Head-to-head · 2026
Charter Oak State College vs Western Connecticut State University
Compare average net price ($15,815 at Charter Oak State College; $17,604 at Western Connecticut State University), ROI score (10.15 vs 8.40), ten-year median earnings ($64,209 vs $59,115), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Charter Oak State College; 87% at Western Connecticut State University) using federal College Scorecard data. Charter Oak State College has a 5-0 metric-level edge. Charter Oak State College has the stronger ROI signal here, though the final choice should still account for aid, major and campus fit.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Charter Oak State College | Western Connecticut State University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 10.15 ✓ | 8.40 |
| Avg net price | $15,815 ✓ | $17,604 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $64,209 ✓ | $59,115 |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 87% |
| Graduation rate | 66.7% ✓ | 51.8% |
| Median debt | $18,683 ✓ | $24,147 |
| Enrollment | 1,821 | 3,511 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | 1110 |
| Metric advantages | 5 | 0 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Western Connecticut State University costs $1,789 more per year than Charter Oak State College ($17,604 vs $15,815). Charter Oak State College graduates report $5,094 higher median earnings after ten years ($64,209 vs $59,115). On EduGradify's model that puts Charter Oak State College ahead on projected ROI (10.15 vs 8.40, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Charter Oak State College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Western Connecticut State University reports 87% acceptance; Charter Oak State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Charter Oak State College vs Western Connecticut State University, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Charter Oak State College or Western Connecticut State University the better value?
Charter Oak State College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (10.15 vs 8.40), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Charter Oak State College is cheaper — average net price $15,815 per year vs $17,604 at Western Connecticut State University. The annual difference of $1,789 adds up to about $7,156 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Charter Oak State College reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $64,209 vs $59,115 at Western Connecticut State University. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,094.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Charter Oak State College reports a B value grade; Western Connecticut State University reports B.