About WSU

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system.

WSU offers more than 200 majors and programs with campuses in Winona and Rochester, MN.

Students have opportunities for internships with some of the Midwest’s most prestigious companies and organizations including Mayo Clinic, IBM, Fastenal, and 3M.

6,072

Enrolled Students

70% of new first-year students are Minnesota residents, while 24% are from Wisconsin

16:1

Student to Faculty Ratio

with an average class size of 24 students

96.97%

of WSU graduates are hired in a field related to their degree

36%

are First Generation Students

meaning neither parent has a 4-year bachelor’s degree

9.9%

of Students are 25 or Older

showing it’s never too late to earn your degree

124

International Students

from 42 countries, including Taiwan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Kenya, Japan, and South Korea

Warrior Athletics

Home to 14 NCAA Division-II and one NCAA Division-III varsity sports teams, WSU also has more than 20 intramural teams and 30+ club sports teams for students to choose from.

Follow Our Teams

Top Ranked

Student Success Rate

in the Minnesota State System

Named “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review for 20+ years

One of America’s 100 Best College Buys for the last 25 years

Best Public Institution in Minnesota

according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” ranking

for Social Mobility in Public Universities in Minnesota

according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” ranking

Widely known for its stunning natural setting, the WSU Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River—meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, kayaking, and more are within a mile of campus.

WSU’s second campus is located in Minnesota’s third largest city: Rochester. The city is a dynamic hub for industry, arts, and culture, and it’s consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.