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Winona State University

Winona, MN·Public·5,144 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and in-state Minnesota residents. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 5,144 students.

75%
Accept
5,144
Students
$17,503
Net Price
57%
Grad Rate
$48,600
Earnings
10 yr
$21,500
Debt

About This School

Winona State University is a public institution located in Winona, Minnesota with approximately 5,144 undergraduate students enrolled. Winona State University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 75%. The average net price after financial aid is $17,503 per year. The graduation rate is 57%, 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$10,946

Popular Programs

Health Professions19%
Education16%
Business & Marketing15%
Biological Sciences5%
Psychology5%
Communications5%
Computer Science4%
Engineering2%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Michele BachmannAustin Aries

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

Test Policy: Neither required nor recommended

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$10,576
Out-of-State Tuition
$17,308
Avg Net Price
$17,503
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$10,224
$30–48k$11,792
$48–75k$13,814
$75–110k$17,871
$110k+$21,307

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants24%
Median debt at graduation$21,500

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
57%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
79%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$41,100
Female graduates$39,300

Gap: 4% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,500
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$40,000
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$48,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 2.3x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White81%
Black4%
Hispanic/Latino5%
Asian3%
Two or more races4%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (5,144 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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