Winona State University vs. NSU

Comparable Facts

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

Winona State University is larger than NSU based on total student enrollment (6,045 students vs. 3,708 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winona State University is located in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting); Northern State University is in Aberdeen, SD (Remote Town setting).
• Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Northern State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winona State University 14:1; Northern State University 19:1.

Winona State University vs. NSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Winona State University or NSU? 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 State University than Winona State University ($15,990 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 8.9% lower than at Northern State University ($9,654 vs. $10,600).
• Winona State University is 19.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than NSU (about $1,731 more per year; $10,576.00 vs. $8,845.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 44.9% higher at Winona State University than at Northern State University (about $5,361 more per year; $17,308.00 vs. $11,947.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Northern State University than at Winona State University (97% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northern State University students is 19.8% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($6,441 vs. $5,375).

Winona State University vs. NSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winona State University (1120) is 50 points higher than at NSU (1070).
• Incoming Winona State University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (22 vs. 21 at NSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 980/1250; Northern State University 980/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 19/25; Northern State University 18/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Winona State University - Test-free; NSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winona State University students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at NSU (3.37).
• NSU has a higher acceptance rate (93%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Winona State University vs. 35.2% at NSU.

Winona State University vs. NSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Winona State University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Northern State University's (42%).
• Graduates from Winona State University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than NSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winona State University graduates have a $399 lower median loan debt than NSU graduates ($24,000 vs. $24,399).
• Among borrowers, Winona State University graduates have an estimated $4 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than NSU graduates ($248 vs. $252).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former NSU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 63%)

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.