For the 21st consecutive year, Winona State University ranks among the “Best in the Midwest,” according to the Princeton Review.
Princeton Review uses surveys of more than 165,000 students to determine its yearly rankings. Surveys cover eight general areas, including academic, administration, quality of life, campus life, extracurriculars, politics, town life, and social scene.
For Winona State student Holly Foss, what makes Winona State “Best in the Midwest” is the strength of its community and the profound influence community can have on personal growth.
“I have been able to connect myself into multiple different communities of like-minded students, all of which have led me to make wonderful relationships with new people who positively impact my life and teach me so many things every day,” said Foss, who is in the Creative Digital Media Program at Winona State.
Professors at Winona State point to a shared commitment to hands-on learning – equipping students with the skills they need to excel beyond the classroom – as what truly sets Winona State apart from other universities.
“I provide growth-oriented opportunities in the classroom that then translate to practical skills outside of the classroom,” explained Erin White, Professor of Exercise Science.
The Princeton Review recognized 631 colleges in the “2025 Best Colleges: Region by Region” publication, with 150 colleges recognized from the Midwest region. Colleges included in the lists are considered “academically outstanding and well worth consideration” for prospective students as they search for the right college or university to fit their needs.
About Winona State University
Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a comprehensive, regional public university with campuses in Winona and Rochester. The oldest member of the Minnesota State system, WSU offers more than 80 undergraduate, pre-professional, licensure, graduate and doctorate programs in five colleges: Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Sciences, and Science & Engineering.
Winona State is ranked among the Top 40 universities in the Midwest region (U.S. News and World Report, 2022-23) and has been named among the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review for 20 consecutive years. The University generates $447.9 million in economic impact for the region per year. The university’s mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities it serves: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.
