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Winona State University

Winona, MN·Public·5,088 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for in-state Minnesota residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 5,088 students.

69%
Accept
5,088
Students
$18,148
Net Price
61%
Grad Rate
$48,600
Earnings
10 yr
$15,000
Debt

About This School

Winona State University is a public institution located in Winona, Minnesota with approximately 5,088 undergraduate students enrolled. Winona State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 69%. The average net price after financial aid is $18,148 per year. The graduation rate is 61%, and the typical graduate earns $48,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

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.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: the $18,148 average net price and relatively low median debt of $15,000 make this an affordable option, and the $48,600 median earnings are decent for a regional public university. However, the 61% graduation rate is a real concern — nearly 4 in 10 students who start here don't finish, which is worth digging into before committing. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan, but ask hard questions about support services and why so many students leave.

Founded
1858
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Health Professions18%
Business & Marketing17%
Education16%
Psychology6%
Biological Sciences5%
Communications4%
Computer Science4%
Physical Sciences2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Michele BachmannAustin Aries

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1119
Reading 75th %ile610
Math 75th %ile640

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,498
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,230
Avg Net Price
$18,148
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants23%
Median debt at graduation$15,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
61%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
78%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$15,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.2x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White82%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian3%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,088 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Winona State University

175 West Mark Street

Winona, MN 55987-5838

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Minnesota

Browse all Minnesota schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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