Apply to WSU

When you know... you know. You’ve done your research and you know that we’ve got what you’ve been searching for.

From our outstanding historical designation as oldest member of the Minnesota State system, to our stunning natural setting, to our “smedium” size, we’ve got everything you want. A great future is waiting for you at Winona State University.

Our application process is quick and easy.

But if you do have questions, give us a call at 507.457.5100 or send us an email at admissions@winona.edu. That’s what we’re here for!

With our quick-decision time, you’ll find out if you’ve been accepted within two to three weeks.

Application Now Open

Want to start Winona State University in 2021? Applications for Fall 2021 are now open, and it takes just 15-20 minutes to take the next step in your journey.

Create your Transfer Action Plan or contact the WSU Admissions team for help.

Freshman Application Checklist

How to Apply

Submit Your Application

You can complete your application for Winona State University online.

Pay Your Application Fee

Please follow these instructions to pay the application fee using your credit card. You will need your StarID and password to log in.

• Visit eServices
• On the left side, select "Log in"
• You may need to activate your StarID before using it
• Enter your StarID and password
• On the left side find Bills and Payments – the $20 application fee should appear as an outstanding payment
• Make a payment and enter your credit card information

Send Your Transcripts

High School Transcripts

Freshman and Transfer Students with less than 24 college credits after high school or if you have attended a technical college only, will need to submit official high school transcripts or GED documentation.

College Transcripts

Request official transcripts from each non-Minnesota State College/University. If you have attended a Minnesota State College/Universities, WSU will retrieve your transcript from our database.

Transcripts can be sent to admissions@winona.edu or mail them to:

WSU Admissions PO Box 5838
Winona, MN 55987-5838

Send Your ACT/SAT Test Scores

Freshman students are encouraged to provide official ACT and SAT test scores to complete your undergraduate application. ACT/SAT scores help determine your placement in math, English and foreign language courses as well as help you qualify for scholarships.

You can send WSU these scores in two ways:

• Select WSU at your test: ACT code 2162/SAT code: 6680
• Ask ACT or SAT to send an official score to WSU

Expect 7-10 business days for processing your scores once they are received.

Guaranteed Admission 

If you are a student with the following qualifications, you will be guaranteed admission to Winona State:

• 3.00 GPA or top 50% class rank and no ACT/SAT OR any ACT/SAT score
• 2.75 GPA or top 66% and ACT 21 or higher (SAT 1060)

If you do not fit within these guaranteed standards, still apply! We are happy to review your application and you may be accepted. Your application will be individually reviewed to determine your potential for success at WSU based on your strength of GPA, your ACT/SAT test scores, and your academic progression. WSU may also request additional information before an admission decision is made.

Transfer students do not need to send ACT/SAT scores unless they have earned less than 24 transferable college credits.

Track Your Application

Once your application is completed you will have online access to track your application via MyWSU.

Students are mailed a decision 2-3 weeks after all information is received.

You should use myWSU to track your admissions process and RSVP for programs as well as check your email for important messages from WSU.

Remember that admission to WSU does not always mean you are admitted into a major/program.

Heads Up

Please note your application will not be processed until your transcript, ACT/SAT score (if you have one) and fee are received.

If you have taken the ACT/SAT, please send WSU your scores. However, if you have been unable to take the ACT/SAT due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are currently using the Guaranteed Acceptance criteria until further notice:

• 3.00 GPA or top 50% class rank AND no ACT/SAT OR any ACT/SAT score
• 2.75 GPA or top 66% AND ACT 21 or higher (SAT 1060)

Contact us at WSUFreshman@winona.edu to change addresses, phone numbers or intended college major after you submit an application.