Winona State University was ranked as a four-star university by Money Magazine and was the only institution in the Minnesota State system to be included within the Best Colleges in America 2023 list.
Focusing on quality and affordability for their rankings, Money Magazine analyzed graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, and alumni salaries to create a list of top colleges and universities in the United States.
Looking at affordability specifically, Winona State ranks in the top 50 out of more than 700 institutions that were included on the list.
“We’re excited to be recognized as one of America’s Best Colleges!” Denise McDowell, Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Life, said. “The four-star ranking is a perfect reflection of our focus on being affordable, offering quality education, and giving our students hands-on, meaningful experiences.”
For students, the ranking doesn’t come as a shock.
“My first thought after finding out we landed on the list was honestly not surprised,” Biology student Maddie Clarke ’24 said. “Winona State is an amazing university with great opportunities!”
For Clarke, the affordability alongside quality education is what sticks out most about Winona State.
“One thing that I love is that it is so affordable compared to other schools, yet I feel that I am learning the same amount and even have a better connection with my professors,” Clarke said. “WSU works to have smaller class sizes that allow you to get closer with both the professor and your classmates, which I think allows us all to learn better and bounce ideas off of each other.”
