Winona State University remains the highest-ranked university in the Minnesota State system and the second-highest-ranked public university in Minnesota, according to the 2027 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges rankings.
Winona State was ranked No. 8 among Top Public Schools in the Midwest, maintaining its position among the region’s leading public universities and continuing its longstanding record of national recognition for quality and value.
“These rankings reflect what matters most: helping students succeed,” said Winona State President Kenneth Janz. “At Winona State, 97% of our graduates are employed in careers related to their field of study or continuing their education. Through hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and strong connections with employers, we’re helping students build successful careers and bright futures.”
“What makes Winona State special is the sense of community students find here,” Janz said. “Students know they’re part of a campus where people care about their success. They build relationships with faculty, gain real-world experience, and find opportunities to explore their interests. Those experiences help them graduate ready for what’s next.”
Those outcomes align closely with the factors emphasized in the U.S. News & World Report rankings methodology. The publication measures both academic quality and student outcomes, placing its greatest weight on student success. Student outcomes now account for 52 percent of each institution’s overall score and include factors such as graduation and retention rates, outcomes for Pell Grant recipients, and graduates’ earnings after college.
Winona State’s commitment to student success is reflected across several ranking categories. 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 rankings, Winona State was recognized as the second-ranked public university in Minnesota and the No. 15 Best College for Veterans among Regional Universities in the Midwest.
Winona State also earned strong marks for social mobility, ranking second among Minnesota public universities. This recognition reflects the university’s success in enrolling, supporting, and graduating students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, helping create pathways to opportunity for students and families across the region.
Together, these rankings reflect Winona State’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, student success, accessibility, and value, helping students from all backgrounds achieve their educational and career goals.
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
- #4 (tied) in Public Universities in Minnesota and Wisconsin
- #5 in Minnesota Universities
- #8 (tied) in Top Public Schools – Regional Universities (Midwest)
- #15 (tied) in Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities (Midwest)
- #29 (tied) in Overall Rank – Regional Universities (Midwest)
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, Winona State 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 1st among Minnesota State Universities and 29th across the entire Midwest region (U.S. News and World Report, 2026-27). It has been named among the “Best in the Midwest” by The Princeton Review for 23 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.
