Connecticut vs West virginia — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Connecticut is the more selective of the two (52.4% vs 89% acceptance). Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#301-400 vs #501-600). Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $56K). West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $43,712 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Connecticut for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, higher graduate earnings.
Choose West virginia for: lower tuition.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Connecticut is more selective (52.4% vs 89% acceptance); Connecticut has a higher median SAT (1348 vs 1122).
Connecticut graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($74K vs $56K); Connecticut has a higher 6-year graduation rate (83.3% vs 64.7%).
West virginia has lower sticker-price tuition ($28,608 vs $43,712); Connecticut offers a larger average aid package ($21,535 vs $16,730).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Connecticut | West virginia |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #301-400 | #501-600 |
| Rank · THE | — | — |
| Acceptance rate | 52.4% | 89% |
| Yield rate | 15.4% | 26.5% |
| Median SAT | 1348 | 1122 |
| Avg. GPA | — | 3.70 |
| Number of applications | 55,479 | 20,150 |
| International students | 11% | 5% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $74K | $56K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $66K | $53K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $109K | $84K |
| Graduation rate | 83.3% | 64.7% |
| Retention rate | 92% | 83.4% |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $22,500 |
| Tuition · year | $43,712 | $28,608 |
| Avg. aid package | $21,535 | $16,730 |
| % of need met | 61.6% | 63% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $28,506 | $36,010 |
| Application fee | $80 | $65 |
| Enrollment | 28,306 | 23,643 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Connecticut or West virginia?
It's harder to get into Connecticut. Connecticut accepts 52.4% of applicants, while West virginia accepts 89%.
Do Connecticut or West virginia graduates earn more?
Connecticut graduates earn more: the median 10 years after enrollment is $74K vs $56K.
How much is tuition at Connecticut vs West virginia?
Sticker-price tuition is $43,712 per year at Connecticut and $28,608 per year at West virginia.
What SAT score do you need for Connecticut or West virginia?
The median admitted SAT score is 1348 at Connecticut and 1122 at West virginia; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Connecticut or West virginia?
Connecticut ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #301-400 for Connecticut vs #501-600 for West virginia.
Which university offers more financial aid — Connecticut or West virginia?
The average aid package is $21,535 at Connecticut and $16,730 at West virginia.
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