WMU vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI with Winona State University in Winona, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Michigan University is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

WMU vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, WMU 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 Western Michigan University than Winona State University ($17,331 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 20.7% lower than at Western Michigan University ($9,654 vs. $12,174).
• Western Michigan University is 44.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $4,676 more per year; $15,252.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10% higher at WMU than at Winona State University (about $1,726 more per year; $19,034.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at Western Michigan University (96% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Michigan University students is 105.5% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($11,048 vs. $5,375).

WMU vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, WMU 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 WMU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winona State University (1120) is 10 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming WMU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 990/1220; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Western Michigan University 20/27; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: WMU - Test-free; Winona State University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WMU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.5% at WMU vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

WMU vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for WMU 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).

• Western Michigan University's six-year graduation rate (56%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Western Michigan University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,900 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winona State University graduates have a $2,633 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($24,000 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Winona State University graduates have an estimated $27 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($248 vs. $275).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 54%)

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.