Overview
St. Cloud State University was founded in 1869 as a normal school for teacher training and has since grown into a comprehensive public university offering undergraduate and graduate programs across a wide range of disciplines. Located along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the university is part of the Minnesota State system and serves as a major educational hub for central Minnesota. It is particularly recognized for its business, engineering, mass communications, and criminal justice programs, as well as its strong ties to regional employers.
At a Glance
| Type | Public |
| Location | St. Cloud, Minnesota |
| Founded | 1869 |
| Total students | 10,000 |
| Student–faculty ratio | 18:1 |
| Acceptance rate | 72% |
| Graduation rate | 52% |
| Average starting salary | $48,000 |
Tuition & Costs (estimates)
| In-state tuition | $9,600 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $13,900 |
| Room & board | $9,200 |
| Average financial aid | $9,800 |
| Students receiving aid | 85% |
Admissions
| SAT range | 900-1150 |
| ACT range | 18-23 |
| Average GPA | 3.20 |
| Regular deadline | Rolling |
Top Programs
- Business Administration
- Mass Communications
- Criminal Justice
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nursing
Figures are estimates for exploration — verify current costs, deadlines, and requirements on the university's official website.