Winona State University vs. USD

Comparable Facts

Compare Winona State University in Winona, MN with University of South Dakota in Vermillion, SD on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of South Dakota is larger than Winona State University based on total student enrollment (10,619 students vs. 6,045 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Winona State University is located in Winona, MN (Distant Town setting); University of South Dakota is in Vermillion, SD (Distant Town setting).
• Winona State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of South Dakota is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Winona State University 14:1; University of South Dakota 16:1.

Winona State University vs. USD Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Winona State University or USD? 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 USD ($18,289 vs. $19,133).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winona State University are 6.8% lower than at University of South Dakota ($9,654 vs. $10,356).
• Winona State University is 12.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than USD (about $1,144 more per year; $10,576.00 vs. $9,432.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 33.7% higher at Winona State University than at University of South Dakota (about $4,366 more per year; $17,308.00 vs. $12,942.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winona State University than at University of South Dakota (96% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of South Dakota students is 4.6% larger than aid received by Winona State University students ($5,623 vs. $5,375).

Winona State University vs. USD Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of South Dakota (1220) is 100 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 USD (22).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 980/1250; University of South Dakota 1125/1315.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Winona State University 19/25; University of South Dakota 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Winona State University - Not considered for admission, even if submitted (Test Blind); USD - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winona State University students have a 0.01 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at USD (3.43).
• USD has a higher acceptance rate (98.8%) than Winona State University (75.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Winona State University vs. 24.1% at USD.

Winona State University vs. USD Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Winona State University and USD? 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 University of South Dakota's (47%).
• Graduates from University of South Dakota earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Winona State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($48,200 vs. $46,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Winona State University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than USD graduates ($24,000 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Winona State University graduates have an estimated $10 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than USD graduates ($248 vs. $258).
• More Winona State University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former USD students, three years after graduation. (75% vs. 70%)

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.