College Search
Winona State University

Winona State University

Winona, MN · Town · 5,144 students
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$17,503
Average net priceYour net price
In-state · 2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
59%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
52% typical
$58,532
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$51,562 typical
75%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Founded in 1858 as the first teacher-preparation school west of the Mississippi River, Winona State University is widely recognized for its top-tier nursing and education programs, as well as the country’s only accredited undergraduate degree in composite materials engineering. Nestled between picturesque limestone bluffs and the Mississippi River, the university offers an active, tight-knit campus culture where outdoor recreation, student organizations, and NCAA Division II Warrior athletics are central to daily life. Through its pioneering Digital Campus laptop initiative and emphasis on experiential learning, WSU delivers a technologically integrated, highly supportive education tailored to prepare students for immediate career success.


Wikipedia:Winona State University is a public university in Winona, Minnesota, United States. It was founded as First State Normal School of Minnesota in 1858 and is the oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. It was the first normal school west of the Mississippi River.

Location
Winona, MN, 55987-5838 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
MSP · Minneapolis
97 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
These figures are federal data and may be out of date.
In-stateOut-of-state
Tuition & fees$10,576$17,308
Housing & food (on campus)$9,654$9,654
Books & supplies$900$900
Cost of attendance$23,683$30,415 est.
Average net price$17,503Not published
Out-of-state prices
Tuition & fees$17,308
In-state: $10,576
Housing & food (on campus)$9,654
Books & supplies$900
Cost of attendance$30,415 est.
In-state: $23,683
Average net priceNot published
In-state: $17,503
est. = the in-state cost of attendance with out-of-state tuition swapped in; no out-of-state figure is published.
Net price by family income · in-state students, 2023-24
$0–30k
$10,224
$30–48k
$11,792
$48–75k
$13,814
$75–110k
$17,871
$110k+
$21,307
Merit aid · 2024-25
Awarded without financial need. Students with financial need can get merit awards too; they're counted as need-based aid.
Average award$6,544
First-years who got one2,608
Source: Winona State University's Common Data Set — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
59%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
38%
Back for yr 2
79%
Transferred
29%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
63% graduated · 28% transferred · 9% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$51,288
10 yrs after entry$58,532
Debt
Median at graduation$21,500
Monthly payment$228
Middle 50% owe$7.6k–$27k
90th percentile$31,000
Green marks a figure above the typical Master's (medium programs): 52% graduate within 6 yrs, $51,562 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
75%
Test policy
Not required
Per College Scorecard
ACT midpoint
22

Wondering if Winona State University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts
How much essays count at Winona State University: Considered (one of four levels: very important · important · considered · not considered)
Source: Winona State University's Common Data Set for 2024-25 — the school's own yearly report of its admissions and aid figures.

If Winona State University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the school's application.

Student Body
Gender
Men 31%Women 69%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
14 : 1
Pell grant
24%
First-gen
21%
Family income
$74,955
Independent
14%
Age at entry
21.0
Part-time
13%
Race & ethnicity
White
81%
Hispanic
5%
Black
4%
Asian
3%
Two or more
4%
Non-resident
2%
Unknown
1%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division II with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Gymnastics
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Women's
  • Track and Field (Indoor)
    Women's
  • Track and Field (Outdoor)
    Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$51,288
After 10 yrs
$58,532
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing206
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods142
Business Administration, Management and Operations112
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas82
Psychology, General80
Biology, General68
Social Work67
Communication and Media Studies59
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness52
Marketing50
Computer Science46
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other42
Accounting and Related Services37
Human Resources Management and Services31
Criminal Justice and Corrections30
Health and Medical Administrative Services30
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$62M
Full-time faculty
69%
Faculty salary
$10,946/mo
Teaching spend
$11,017
per student
Federal loans
49%
Classification
Carnegie type
Master's (medium programs)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, inclusive admissions

Wondering if Winona State University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search