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 tables 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.

Cost details

• 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).
• 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 vs. $8,630).
• 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).

Admissions details

• Incoming Winona State University students have the same typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate; 22) as students at WCU (22).
• SAT or ACT scores are test-free at Winona State University, test optional at WCU.
• Typical fall application deadline: Winona State University Jul 1, 2027; WCU Mar 1, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Winona State University students have the same average high school GPA (3.44) as students at WCU (3.44).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 24.2% at Winona State University vs. 12.7% at WCU.

Loans and repayment

• 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, IPEDS and College Scorecard. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.