MSU Moorhead vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Minnesota State University Moorhead in Moorhead, 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 MSU Moorhead based on total student enrollment (6,045 students vs. 4,386 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Minnesota State University Moorhead is located in Moorhead, MN (Midsize Suburban setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Minnesota State University Moorhead 17:1; Winona State University 14:1.

MSU Moorhead vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, MSU Moorhead 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead than Winona State University ($18,221 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 12.2% lower than at Minnesota State University Moorhead ($9,654 vs. $10,994).
• Winona State University is 1.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than MSU Moorhead (about $148 more per year; $10,576.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 66% higher at Winona State University than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (about $6,880 more per year; $17,308.00 vs. $10,428.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at Minnesota State University Moorhead (96% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Minnesota State University Moorhead students is 19.9% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($6,446 vs. $5,375).

MSU Moorhead vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, MSU Moorhead 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 MSU Moorhead.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Minnesota State University Moorhead (1190) is 70 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming Winona State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at MSU Moorhead).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 1080/1290; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Minnesota State University Moorhead 18/24; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: MSU Moorhead - Test optional; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman MSU Moorhead students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.52) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• Winona State University has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than MSU Moorhead (58.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 27.3% at MSU Moorhead vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

MSU Moorhead vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for MSU Moorhead 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).

• Winona State University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Minnesota State University Moorhead's (45%).
• Graduates from Winona State University earn a median of about $3,700 more per year than MSU Moorhead graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $42,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates have a $1,724 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($22,276 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, MSU Moorhead graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($230 vs. $248).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former MSU Moorhead students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 65%)

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.