UNI vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

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

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Northern Iowa is located in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• University of Northern 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 Northern Iowa 18:1; Winona State University 14:1.

UNI vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UNI 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 University of Northern Iowa than Winona State University ($16,437 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 3.3% lower than at University of Northern Iowa ($9,654 vs. $9,986).
• Winona State University is 6.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $640 more per year; $10,576.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.4% higher at UNI than at Winona State University (about $4,404 more per year; $21,712.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at University of Northern Iowa (96% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Northern Iowa students is 9.1% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($5,865 vs. $5,375).

UNI vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UNI 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 UNI.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 30 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming UNI 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: University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Northern Iowa 19/26; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UNI - Test optional; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 31.1% at UNI vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

UNI vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UNI 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 Northern Iowa's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from University of Northern Iowa earn a median of about $1,600 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($47,700 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $3,375 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($20,625 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($213 vs. $248).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former UNI students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 72%)

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.