ISU vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Illinois State University in Normal, IL with Winona State University in Winona, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Illinois State University is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Illinois State University is located in Normal, IL (Small City setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Illinois State University 19:1; Winona State University 14:1.

ISU vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ISU 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 Winona State University than ISU ($18,289 vs. $21,369).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 17.9% lower than at Illinois State University ($9,654 vs. $11,754).
• Illinois State University is 52.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $5,568 more per year; $16,144.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63% higher at ISU than at Winona State University (about $10,902 more per year; $28,210.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Illinois State University as at Winona State University (96% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Illinois State University students is 141.4% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($12,974 vs. $5,375).

ISU vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ISU 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 ISU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Winona State University (1120) is 20 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming ISU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (24 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 990/1210; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Illinois State University 21/27; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ISU - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Winona State University - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind).
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027; Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winona State University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 22.5% at ISU vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

ISU vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ISU 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Illinois State University earn a median of about $2,900 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,000 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Illinois State University graduates have a $2,000 lower median loan debt than Winona State University graduates ($22,000 vs. $24,000).
• Among borrowers, ISU 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 ISU students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 74%)

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.