DANBURY, CONN. — Western Connecticut State University has ranked fourth highest among all higher education institutions statewide reviewed in a recent study of “The Colleges Providing the Best Value in Connecticut” conducted by the financial data and technology company SmartAsset.

The SmartAsset survey released this spring placed Western as the fourth-best college value in the state after the University of Connecticut, Yale University and Trinity College, and above all other Connecticut public and private universities surveyed.

The SmartAsset study reached a determination of value by comparing the expense of attending college with the anticipated return to the student in terms of education and financial compensation from future employment. The cost of college attendance was determined based on tuition, student living costs, and average scholarships and grants offered to students at the institution. The return to students was estimated on the basis of retention rates for current students and the average starting salary for graduates of the institution.

“Earning a college degree can increase your skill set, job prospects and net worth,” the SmartAsset summary for the survey observed. “But with rising college costs, where you choose to get that degree from can make a big difference.”

Results of the study are available online at https://smartasset.com/student-loans/student-loan-calculator#connecticut. For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.