Winona State University graduates continue to achieve strong career and education outcomes after graduation. According to the university’s latest Graduate Follow-Up Survey, 20% of identified graduates were continuing their education in graduate or professional programs, while 97% of those entering the workforce were employed in careers related to their field of study.
Graduate Outcomes at a Glance
1,220 graduates identified through the Graduate Follow-Up Survey
20% continuing their education
97% of graduates entering the workforce were employed in careers related to their field of study
Graduates employed across healthcare, education, business, communications, science and engineering, social services, and public service
Career and education outcomes that remain consistent with previous years’ reporting
These results reflect Winona State’s ongoing commitment to student success, career readiness, experiential learning, and support through Career Services, helping graduates translate their education into career and educational opportunities.
“Our graduates may leave Winona State with all kinds of different degrees and goals, but these results point to one common outcome: they’re prepared to succeed,” said Winona State University President Kenneth Janz. “They’re becoming nurses, teachers, business leaders, scientists, communicators, and public servants who are making a difference in their workplaces and communities. Watching them step into careers they’ve worked hard to achieve is the real measure of success.”
The survey’s findings highlight strong graduate outcomes across a wide range of disciplines offered through Winona State’s academic programs. Alumni are launching careers with employers throughout Minnesota and across the country while others continue their academic journeys through graduate school, professional programs, and advanced certifications.
For students and families considering college options, graduate outcomes provide an important measure of how academic experiences translate into opportunities after graduation. Winona State’s latest results demonstrate that graduates are finding meaningful employment, pursuing advanced education, and building successful futures in fields that align with their interests and career goals.
The university’s career outcomes align closely with the goals of the Winona State 2035 Strategic Plan, which prioritizes student success, workforce responsiveness, community engagement, and preparing graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Through internships, clinical placements, research, and other experiential learning opportunities, students connect classroom learning with real-world experience and build a foundation for career and educational success.
Meeting Workforce Needs in Healthcare and Beyond
Healthcare continues to be one of Minnesota’s most significant workforce needs, and Winona State graduates play an important role in helping meet that demand. Graduates of the university’s nursing programs from both the Winona campus and Rochester campus have recently accepted positions with healthcare providers throughout Minnesota, the Midwest, and beyond, including hospitals, specialty clinics, schools, and rural healthcare organizations.
“Healthcare is changing rapidly, and organizations need nurses who are ready to care for patients with increasingly complex needs,” said Cyndy Jones, professor of nursing and chairperson of the Department of Undergraduate Nursing. “Our graduates bring significant clinical experience, strong clinical judgment, and a commitment to compassionate care. One of the things we’re most proud of is hearing from employers, again and again, how well prepared and professional Winona State nursing graduates are.”
Winona State alumna Cassandra Ferraro has seen that preparation firsthand through her work at Mayo Clinic.
“Working at Mayo Clinic, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside many Winona students and graduates, and I was consistently impressed by how well-prepared, thoughtful, and capable they were in clinical settings,” Ferraro said. “The connection between Winona State and Mayo creates a really strong bridge between education and real-world practice.”
Graduate outcomes provide one measure of the university’s impact as alumni contribute their expertise in classrooms, hospitals, laboratories, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities throughout the region and beyond.
Winona State’s career and education outcomes continue to rank among the strongest in the Minnesota State system. The university’s strong graduate outcomes reflect its focus on personalized support, experiential learning, employer partnerships, and a wide range of academic programs that prepare students for careers and advanced study.
Whether graduates are beginning their careers, serving their communities, or pursuing advanced degrees through graduate programs, the latest survey results demonstrate the value of a Winona State education and the university’s commitment to helping students achieve success long after graduation.
Learn more about how Winona State prepares students for successful careers and advanced study by exploring more than 100 bachelor’s degree programs, 80+ minors, 40+ graduate programs, and adult and continuing education opportunities at winona.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Winona State University’s job placement rate?
Winona State University’s most recent Graduate Follow-Up Survey found that 97% of employed graduates are working in careers related to their field of study.
What percentage of Winona State graduates continue their education?
Twenty percent of identified graduates reported continuing their education in graduate or professional programs.
What careers do Winona State graduates pursue?
Graduates work in healthcare, education, business, communications, science and engineering, social services, and public service fields.
Is Winona State University a good choice for career preparation?
Winona State combines academic preparation, experiential learning opportunities, employer partnerships, and personalized student support, contributing to strong graduate career outcomes.
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 tied for 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.
