About Winona State University
Winona State University has built a reputation for hands-on learning in education and business programs that prepare students for immediate career success. The full public university enrolls 5,088 students in a small Minnesota river town setting. Notable alumni include NBA player J.J. Redick and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo. With a 73.75% acceptance rate and average SAT score of 1135, the university welcomes motivated students ready to engage in practical, career-focused education. Faculty maintain close relationships with students through a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
The financial picture makes sense for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,148 after aid, which drops to just $11,400 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,532 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $21,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228. The numbers work in students' favor with a 98.6% employment rate and 75.37% loan repayment rate.
Women make up 68.36% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus environment. The Warriors compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports with 376 total athletes. Two-thirds of students come from Minnesota, giving the campus a strong regional identity while still attracting students from neighboring states.
The financial picture makes sense for most families. Students pay an average net price of $18,148 after aid, which drops to just $11,400 for families earning under $30,000. Graduates earn a median salary of $58,532 ten years after graduation. Most students graduate with $21,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $228. The numbers work in students' favor with a 98.6% employment rate and 75.37% loan repayment rate.
Women make up 68.36% of the student body, creating a female-majority campus environment. The Warriors compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports with 376 total athletes. Two-thirds of students come from Minnesota, giving the campus a strong regional identity while still attracting students from neighboring states.
Academics & Faculty
Winona State built its reputation on education and business programs that emphasize hands-on learning and career preparation. The university operates with a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, creating smaller classes where professors know students personally. This full public university attracts students seeking practical skills over theoretical study. About 61% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenge of balancing rigorous coursework with real-world applications. The education program particularly stands out for producing teachers across Minnesota and the upper Midwest. Business students benefit from internship partnerships with regional companies. Faculty maintain close mentoring relationships that extend beyond graduation, helping explain why graduates earn a median salary of $58,532 ten years after completing their degrees.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 62.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 60.9%
- Retention Rate
- 77.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,532
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Medium)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $116,083 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $105,678 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,101 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $64,791 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $63,335 |
| Materials Engineering | Bachelor | $63,217 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,673 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $51,392 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $49,136 |
| Education, General. | Master | $47,930 |
Campus Life
Winona sits along the Mississippi River about 110 miles southeast of Minneapolis, surrounded by bluffs that create a stunning but isolated college town atmosphere. With housing capacity for 1,853 students and total enrollment of 5,088, roughly 36% of undergraduates live on campus in a community where everyone knows each other. Winters demand serious gear with temperatures regularly dropping below zero, while spring and fall offer perfect weather for hiking the nearby bluff trails.
The 68% female student body creates a nurturing environment that matches the university's reputation for education and nursing programs. Students often gather at Lake Winona for weekend activities or venture into the historic downtown's coffee shops and local bars. With 66% of students from Minnesota, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find a tight-knit community centered around Warriors athletics and outdoor recreation. The small-town setting means campus truly becomes your world, with the 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring professors know your name and academic goals.
The 68% female student body creates a nurturing environment that matches the university's reputation for education and nursing programs. Students often gather at Lake Winona for weekend activities or venture into the historic downtown's coffee shops and local bars. With 66% of students from Minnesota, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find a tight-knit community centered around Warriors athletics and outdoor recreation. The small-town setting means campus truly becomes your world, with the 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring professors know your name and academic goals.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,853 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1858
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–26°F
- July Avg
- 62°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 76.2"
- Annual Snowfall
- 67.4"
Student Demographics
Winona State draws heavily from Minnesota, with two-thirds of students staying in-state for its respected education and business programs. The student body skews heavily female, reflecting the university's strong teacher preparation programs that have historically attracted more women. About one in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable, practical degrees. The demographics align with Winona State's mission as a regional full university focused on career preparation rather than prestige, attracting students who value hands-on learning and strong job placement rates.
- Men
- 31.6%
- Women
- 68.4%
- White
- 82.2%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 5.1%
- Asian
- 3.4%
- In-State Students
- 66.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 23.5%
Location
Winona State sits in Winona, Minnesota, about 110 miles southeast of Minneapolis along the Mississippi River. The town of 25,000 residents nestles between limestone bluffs in a scenic river valley setting. With 5,088 students, the university creates a noticeable presence in this historic river community. The area offers outdoor recreation with nearby state parks and the Great River Road scenic byway. Winona maintains a classic college town atmosphere where students frequently interact with locals and faculty outside campus. The Mississippi River provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, creating a true Minnesota experience. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Winona State with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Winona, Minnesota 55987-5838
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $58,532
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,916
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Winona State University?
Winona State accepts 73.75% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1135. The university takes a practical approach to admissions, welcoming students ready for hands-on learning in their education and business programs.
How much does Winona State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $18,148, with students from lower-income families paying as little as $11,400. Graduates leave with a median debt of $21,500, which translates to monthly payments of $228.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Winona State University?
The 15:1 student-faculty ratio reflects the university's emphasis on close mentoring relationships. With only 5,088 students total, professors know their students personally and focus on practical, career-ready learning.
What are the career outcomes for Winona State University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $58,532 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 98.6% employment rate. The 60.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on preparing students for immediate workforce entry.
Where is Winona State University located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in the river town of Winona, Minnesota, with housing for 1,853 students. Women make up 68.36% of the student body, and the Warriors compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports with 376 total athletes.
Does Winona State University have any famous alumni?
Notable graduates include NBA player J.J. Redick and former NFL quarterback Tony Romo. Founded in 1858, the university has built a reputation for producing successful professionals, particularly in education and business fields.
