Carleton College vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Carleton College in Northfield, MN with Winona State University in Winona, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winona State University is larger than Carleton College based on total student enrollment (6,045 students vs. 2,128 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Carleton College is located in Northfield, MN (Distant Town setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Carleton College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Carleton College 8:1; Winona State University 14:1.

Carleton College vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Carleton College or Winona State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Winona State University than Carleton College ($18,289 vs. $28,047).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 45.1% lower than at Carleton College ($9,654 vs. $17,586).
• Carleton College is 551.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $58,316 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 298% higher at Carleton College than at Winona State University (about $51,584 more per year; $68,892.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at Carleton College (96% vs. 59%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carleton College students is 957.6% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($56,846 vs. $5,375).

Carleton College vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Carleton College or Winona State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Winona State University and Carleton College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Carleton College (1510) is 390 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming Carleton College students have a 11 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (33 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 1450/1560; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Carleton College 32/34; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Carleton College - Test optional; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Carleton College Jan 15, 2027; Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Carleton College students have a 0.46 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• Winona State University has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Carleton College (20.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 34.8% at Carleton College vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

Carleton College vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Carleton College and Winona State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Carleton College's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Carleton College earn a median of about $19,500 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($65,600 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Carleton College graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($19,500 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Carleton College graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($201 vs. $248).
• More Carleton College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winona State University students, three years after graduation. (92% vs. 75%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.