Students at Winona State University achieve earnings that place the institution in the top quarter nationally, reflecting strong career preparation in professional fields.
Graduates consistently find stable employment in nursing, education, and technology, with zero loan defaults demonstrating sustainable financial outcomes.
Winona State University delivers reliable outcomes for students seeking practical, career-focused education in Minnesota. The university combines the personal attention of a mid-sized institution with the resources and affordability of a public university, creating an environment where students can build strong professional foundations without overwhelming debt. WSU's graduates earn a median of $58,532 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the top 25% nationally for long-term earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its professional programs, particularly nursing, education, and computer science, which consistently produce graduates who move directly into stable, well-compensated careers. With about 23% of students receiving Pell Grants and 21% being first-generation college students, WSU maintains reasonable access while delivering strong economic outcomes for those it serves.
As a comprehensive regional university, Winona State focuses on preparing students for immediate workforce entry rather than purely academic pursuits. This practical orientation, combined with Minnesota's strong job market and the university's established employer relationships, helps explain why graduates achieve earnings that place WSU among the stronger performers in its category nationwide.
Winona State University's program portfolio reflects a clear focus on professional preparation and career readiness. Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, with 248 graduates annually earning median salaries around $65,101 ten years out, making it the university's economic engine. This substantial nursing program benefits from Minnesota's strong healthcare sector and the profession's consistent demand for qualified practitioners.
Computer Science, though smaller with 58 graduates, produces some of WSU's highest early-career earnings at approximately $63,335, reflecting the field's strong job market and the university's ability to prepare students for technology roles. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest single program with 165 graduates, leading to median earnings of $37,883 in education and training positions that serve the region's workforce development needs.
Even programs with more modest earnings outcomes, like Psychology with 75 graduates earning $30,771, remain competitive within their fields. The university's strength lies not in producing exceptionally high earners across all disciplines, but in consistently preparing students for stable, middle-class careers in fields where Minnesota has sustained employer demand. This practical approach to program development helps explain why WSU graduates achieve reliable employment and manageable debt-to-income ratios.
Winona State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $58,532 ten years after enrollment. This performance places WSU in the top 25% nationally for earnings outcomes, reflecting the university's focus on career-oriented programs that lead directly to stable employment. The university's professional emphasis shows in its strongest programs, where graduates consistently outperform national averages for their fields.
Nursing stands out as WSU's highest-return program, graduating 248 students annually with median earnings around $65,101 ten years out. Computer Science, though smaller with 58 graduates, produces strong early-career outcomes at approximately $63,335. Adult and Continuing Education represents the university's largest program footprint with 165 graduates, leading to median earnings of $37,883 in education and training roles. Even Psychology, typically a lower-earning field, produces graduates earning $30,771, which remains competitive for the discipline.
The university's career-focused approach means most graduates enter fields with clear professional pathways and predictable advancement opportunities. This practical orientation, combined with Minnesota's diverse economy and strong healthcare and education sectors, helps explain why WSU graduates achieve earnings that consistently exceed what might be expected from a regional comprehensive university.
Affordability at Winona State University remains manageable across income levels, with net prices that align closely with typical public university costs. Low-income students pay approximately $11,400 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,495 per year, and higher-income students face about $21,306 in net price. These figures place WSU near national averages for similar institutions, making it accessible without being exceptionally expensive.
The university's debt profile reflects this balanced approach to pricing. Typical graduates leave with about $21,500 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable level given the institution's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,553, indicating that many families contribute directly to education costs rather than placing the full burden on students. With a 0% federal loan default rate, WSU demonstrates that its graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes WSU particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between what students borrow and what they can realistically repay. With median earnings approaching $58,532 ten years out, most graduates can handle standard loan repayment without significant strain, and the university's focus on career-ready programs means students typically find employment in their fields relatively quickly after graduation.
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