Michigan State vs. Winona State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI with Winona State University in Winona, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan State University is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (52,089 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, MI (Rural Fringe setting); Winona State University is in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting).
• Michigan 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: Michigan State University 17:1; Winona State University 14:1.

Michigan State vs. Winona State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Michigan State 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 Michigan State ($18,289 vs. $23,657).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 23.2% lower than at Michigan State University ($9,654 vs. $12,564).
• Michigan State University is 55.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winona State University (about $5,882 more per year; $16,458.00 vs. $10,576.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 153.3% higher at Michigan State than at Winona State University (about $26,534 more per year; $43,842.00 vs. $17,308.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at Michigan State University (96% vs. 88%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Michigan State University students is 81.4% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($9,750 vs. $5,375).

Michigan State vs. Winona State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Michigan State 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 Michigan State.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Michigan State University (1270) is 150 points higher than at Winona State University (1120).
• Incoming Michigan State students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at Winona State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 1180/1360; Winona State University 980/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Michigan State University 25/31; Winona State University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Michigan State - 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: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan State students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Winona State University (3.44).
• Michigan State has a higher acceptance rate (84.8%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 18.3% at Michigan State vs. 24.2% at Winona State University.

Michigan State vs. Winona State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Michigan State 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).

• Michigan State University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Winona State University's (54%).
• Graduates from Michigan State University earn a median of about $13,900 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($60,000 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winona State University graduates have a $1,484 lower median loan debt than Michigan State graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,484).
• Among borrowers, Winona State University graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan State graduates ($248 vs. $263).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Michigan State students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 68%)

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.