1858
Winona, MN

About Winona State University

Winona State was founded in 1858 to train teachers. As the first institution of its kind west of the Mississippi River, it has grown today to offer over a hundred programs across academic disciplines.  WSU offers a broad range of degrees, from associates to doctorates in five colleges:

  • Business
  • Education
  • Liberal Arts
  • Nursing & Health Sciences
  • Science & Engineering

As a contemporary of the Minnesota State system, Winona State continues to grow its programs and widen its instiitutional reach with online learning.  Hundreds of courses are offered through distance learning that enable you, as an adult, to continue or advance your education and your career. Online education at WSU maintains the same standards that are found on campus. Through the modification of student services and classroom learning, everything you need to earn your online degree at Winona State is literally, at your fingertips.

Accreditation & Licensing

Winona State University is accredited by:

Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Type:

4-year, Public

Highest Level Offered:

Doctor's degree

Religious Affiliation:

Not applicable

Enrollment:

Undergraduate: 5,947 ; Graduate: 954

Percent of Fully Online Students:

Undergraduate: 14% ; Graduate: 53%

Graduation Rate:

57%

Transfer Rate:

30%

Median Earnings, 10-Years After Degree Completion:

$58,532

Median Debt After Graduation (4-Year Degree):

$21,500

Average Undergraduates Receiving Aid:

71%

Per Undergraduate Average Aid Award:

$6,161

Yellow Ribbon Program:

Yes

Credit for Military Training:

Yes

Online Programs offered by Winona State University

Check Program Availability

All Programs

Nursing

Best Buy degree
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN)

Psychology & Human Services

Graduate Certificate in Addiction Counseling
GetEducated Team Takes
Tony’s Take

Winona State University offers a mostly positive student experience. Teaching is at the heart of the school. Professors are easy to reach and stay involved. Small classes make it easier to get help and ask questions.

Many students feel that close contact helps them learn more. Classes are challenging, but the pace is manageable for many students. Cost is another strong point, with a focus on affordability. Online courses are available, though deadlines still call for steady time planning.

In nursing, flexible clinical placements and fewer late-program campus visits can help students stay on track. Support from faculty and advisors is practical and consistent. One area to improve is clearer safety alert details, even though response speed appears strong.

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Reviewed By GetEducated
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Frequently Asked Questions About Winona State University

Is Winona State University accredited?

Yes. Winona State University is institutionally accredited by Higher Learning Commission.

How many online programs does Winona State University offer?

Winona State University offers 2 online programs currently listed on GetEducated.

What degree levels does Winona State University offer?

Winona State University offers bachelor's-level programs.

How should students contact admissions at Winona State University?

Ready to connect? Check Admission Details to get admissions, tuition, and timeline details directly from the school.

Is Winona State University expensive, and what are the tuition costs?

Roughly speaking, Winona State University falls into GetEducated’s $$ tuition tier, which points to a mid tuition range.

How quickly can I enroll at Winona State University?

Enrollment at any school can be a quick process; if all required admission requirements are met. This is where students can get hung up and slow down the process by taking too long to gather required documentation.

What should transfer students ask Winona State University first?

The first thing you must do is order your transcripts from any previous school you attended and have them provided to the new school immediately with the hopes of receiving an unofficial transfer credit evaluation quickly. In an ideal world, students would have an official transfer credit evaluation done prior to committing to enrollment at any school; however with the vast majority of schools, official transfer credit evaluations happen after you are already enrolled, typically in the first semester.

What GPA do most Winona State University programs require?

Most listed programs require a minimum GPA of 2.8.

Is Winona State University military friendly?

Winona State University shows Yellow Ribbon support. Check Yellow Ribbon eligibility before you apply, since program-level benefits can vary.

How can students request information from Winona State University through GetEducated?

Comparing schools right now? Request Information to get admissions, tuition, and start-date details sent directly to you.

What documents are most commonly required for Winona State University applications?

Most listed programs ask for Official College Transcript(s), Interview, Recommendation/Reference Letter(s), and Resume/CV. Getting these ready early can keep the application process moving.

Does Winona State University accept life experience credit?

Winona State University accepts life experience credit, but qualifying can be harder than expected and fees may still apply. Check Transfer Options to confirm what applies to your program.

Are Winona State University programs fully online or mixed?

Winona State University programs are primarily listed as 100% Online, which can help students screen for schedule fit before applying.

What kinds of online programs does Winona State University offer?

Winona State University has online program options in areas such as Nursing and Psychology & Human Services; start with the field that best matches your career goal, then compare cost, format, and admissions requirements. Compare Programs to get program, admissions, and cost details before applying.

Do any Winona State University programs have specialized accreditation?

Program-specific accreditors include Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP); Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Do in-state and out-of-state tuition totals differ at Winona State University?

Some programs show different in-state and out-of-state tuition totals, so check your specific program cost.

Do any Winona State University programs have state authorization limitations?

State authorization restrictions are not prominent across available programs, but students should still confirm eligibility for their state. Check State Eligibility before applying to confirm whether your program is available where you live.

How often can students start at Winona State University?

Start times per year typically range from 3-6 for most schools. For Winona State University, students should confirm the next available start date for their specific program before applying.

How should working adults compare Winona State University programs?

Working adults should compare program format, pacing, total cost, and application requirements before choosing a path.

What should students compare before choosing a Winona State University program?

Students should compare accreditation fit, program format, application requirements, total cost, and whether the timeline works with their schedule.

Featured Ranking Reports

Winona State University is featured in 1 of our ranking reports!

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Geographic and Educational Overview

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Winona State University is located in Minnesota

Minnesota at a Glance:

State flag of MN
Saint Paul
5,706,494
86,936 sq mi
12
33
30
$13,800.00

Top Incentives in Minnesota:

Top Career Pathways in Minnesota:

Healthcare Innovation
  • Entry Level: Healthcare Analyst ($65,000)
  • Mid Level: Innovation Manager ($95,000)
  • Senior Level: Healthcare Director ($150,000+)
  • Required Education: BS Healthcare Administration
  • Certifications: ACHE, CPHIMS
* Data is approximate and may be AI-enhanced