Winona State University has once again secured its position as the number one ranked college in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
The 2025-26 rankings compiled by U.S. News & World Report also list Winona State as second among top public universities in the State of Minnesota and third among public universities in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Across the 12-state Midwest Region — encompassing Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and the Dakotas, among others — Winona State is ranked seventh among top public universities, maintaining its rank from last year.
In the Overall Regional Universities category, Winona State moved up six spots to claim the 22nd position across all public and private universities in the Midwest region.
“These rankings confirm what we already know — Winona State is a great university, from superior student support and financial aid opportunities to academic success and impressive graduate outcomes,” said Kenneth Janz, president of Winona State University. “We have some of the highest rates of student success among the 37 state colleges and universities in Minnesota, from our graduation rates to our 97 percent job placement rate for our graduates.”
That success is translating into growing demand and a renewed sense of purpose across campus, Janz added.
“Our first-year enrollment is up nearly 12%, and applications for Fall 2026 have nearly doubled. It’s clear we’re offering something students want: a transformative education with real-world outcomes. With a 97% job placement rate, our graduates are not just finding jobs — they’re building meaningful careers and shaping the future of our communities.”
“This is the spirit of Winona State 2035 — a future-focused vision where students take the torch and lead boldly. We’re investing in programs that meet workforce demands and student aspirations, and the results speak for themselves. Winona State is not only preparing students for success — we’re helping them create it.”
To calculate the rankings, U.S. News & World Report focuses on academic quality and places emphasis on outcome measures — including graduation rates, retention rates, graduate indebtedness, and social mobility. Outcomes are the most highly weighted ranking factor, contributing 40 percent to each school’s overall score.
U.S. News & World Report also ranks Winona State as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans. The university has been recognized annually since 2013, when U.S. News first began reporting on schools that make higher education more accessible and affordable for veterans and active service members. In this year’s list, the university retains its No. 2 position in Minnesota and moves up two spots in the Midwest ranking to become the 11th Best College for Veterans in the region.
In the category of Social Mobility, Winona State was ranked third for public universities in Minnesota. This placement recognizes Winona State’s success in enrolling and graduating large proportions of economically disadvantaged students.
Finally, U.S. News recognized Winona State as having top-ranking undergraduate programs in nursing, engineering, psychology, business, and computer science.
Discover everything you need to build a brighter future at Winona State University — visit wsu.mn/admissions to explore 100+ bachelor’s degrees, 80+ minors, 40+ graduate programs, and a variety of adult & continuing education programs.
By the Numbers
#1 in Minnesota State system
#2 in Minnesota Public Universities
#3 in Public Universities in Minnesota and Wisconsin
#7 in Top Public Schools – Regional Universities (Midwest)
#11 in Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities (Midwest)
#22 in Overall Rank – Regional Universities (Midwest) (tied)
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 3rd among Minnesota Universities and 22nd across the entire Midwest region (U.S. News and World Report, 2025-26). It has been named among the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review for 22 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.
