GVSU vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Grand Valley State University in Allendale, MI with Winona State University in Winona, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Grand Valley State University is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (22,011 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Grand Valley State University is located in Allendale, MI (Large Suburban setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Grand Valley State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Grand Valley State University 15:1; Winona State University 14:1.

GVSU vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, GVSU 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 Grand Valley State University than Winona State University ($17,198 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 16.4% lower than at Grand Valley State University ($9,654 vs. $11,550).
• Grand Valley State University is 43.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $4,564 more per year; $15,140.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24.5% higher at GVSU than at Winona State University (about $4,240 more per year; $21,548.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at Grand Valley State University (96% vs. 90%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Grand Valley State University students is 108.1% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($11,188 vs. $5,375).

GVSU vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, GVSU 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 GVSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winona State University (1120) is 50 points higher than at GVSU (1070).
• Incoming GVSU students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 940/1190; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Grand Valley State University 22/30; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: GVSU - Test optional; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: GVSU May 1, 2027; Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman GVSU students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• GVSU has a higher acceptance rate (83%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.6% at GVSU vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

GVSU vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for GVSU 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).

• Grand Valley State University's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Winona State University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than GVSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winona State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than GVSU graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Winona State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than GVSU graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former GVSU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 62%)

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.