29188873554_b28526d060_oWinona State University is the second ranked public institution in the State of Minnesota, behind only University of Minnesota-Duluth, and the ninth ranked Minnesota university overall, according to U.S. News and World Report’s 2017 rankings.

“I’m confident that Winona State delivers the finest public education experience in Minnesota,” said University President Scott R. Olson. “Our U.S. News rankings only prove what we already know to be true – WSU leads the region with innovative, high-quality academic programming, and a strong focus on student success.”

WSU is the top-ranked university in the Minnesota State system and is tied for 16th among the 37 Midwestern schools identified as top public universities. The university is tied for 71st (out of 171) on the comprehensive list of all regional universities in the Midwest.

WSU was also recognized as one of the Best Colleges for Veterans. To qualify for this list, schools must participate in the yellow ribbon program and have 20 or more students who used GI Bill benefits to finance their educations.

Peer assessment data reported to U.S. News ranked WSU among the Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs for its Composite Materials Engineering program, which is the only accredited undergraduate program in the U.S. that offers a bachelor of science degree in composite engineering, and among the Best Undergraduate Business Programs for its programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).

U.S. News & World Report bases its regional rankings on peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, graduation rate performance, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving. Complete listings are available at usnews.com/colleges.

For more information, contact University Communications at 507-457-5024.