Saint Cloud State University
About Saint Cloud State University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
St. Cloud State University is a public university in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It offers more than 200 programs in business, education, engineering technology, and the sciences, and is the second-largest university in the Minnesota State system.
Founded
1869
Location
Saint Cloud, Minnesota
Students
7,082
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
94.8%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
40.3%
Below national average
Tuition
$10,245
Per year
Avg Net Price
$13,529
After financial aid
SAT Average
1092
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$55,813
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Open Admission
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
Free
Early
N/A
Deadline
Rolling
Saint Cloud State University accepts the majority of applicants at 94.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1092/ 1600
ACT Scores
21/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Below Average
40.3% complete their degree within six years
Retention
70.7%
4-Year Grad
24%
6-Year Grad
46%
Teaching Quality
16:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
64.2%
$/Student
$9.8K
Class Size
Medium
The 24% graduation rate is below average, but 70.7% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$10,245
Annual Tuition
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$10,596
Books & Supplies
$1,400
Total Cost of Attendance
$21,116
After Financial Aid
$13,529
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$8,909
Receive Grants
21.7%
Take Loans
23.5%
The total cost of attendance runs about $21,116/yr, including $10,596 for room and board. After financial aid, the average student pays $13,529.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Saint Cloud State University fund their education.
While in School
21.7%
Get Grants
Free money
23.5%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,641
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$21,058
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$223/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 23.5% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $21,058. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Saint Cloud State University.
Gender
53.8%
Female
46%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
5,088
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
1,994
Graduates
26.8%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
13.3%
Age 25+
The campus has a balanced gender split (54% women, 46% men). 26.8% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience. 13.9% international students bring global perspectives to campus life.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
5,088
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
Master's
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
Yes
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
Saint Cloud State University fields 10 varsity teams with 420 student athletes, about 8% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division II without football
Conference
Northern Sun
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
10
Biggest: Swimming & Diving
Student Athletes
420
8% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
48% / 52%
201
Men
219
Women
6
Men's Teams
8
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of Saint Cloud State Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,813
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
$42K
106 grads
1yr Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$74K
88 grads
1yr Earnings
Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
$57K
77 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$34K
74 grads
1yr Earnings
Finance and Financial Management Services
$53K
73 grads
1yr Earnings
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
$41K
57 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $47K six years out, growing to $56K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Saint Cloud State University
What is the acceptance rate at Saint Cloud State University?▾
How much does Saint Cloud State University cost?▾
What is the graduation rate at Saint Cloud State University?▾
How much do Saint Cloud State University graduates earn?▾
Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.