Winona State University is a strong performer in new state and regional university and college rankings.
The 165-year-old school, founded as a teachers college, was named the No. 1 university in the Minnesota College and University System this year, a title it has held in the past.
The 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report also ranked Winona State second among the top public universities in Minnesota and third among public universities in both Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Winona State Interim President Kenneth Janz credits the university's success to having the highest graduation rate in the Minnesota state system with a 92 percent job placement rate for graduates.
“Our data shows that Winona State exceeds expectations and outperforms other universities across the state, from superior student support and financial aid opportunities to academic success and impressive graduate outcomes,” Janz said.
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US News & World Report focused on academic quality and emphasized outcome measures such as graduation rates, retention rates, graduate debt and social mobility. Scores were calculated with results as the highest weighted factor, contributing 40% to each school's overall score.
In addition, Winona State was ranked ninth among the top public universities in the 12-state Midwest region, which includes Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.
The university also maintained its second-place ranking as one of the best colleges for veterans in Minnesota due to affordable higher education and affordability for veterans and active duty service members.
Students walk past the large letters of WSU on the campus of Winona State University in Winona. The school was recently ranked the No. 1 school in the Minnesota state system.
Jacob Shafer
US News & World Report also recognized Winona State as having top undergraduate programs in nursing, engineering, computer science, business and psychology, and the school was ranked fourth among Minnesota public universities in the social mobility category.
Reyna Olson, a freshman at Winona State, said it was nice to see the school's ranking and credited its teachers and counselors for its success.
“They really help out and make sure everyone is on the same page,” Olson said. “It really feels like a community here. Everyone is working towards a goal and they feel very close.”
Freshman Natalie Roslyn agreed, adding that where the university ranks alongside other schools is something to be proud of.
Having recently gone through the application process and having to judge and decide which college to attend with so many options, Roslyn said Winona State does a good job of determining what you need to do to leave with a degree and a job.
“Imports here are extremely affordable and everything is very simple,” said Roslyn. “I never had to ask a question again and everyone was really helpful.”
