Winona State University has once again earned statewide recognition in the Star Tribune’s Minnesota’s Best Readers’ Choice Awards, receiving honors in three categories for 2026. The recognition marks the second consecutive year Winona State has been selected by Minnesotans as one of the state’s top higher education institutions.
Overall, Winona State earned Bronze in the Best College/University category, Silver in Best Outdoor Education, and Silver in Best Graduate/Professional Education. Among Minnesota’s public universities, Winona State ranked second in the Best College/University category, and was the top university ranked in the Best Graduate/Professional Education category.
“We’re honored that Minnesotans once again recognize Winona State as one of the state’s best universities,” said Winona State President Kenneth Janz. “We’re especially proud that our graduate and professional education programs were recognized among the best in Minnesota. That recognition speaks to the dedication of our faculty, the quality of the educational experience we provide, and the impact our students and graduates make in their professions and communities. These awards belong to everyone who helps make Winona State such a welcoming and rewarding place to learn.”
The Minnesota’s Best program is a statewide readers’ choice competition that invites Minnesotans to nominate and vote for outstanding organizations, businesses, and destinations across hundreds of categories. Winners are selected through verified public voting and reflect excellence in quality, reputation, service, and overall experience.
These honors highlight Winona State’s commitment to delivering exceptional academic programs, engaging student experiences, and meaningful opportunities for learners at every stage of their educational journey.
“One of the things I love most about Winona State is how easy it is to get involved and build connections,” said Brooklyn Bothe, Winona State Student Senate president. “My professors know me by name, I’ve made great friends, and I’ve had opportunities here that I don’t think I would’ve found anywhere else. People genuinely want you to succeed here.”
Winona State offers more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs, 80-plus minors, 40-plus graduate programs, and a variety of adult and continuing education opportunities. Graduates continue to see strong career outcomes, with 97% employed in careers related to their fields of study. Prospective students can learn more at wsu.mn/admissions.
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.
