ISU vs. WSSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Idaho State University in Pocatello, ID with Winston Salem State University in Winston-Salem, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Idaho State University is larger than WSSU based on total student enrollment (13,061 students vs. 4,782 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Idaho State University is located in Pocatello, ID (Small City setting); Winston Salem State University is in Winston-Salem, NC (Midsize City setting).
• Idaho State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winston Salem State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Idaho State University 14:1; Winston Salem State University 15:1.

ISU vs. WSSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU or WSSU? 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 Idaho State University than WSSU ($12,174 vs. $12,989).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Idaho State University are 31.4% lower than at Winston Salem State University ($7,882 vs. $11,484).
• Idaho State University is 40.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSSU (about $2,484 more per year; $8,610.00 vs. $6,126.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 65.2% higher at ISU than at Winston Salem State University (about $10,938 more per year; $27,720.00 vs. $16,782.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Idaho State University as at Winston Salem State University (91% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Winston Salem State University students is 9.1% larger than aid received by Idaho State University students ($10,057 vs. $9,217).

ISU vs. WSSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU or WSSU? 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 WSSU and ISU.

• Idaho State University reports an open admissions policy.
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWinston Salem State University 830/1020.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsWinston Salem State University 15/20.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Open admission; WSSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSSU Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ISU students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.41) than students at WSSU (3.01).

ISU vs. WSSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU and WSSU? 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).

• Winston Salem State University's six-year graduation rate (41%) is higher than Idaho State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Idaho State University earn a median of about $6,600 more per year than WSSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($42,300 vs. $35,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Idaho State University graduates have a $2,713 lower median loan debt than WSSU graduates ($22,950 vs. $25,663).
• Among borrowers, ISU graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSSU graduates ($237 vs. $265).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSSU students, three years after graduation. (47% vs. 33%)

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.