Winona State University vs. NDSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Winona State University in Winona, MN with North Dakota State University Main Campus in Fargo, ND on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

North Dakota State University Main Campus is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (11,952 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winona State University is located in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting); North Dakota State University Main Campus is in Fargo, ND (Midsize City setting).
• Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winona State University 14:1; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19:1.

Winona State University vs. NDSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Winona State University or NDSU? 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 North Dakota State University Main Campus than Winona State University ($15,596 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 2.8% lower than at North Dakota State University Main Campus ($9,654 vs. $9,928).
• North Dakota State University Main Campus is 5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $534 more per year; $11,110.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 9.8% higher at Winona State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (about $1,544 more per year; $17,308.00 vs. $15,764.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at North Dakota State University Main Campus (96% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Dakota State University Main Campus students is 19.2% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($6,409 vs. $5,375).

Winona State University vs. NDSU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Winona State University or NDSU? 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 NDSU and Winona State University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winona State University (1120) is 30 points higher than at NDSU (1090).
• Incoming Winona State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at NDSU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 980/1250; North Dakota State University Main Campus 968/1216.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 19/25; North Dakota State University Main Campus 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Winona State University - Test-free; NDSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027; NDSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman NDSU students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.53) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• NDSU has a higher acceptance rate (95%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Winona State University vs. 32% at NDSU.

Winona State University vs. NDSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Winona State University and NDSU? 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).

• The graduation rate at Winona State University is the same as at North Dakota State University Main Campus (54% vs. 54%).
• Graduates from North Dakota State University Main Campus earn a median of about $7,500 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,600 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, North Dakota State University Main Campus graduates have a $700 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($23,300 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, NDSU graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($240 vs. $248).
• More NDSU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winona State University students, three years after graduation. (81% vs. 75%)

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.