Winona State holds the #1 Student Success Rate in the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities. WSU offers over 80 majors and programs, and our classes are small in size and taught by expert faculty. We're also the oldest member of the Minnesota State system, established in 1858 as the first teacher training school west of the Mississippi. Named the best public institution in Minnesota by U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges,” and listed among the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review since 2003. One of America’s 100 Best College Buys for 24 consecutive years, 93% of freshman also benefit from some form of financial aid.
Known for our stunning natural setting, the WSU Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River – meaning that rock climbing, paddle boarding, hiking, kayaking (and more) are within a mile of campus. Additionally, the city of Winona is home to a wide range of art, music and theater opportunities, as well as museums, local boutiques, and festivals galore.
WSU’s second campus is located in Minnesota’s third largest city – Rochester. The city is a dynamic, urban hotbed for industry, arts and culture and was ranked the #1 city of Top 100 Best Places to Live by Livability.com in 2016.