Northern Illinois vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, IL with Winona State University in Winona, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northern Illinois University is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (15,414 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northern Illinois University is located in Dekalb, IL (Small Suburban setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Northern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northern Illinois University 15:1; Winona State University 14:1.

Northern Illinois vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois University than Winona State University ($14,243 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 31.8% lower than at Northern Illinois University ($9,654 vs. $14,160).
• Northern Illinois University is 25.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $2,672 more per year; $13,248.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.6% higher at Winona State University than at Northern Illinois University (about $4,060 more per year; $17,308.00 vs. $13,248.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern Illinois University than at Winona State University (98% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern Illinois University students is 167.7% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($14,387 vs. $5,375).

Northern Illinois vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northern Illinois 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 Northern Illinois.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winona State University (1120) is 60 points higher than at Northern Illinois (1060).
• Incoming Northern Illinois students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at Winona State University (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 940/1170; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northern Illinois University 19/25; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northern Illinois - Test-free; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northern Illinois Aug 1, 2027; Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winona State University students have a 0.14 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Northern Illinois (3.3).
• Winona State University has a higher acceptance rate (75.5%) than Northern Illinois (69.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.1% at Northern Illinois vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

Northern Illinois vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northern Illinois 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).

• Northern Illinois University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Northern Illinois University earn a median of about $1,500 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,600 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northern Illinois University graduates have a $141 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($23,859 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Northern Illinois graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($246 vs. $248).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Northern Illinois students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 61%)

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.