Winona State University vs. WCU

Comparable Facts

Compare Winona State University in Winona, MN with Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Western Carolina University is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (11,686 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Winona State University vs. WCU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Winona State University or WCU? 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 Carolina University than Winona State University ($13,767 vs. $18,289).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 21.9% lower than at Western Carolina University ($9,654 vs. $12,354).
• Winona State University is 128.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than WCU (about $5,946 more per year; $10,576.00 vs. $4,630.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 100.6% higher at Winona State University than at Western Carolina University (about $8,678 more per year; $17,308.00 vs. $8,630.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at Western Carolina University (96% vs. 81%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Western Carolina University students is 11.5% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($5,993 vs. $5,375).

Winona State University vs. WCU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Western Carolina University (1180) is 60 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming Winona State University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 22) as students at WCU (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 980/1250; Western Carolina University 1080/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 19/25; Western Carolina University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Winona State University - Test-free; WCU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winona State University students have the same average high school GPA (3.44) as students at WCU (3.44).
• WCU has a higher acceptance rate (81.8%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Winona State University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Winona State University vs. WCU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Winona State University and WCU? 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 Western Carolina University's (50%).
• Graduates from Winona State University earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than WCU graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Western Carolina University graduates have a $1,990 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($22,010 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, WCU graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winona State University graduates ($227 vs. $248).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WCU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 58%)

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.