Winona State University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Winona State University in Winona, MN with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Winona State University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (6,045 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winona State University is located in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winona State University 14:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Winona State University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Winona State University or WLC? 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 Winona State University than WLC ($18,289 vs. $24,095).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 21.2% lower than at Wisconsin Lutheran College ($9,654 vs. $12,250).
• Wisconsin Lutheran College is 241.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $25,534 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108.6% higher at WLC than at Winona State University (about $18,802 more per year; $36,110.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Wisconsin Lutheran College than at Winona State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students is 358.1% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($24,624 vs. $5,375).

Winona State University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winona State University (1120) is 20 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming WLC students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 980/1250; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 19/25; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Winona State University - Test-free; WLC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WLC students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.54) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• WLC has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Winona State University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

Winona State University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Wisconsin Lutheran College's six-year graduation rate (63%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Winona State University earn a median of about $3,100 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($46,100 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winona State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Winona State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winona State University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.