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Head-to-head comparison

Winona State University vs Bethel University: which has better ROI?

Public, Winona MN · vs · Private nonprofit, Saint Paul MN

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Winona, MN

Winona State University

Net price / year
$17,503
Earnings, 10 years
$58,532
Payback
6.9 yrs

Option B Saint Paul, MN

Bethel University

Net price / year
$28,556
Earnings, 10 years
$63,764
Payback
7.4 yrs
The verdict

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.)

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Head to head
MeasureWinona State UniversityBethel 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
Payback6.9 yrs7.4 yrs
20-year net return$133,428$193,856

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

Winona State University vs Bethel University: frequently asked questions

Is Winona State University or Bethel University a better value?
Winona State University. It clears its $70,012 net cost in about 6.9 years versus 7.4 years at Bethel University, on median earnings of $58,532 vs $63,764 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Winona State University or Bethel University?
Winona State University: $17,503/yr net price after aid versus $28,556/yr at Bethel University — a difference of $11,053 a year, or about $44,212 over four years.
Do Winona State University or Bethel University graduates earn more?
Bethel University graduates earn a median $63,764 ten years after entry, versus $58,532 at Winona State University — a $5,232 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.