Winona State University vs Bethel University: which has better ROI?
Winona State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $70,012 in 6.9 years versus 7.4 years at Bethel University, on median earnings of $58,532 vs $63,764 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Winona State University | Bethel University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,503 | $28,556 |
| Total net cost | $70,012 | $114,224 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,532 | $63,764 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $21,500 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 7.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $133,428 | $193,856 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Winona State University or Bethel University?
Winona State University, at $17,503 a year after aid versus $28,556 — a gap of $11,053 a year, or $44,212 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Winona State University or Bethel University graduates earn more?
Bethel University graduates report a median $63,764 ten years after entry, $5,232 more than the $58,532 at Winona State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Winona State University or Bethel University?
Completers at both borrow a median $21,500, so neither school has the debt advantage. That figure covers federal loans of students who finished — borrowers who leave early are not counted, and private loans sit outside it.
Which graduates more of its students?
71% of students finish at Bethel University, against 57% at Winona State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.