Continued strong enrollment at Winona State is driving expanded housing options for students and reinforcing the university’s growing appeal among prospective students and families.
To meet demand for on-campus living, Winona State has secured additional student housing through a partnership with Studios on Huff for the 2026–27 academic year. The agreement adds approximately 50 new student spaces and will help transition students out of temporary build-up housing while maintaining access to campus life and resources.
Located directly across from the Kryzsko Commons Student Union, the Studios on Huff property will provide a dedicated residential community for Winona State students. The new spaces offer independent-style living with features students value, including air conditioning, wireless internet, and convenient proximity to academic buildings and student services. The residence floor will be secured with key fob access, and students will remain fully integrated into campus life through residential programming, meal plans, and university support services.
“This level of interest reflects the confidence students and families have in the value of a Winona State education,” said Kenneth Janz, president of Winona State University. “Being recognized as ‘Best in the Midwest’ for more than two decades speaks to the strength of our academics, student support, and outcomes. And with a 97 percent job placement rate, our graduates are leaving Winona State prepared to build meaningful careers and contribute to their communities.”
That success is translating into growing demand, Janz added.
“We continue to see significant momentum in enrollment, and it is clear that students are seeking an institution that delivers both quality and affordability,” Janz said. “At Winona State, students find a transformative educational experience paired with real-world results, and that combination continues to resonate.”
Growing interest from prospective students across the region and beyond continues to drive demand for both enrollment and on-campus housing, reinforcing Winona State’s position as a top choice for students seeking a high-quality, affordable public university experience.
The Studios on Huff partnership is part of a broader residence life strategy as the university prepares for the opening of Foundation Hall in summer 2027. Designed to meet growing student housing needs and enhance the residential experience, Foundation Hall will feature 340 beds in a modern, student-centered environment. The new residence hall will provide comfortable living spaces, modern amenities, and welcoming community areas that support student success, connection, and wellbeing. The project will create flexibility for future renovations of existing residence halls while maintaining overall housing capacity. As part of the Winona State 2035 vision, Foundation Hall advances the Warrior Shield pillar through investments in the sustainable, responsive environments students need to thrive and reflects Winona State’s commitment to providing a welcoming residential experience that helps every Warrior feel connected, supported, and at home.
For more information, visit https://wsu.mn/housing.
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 2nd 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.
