Macalester College vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Macalester College in Saint Paul, 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 Macalester College based on total student enrollment (6,045 students vs. 2,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Macalester College is located in Saint Paul, MN (Large City setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Macalester College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Macalester College 10:1; Winona State University 14:1.

Macalester College vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Macalester 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 Macalester College ($18,289 vs. $40,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 38.7% lower than at Macalester College ($9,654 vs. $15,760).
• Macalester College is 543.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $57,528 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 293.5% higher at Macalester College than at Winona State University (about $50,796 more per year; $68,104.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at Macalester College (96% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Macalester College students is 695.6% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($42,766 vs. $5,375).

Macalester College vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Macalester 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 Macalester College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Macalester College (1430) is 310 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming Macalester College students have a 10 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 1350/1510; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Macalester College 30/34; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Macalester College - Test optional; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Macalester College Jan 15, 2027; Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Macalester College students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• Winona State University has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Macalester College (28.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 21.9% at Macalester College vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

Macalester College vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Macalester 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).

• Macalester College's six-year graduation rate (87%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Macalester College earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,100 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Macalester College graduates have a $1,330 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($22,670 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Macalester College graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($234 vs. $248).
• More Macalester College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winona State University students, three years after graduation. (89% 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.