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$4,957Tuition
2,808Students
42%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$46,874Earnings
#23 in MinnesotaPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About St Cloud Technical and Community College

St Cloud Technical and Community College trains students for in-demand careers across central Minnesota. The school focuses on technical and career programs that connect directly to local job markets. With 2,808 students enrolled, it maintains the practical, hands-on approach typical of Minnesota's technical college system. The Saint Cloud setting provides access to healthcare, manufacturing, and service industries that actively recruit graduates.

Students pay an average net price of $10,956 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to career training. Graduates earn a median of $46,874 ten years after enrollment, providing solid returns on a relatively modest investment. With median debt of just $12,000, most students avoid the heavy borrowing that burdens four-year college graduates. Monthly loan payments average only $127, keeping debt manageable even on entry-level salaries.

The student body is 61% women, reflecting strong enrollment in healthcare and human services programs. Nearly 97% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community focused on local career opportunities. With an employment rate of 96.7%, the school delivers on its promise of job-ready training. The Cyclones compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA, though athletics take a backseat to career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

St Cloud Technical and Community College focuses on hands-on career training that gets students into the workforce quickly. The school specializes in technical programs like automotive technology, health sciences, and skilled trades that directly connect to Minnesota's job market. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students get more individualized attention than at larger universities. The 42% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer after completing certificates or associate degrees. Popular programs include nursing, welding, and information technology, all designed around industry partnerships. Students often balance work and school, with 97% finding employment after graduation. The technical focus means smaller class sizes in lab-heavy courses where students learn job-ready skills.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Full-Time Faculty
42.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
42.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,874

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $62,260
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. Associate $58,673
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. Associate $57,995
Computer Programming. Associate $52,107
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR). Certificate $47,260
Precision Metal Working. Certificate $45,696
Plumbing and Related Water Supply Services. Certificate $43,240
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. Certificate $42,682
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. Certificate $41,007
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $40,728

View all 68 programs →

Campus Life

This central Minnesota campus sits about 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis, giving students access to a mid-sized city without big-city costs. With 2,808 students spread across technical and transfer programs, the atmosphere feels more focused than a traditional college party scene. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong nursing and business programs. Saint Cloud's winters demand serious coats and boots, with snow typically covering the ground from December through March.

Most students commute from the surrounding area, as 97% come from Minnesota. The 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio means instructors know their students personally, especially in hands-on programs like automotive technology and healthcare. Weekends often revolve around part-time jobs rather than campus activities, since many students work while attending classes. The Cyclones compete in five NCCAA sports with 74 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to career preparation. Students here prioritize getting industry certifications and transferring to four-year schools over traditional college social life.
Setting
City-Small
Calendar System
Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Robbery 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

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

Student Demographics

Students at St. Cloud Technical and Community College come mostly from Minnesota, with 97% staying in-state to pursue practical career training. Women make up 61% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services. About one-third receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to middle-class careers. The diverse student population includes significant Black representation at 20%, well above Minnesota's state average. Most students balance work and family responsibilities while training for immediate employment in central Minnesota's job market.
Men
38.8%
Women
61.2%
White
65.5%
Black
19.5%
Hispanic
6.4%
Asian
1.6%
In-State Students
96.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
35.2%

Location

Saint Cloud sits along the Mississippi River about 70 miles northwest of Minneapolis-Saint Paul. The city serves as a regional center for central Minnesota with around 68,000 residents. Saint Cloud State University anchors the college town atmosphere, creating a student-friendly environment with affordable housing and entertainment options. The area features classic Midwest geography with lakes, prairies, and river valleys. Winter temperatures average in the teens, while summers reach the 80s. The Mississippi River provides recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, and riverside parks. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare St Cloud Technical and Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Saint Cloud, Minnesota 56303-1240

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$46,874
Median Earnings (5 years)
$52,595
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$35,300
Loan Repayment Rate
52.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at St Cloud Technical and Community College?

St Cloud Technical and Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, meaning most applicants are accepted. The college serves 2,808 students with 96.84% coming from Minnesota. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking technical training and career preparation.

How much does St Cloud Technical and Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,956 annually after aid, with low-income families paying just $7,221. Only 25.42% of students take federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median debt of $12,000. The same tuition rate of $4,957 applies to both in-state and out-of-state students.

What programs is St Cloud Technical and Community College known for?

The college specializes in technical and career training programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive hands-on training in skilled trades and technical fields. The curriculum focuses on practical skills that employers in central Minnesota actively seek.

What job prospects do St Cloud Technical and Community College graduates have?

Graduates achieve an impressive 96.7% employment rate after completing their programs. The median earnings reach $46,874 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the strong demand for technical skills. However, the 42.20% six-year graduation rate indicates that many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer elsewhere.

Where is St Cloud Technical and Community College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, a small city that provides an affordable college environment. With 61.22% women and 38.78% men, the student body leans female, which is common for community colleges. The campus hosts five varsity sports teams called the Cyclones with 74 total athletes competing in NCCAA athletics.

Does St Cloud Technical and Community College offer good value for working adults?

The college serves many non-traditional students, with 35.20% receiving Pell Grants indicating significant financial need. Students who do borrow money make manageable monthly loan payments of $127, and 52.40% successfully repay their loans. The semester calendar system allows flexibility for students balancing work and education.