Saint Cloud State University: 95.3% Acceptance Rate

95.3%Acceptance

$10,117Tuition

5,181Students

47%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,813Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud State serves 5,181 students in central Minnesota as a regional full university focused on practical career preparation. The university has built its reputation on teacher education and business programs, particularly serving first-generation college students throughout the region. Notable alumni include farm equipment manufacturer J.I. Case and former U.S. Senator Al Franken. With a 95% acceptance rate, the university welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who are serious about earning their degrees.

Students pay an average net price of $14,485 after financial aid, making this one of Minnesota's more affordable four-year options. Graduates earn a median salary of $55,813 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $21,058. The financial return looks solid for students who complete their programs, though the 47% six-year graduation rate suggests many struggle to finish.

The student body reflects Minnesota's changing demographics, with 61% white students and significant Black and Hispanic populations. About 87% of students come from in-state, creating a strong regional community feel. The Huskies compete in NCAA Division II with 14 varsity sports programs. With 377 total athletes receiving over $2.9 million in athletic scholarships, sports provide meaningful opportunities for student involvement and financial support.

Academics & Faculty

Saint Cloud State built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse and remains strong in education programs today. The university serves as a regional full institution with solid business and liberal arts offerings alongside its education focus. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay reasonably sized for a public university of 5,181 students. However, the 47% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, reflecting the school's mission of serving first-generation college students who often face additional challenges. The university particularly excels at preparing teachers for Minnesota schools and offers practical business programs that connect well with regional employers in central Minnesota.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 61.9%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 45.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.9%
Retention Rate: 67.9%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,813
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Certificate	$80,556
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$75,204
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$70,009
Computer Engineering.	Bachelor	$66,821
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$66,377
Manufacturing Engineering.	Bachelor	$65,387
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$63,377
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$62,154
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$59,253
Management Information Systems and Services.	Bachelor	$58,522

View all 160 programs →

Campus Life

Saint Cloud sits along the Mississippi River about 65 miles northwest of Minneapolis. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, so students invest in serious winter gear for the long Minnesota cold season. Only about 22% of the 5,181 students live in campus housing, creating a commuter-heavy atmosphere where many students drive home on weekends.

The campus spreads across both sides of the Mississippi, connected by footbridges that become wind tunnels in winter. Students often gather in Atwood Memorial Center to escape the cold and grab coffee between classes. With 86.79% of students coming from in-state, many already know each other from high school or have family connections to the area. The Huskies compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports, with hockey drawing the most passionate crowds during the brutal winter months. Students frequently make the hour drive to Minneapolis for concerts, shopping, and internships. Campus traditions include Mainstreet festivals and outdoor activities along the river when temperatures finally climb above freezing in spring.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 1,116 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	2	2
Dating Violence	1	1
Rape	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 1°–21°F
July Avg: 58°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 27.7"
Annual Snowfall: -1,509.7"

Student Demographics

Saint Cloud State draws heavily from Minnesota, with 87% of students staying close to home for college. The student body reflects the university's mission as an access-oriented institution, with one in five students receiving Pell Grants and many being first-generation college students. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%, likely reflecting the school's strong teacher education programs that historically attract more female students. The diverse student population includes significant representation from Black and Hispanic communities, making it one of the more diverse campuses in Minnesota's state university system.

Men: 47.2%
Women: 52.8%
White: 60.9%
Black: 12.7%
Hispanic: 5.5%
Asian: 4.3%
In-State Students: 86.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 20.3%

Location

Saint Cloud sits along the Mississippi River about 65 miles northwest of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The city of 68,000 residents creates a genuine college town atmosphere in central Minnesota's lake-dotted region. With 5,181 students, Saint Cloud State forms a significant part of the community's identity. The campus spreads across 916 acres near the historic downtown district, where students frequent local coffee shops and restaurants. Minnesota's granite quarries once made Saint Cloud famous as the "Granite City," and that industrial heritage still shapes the area's character. The region offers outdoor recreation with numerous lakes and the scenic Saint John's University nearby. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Saint Cloud State with similar schools in the region.

Address: Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56301-4498

Old Main Building and Stearns House, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, Minnesota - DPLA - 76ec16bf73aa628314f4e6f77bac7ac3

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,813
Median Earnings (5 years): $58,575
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $223/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,058

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Saint Cloud State University?

Saint Cloud State University accepts 95.28% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students across Minnesota. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1027-1200 on the SAT. This open admission approach aligns with the university's mission to serve first-generation college students and provide educational opportunities throughout central Minnesota.

How much does Saint Cloud State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $14,485 annually at Saint Cloud State University. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,772 after aid, while those earning $75,000-$110,000 pay $17,908. The university keeps costs reasonable with identical in-state and out-of-state tuition of $10,117.

What academic programs is Saint Cloud State University known for?

Saint Cloud State University built its reputation on teacher education and business programs, serving as a regional comprehensive university. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio among its 5,181 students, the university focuses on practical career preparation. The school particularly excels at supporting first-generation college students in central Minnesota.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Saint Cloud State University?

Saint Cloud State University graduates 46.90% of students within six years, with a strong 97.3% employment rate after graduation. Alumni earn a median salary of $55,813 ten years after graduation with manageable debt of $21,058. Monthly loan payments average just $223, making the investment accessible for working-class families.

Where is Saint Cloud State University located and what is campus life like?

Saint Cloud State University sits in the small city of Saint Cloud, Minnesota, with 86.79% of its students coming from in-state. The campus houses 1,116 students in residence halls, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. The Huskies compete in 14 NCAA Division II sports with 377 total athletes receiving $2.9 million in athletic scholarships.

Does Saint Cloud State University serve a diverse student population?

Saint Cloud State University enrolls a diverse student body for Minnesota, with 60.93% white students and significant Black (12.68%) and Hispanic (5.54%) populations. The university serves as an access point for underrepresented students, with 20.30% receiving Pell Grants. This diversity reflects the school's commitment to educational opportunity regardless of background.