports (Colonials)
10 Sports
Basketball
Cross Country
Diving
Field Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
Cross Country
Diving
Field Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Womens Center
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Connecticut
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Connecticut
Womens Center
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Connecticut
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: University of Connecticut
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
% of Classrooms with Wireless Internet
100
Fee for Network Use
No
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
No
Wellness Program/Clinical Offerings
Institution has a mental health/wellness program that makes counseling, referral, and well-being services available to all students
Not Reported
Mental Health Website
Not Reported
Education & Training
Types of training available for students and faculty/staff
Program
Availability
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Not Reported
Engaging the Whole Campus
Institution has a Chief Behavioral Health Officer (and/or Chief Wellness Officer)
Not Reported
Peer-to-Peer
Institution has peer-to-peer offerings relating to mental health
Not Reported
Residential Life
Institution incorporates mental health and wellness into the residential experience
Not Reported
Student Orientation
Students who are provided an opportunity to participate in mental-health-orientation activities
First-year students
Not Reported
Incoming transfer students
Not Reported
Returning students
Not Reported
Entering graduate students
Not Reported
Mental Health in the Curriculum
The institution offers for-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
The institution offers non-credit mental health/well-being education for students
Not Reported
Off-Campus Offerings
Institution offers referrals to off-campus counseling services
Not Reported
Health and Counseling Center Accreditation
Institution's counseling center is accredited
Not Reported
Accrediting body
Not Reported
Taking and Returning from Medical Leave
Institution has an official support program in place for students returning from mental health leave of absence
Not Reported
Counseling Demand
Number of months a year counseling center is open and fully staffed
Not Reported
