Iowa vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA with Winona State University in Winona, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Iowa is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Iowa is located in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Iowa 16:1; Winona State University 14:1.

Iowa vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Iowa 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 Iowa ($18,289 vs. $21,765).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 25.3% lower than at University of Iowa ($9,654 vs. $12,920).
• University of Iowa is 6.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $707 more per year; $11,283.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.8% higher at Iowa than at Winona State University (about $16,063 more per year; $33,371.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at University of Iowa (96% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Iowa students is 83.5% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($9,865 vs. $5,375).

Iowa vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Iowa 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 Iowa.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Iowa (1230) is 110 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming Iowa students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 1130/1330; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Iowa 21/28; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Iowa - Test optional; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027; Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.37 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• Iowa has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.4% at Iowa vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

Iowa vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Iowa 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).

• University of Iowa's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $13,700 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Iowa graduates have a $2,384 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($21,616 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, Iowa graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($223 vs. $248).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iowa students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 70%)

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.