Winona State University vs St Catherine 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 7.2 years at St Catherine University, on median earnings of $58,532 vs $59,282 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Winona State University | St Catherine University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,503 | $19,764 |
| Total net cost | $70,012 | $79,056 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $58,532 | $59,282 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $24,181 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $133,428 | $139,384 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Winona State University or St Catherine University?
Winona State University, at $17,503 a year after aid versus $19,764 — a gap of $2,261 a year, or $9,044 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 St Catherine University graduates earn more?
St Catherine University graduates report a median $59,282 ten years after entry, $750 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 St Catherine University?
Winona State University: its completers carry a median $21,500 in federal loans versus $24,181 at St Catherine University, a difference of $2,681. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
61% of students finish at St Catherine 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.