
P.O. Box 5838 175 West Mark Street, Winona, MN 55987, USA


Winona State University holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which is one of the six regional accrediting bodies recognized in the United States. This accreditation ensures that the institution meets established standards of quality and integrity regarding its educational offerings, governance, and student services. For prospective students, this means that degrees earned at the university are widely recognized and transferable to other accredited institutions.
In addition to the regional accreditation, specific programs at the university have earned specialized accreditation from professional bodies relevant to their fields. These programmatic accreditations serve as a mark of quality and adherence to industry standards, which can be crucial for students seeking licensure or professional certification after graduation.
Winona State University requires applicants to have completed a high school education or possess a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Submission of secondary school records and a minimum grade point average from high school are necessary components of the application. While recommendations and competency evaluations are suggested, they are not mandatory. The university mandates proof of English proficiency through the TOEFL exam and encourages submission of other standardized test results when available.
The admissions process is selective rather than open, with neither dual credit nor advanced placement (AP) credits automatically guaranteed but considered when awarding credit. Computer access is a requirement for applicants, and leasing options are available.
Regarding standardized test performance, approximately 44% of enrolled students have ACT scores submitted. The average ACT composite score among incoming students is 22, which places them roughly in the bottom 30th percentile nationally. SAT scores have a mean total of 1125, with average sectional scores of 575 in math and 550 in writing, both reflecting average performance within the lower half of national percentiles.
The acceptance rate at Winona State University stands at about 69%, placing it near the median compared to other institutions. Of the 6,159 applicants, just over two-thirds were admitted, with enrollment following at an average level as well.
Winona State University requires prospective undergraduate students to pay an application fee to submit their admissions forms. This fee is standard for the university and is intended to cover processing costs associated with evaluating applications. However, the university offers fee waivers to certain applicants to reduce financial barriers. Students who meet specific criteria may be exempt from paying the application fee, facilitating a more accessible admissions process.
Winona State University does not have its own dedicated ROTC program on campus. Instead, students interested in pursuing ROTC may participate through a cooperating host institution that offers the relevant ROTC branch units. This arrangement allows students to engage in ROTC training while enrolled at Winona State University, albeit through external partner schools rather than programs housed directly within Winona State University's facilities.
Transfer applicants to Winona State University face a moderately difficult admission process. The university accepts transfer credits, which allows students to bring previous academic work into their new degree program. In addition to traditional college credits, Winona State University also recognizes credit for CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams, both general and subject-specific, as well as credits earned through DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) exams.
The institution considers recommendations during the transfer evaluation, providing an added dimension to the application review. These policies support a flexible transfer process aimed at accommodating students from diverse educational backgrounds.
Winona State University offers a variety of study abroad opportunities tailored to enhance academic and cultural experiences for its students. These programs include semester- and year-long exchanges, summer sessions, and faculty-led short-term trips. Students have options to study in countries across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia, providing a broad selection of destinations.
The university's study abroad programs emphasize interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to take courses relevant to their major while immersing themselves in different cultures. Faculty-led programs typically focus on specific academic themes or subjects, pairing classroom instruction with direct cultural engagement. Additionally, exchange programs enable students to attend partner universities abroad while earning credits toward their Winona State degree.
Winona State University supports students throughout the process, offering advising services to help select appropriate programs and assistance with financial aid options. The availability of study abroad experiences caters to diverse academic interests and schedules, encouraging students to gain a global perspective during their collegiate career.
Median composite SAT score
1125Median composite ACT score
22Percent of students submitting ACT scores
44%Percent of students submitting SAT scores
2%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
YesComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
Data not availableSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
RecommendedFormal demonstration of competencies
RecommendedAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
YesROTC-Army
ROTC branch unit at a cooperating host institutionStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
YesStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
YesApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Data not available