At $14,485/yr net price, Saint Cloud State University graduates earn $55,813/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,813/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $14,485 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $57,940 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,813/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,813/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,058 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $9,772/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,298/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,125/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $17,908/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,104/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $80,556 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,204 | $20,500 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,009 | $20,800 |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 | $24,215 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $66,377 | $24,525 |
| Manufacturing Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,387 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,377 | $24,122 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $62,154 | $19,347 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $59,253 | $25,463 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Bachelor | $58,522 |
The Risk Factor
46.9% of students at Saint Cloud State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Saint Cloud State University delivers solid financial returns for a regional public university, with median earnings of $55,813 placing graduates well above the national average for debt loads under $22,000.
Your program choice matters enormously here. Educational Administration leads earnings at $80,556, while Business Administration and Engineering programs consistently hit the $70,000+ range with manageable debt loads around $20,000-24,000. Nursing graduates earn $66,377 but carry slightly higher debt at $24,525. These technical and professional programs justify the investment clearly.
The 47% graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. One in two students who start never finish, meaning they face loan payments without the degree that drives earning power. The 68% retention rate suggests academic support issues that could derail your investment.
Saint Cloud State works best financially if you can handle the academic demands and choose a high-earning major. The combination of low net price and strong earnings in business, engineering, and nursing creates genuine value. Students drawn to lower-earning liberal arts fields should consider the graduation rate carefully.
Only 20% of students receive aid, suggesting most families pay close to the sticker price. This makes Saint Cloud State particularly attractive for middle-income families who get limited aid elsewhere but can manage the $14,485 annual cost. The relatively low debt loads across programs indicate reasonable borrowing patterns, but you need to finish to make the math work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint Cloud State University worth the cost?
Saint Cloud State University offers reasonable value with a low net price of $14,485 and moderate debt of $21,058, but the 47% graduation rate creates risk. Graduates earn $55,813 after 10 years, which provides decent returns if you complete your degree.
What are the best paying majors at Saint Cloud State University?
Educational Administration leads at $80,556, followed by Business Administration at $75,204 and Electrical Engineering at $70,009. These programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings of $55,813.
How much student debt do Saint Cloud State University graduates have?
The median debt is $21,058, which is manageable compared to many schools. With average graduate earnings of $55,813, most students can handle this debt load if they complete their degree.
Is Saint Cloud State University hard to get into?
No, Saint Cloud State University accepts 95% of applicants with an average SAT of 1114. The bigger challenge is graduating, with only 47% of students completing their degree within six years.