Students at Saint Cloud State University benefit from above-average affordability combined with solid long-term earnings that consistently place graduates in stable middle-class careers.
The university's strong financial outcomes and zero default rate demonstrate sustainable pathways to post-graduation success.
Saint Cloud State University delivers consistent value as a mid-sized public university in Minnesota, though Azimuth does not currently rank it in our national composite rankings due to limited access data availability. What distinguishes Saint Cloud State is its ability to provide above-average affordability while maintaining solid long-term earnings outcomes for graduates. The university serves a more selective student population, with about 20% of students receiving Pell Grants and roughly 27% being first-generation college students.
Graduates earn a median of $55,813 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution above average nationally for earnings outcomes. The university's strength lies in professional programs like nursing, where graduates earn around $66,377, and engineering fields like electrical engineering, where typical earnings reach $70,009. These program-level successes help drive the university's overall solid financial outcomes.
As a comprehensive public university, Saint Cloud State offers the accessibility and affordability families expect from Minnesota's public higher education system, while delivering career preparation that translates into stable, middle-class earnings. The university's position as a "Selective Achievers" institution reflects its ability to produce strong outcomes for the students it serves, even with more limited access for low-income populations.
Saint Cloud State University's program portfolio centers on practical, career-oriented fields that lead directly to stable employment. Adult Health Nursing represents the university's strongest combination of scale and outcomes, graduating 99 students annually who earn around $66,377—making it both a popular choice and a high-return investment. The program's success reflects Minnesota's strong healthcare job market and the university's established nursing education reputation.
Engineering programs deliver the highest individual earnings, with Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earning approximately $70,009 early in their careers. Though smaller in scale with 29 graduates, this program demonstrates Saint Cloud State's ability to compete in technical fields that command premium salaries. Banking and Financial Support Services represents the university's largest program footprint, graduating 116 students who earn around $43,957—solid middle-class outcomes for a substantial number of students.
The university's program mix reflects its practical orientation toward career preparation. While fields like Psychology show more modest earnings around $33,459, the concentration in nursing, engineering, and business-related programs provides multiple pathways to financial stability. This focus on professional preparation helps explain why Saint Cloud State graduates achieve above-average earnings despite the university's regional scope and moderate selectivity.
Saint Cloud State University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes, with a median earnings figure of $55,813 ten years after enrollment. This performance places the university above average nationally, reflecting the institution's focus on career-oriented programs that translate into stable employment. While earnings don't significantly exceed expectations compared with similar institutions, graduates consistently reach middle-class income levels that support comfortable post-graduation lifestyles.
The university's strongest returns come from its professional programs. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both a high-enrollment and high-earning field, with 99 graduates earning around $66,377 annually, making it the program with the highest aggregate return. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at approximately $70,009, though with smaller enrollment of 29 students. Banking and Financial Support Services represents the largest program footprint with 116 graduates earning around $43,957, providing solid middle-class outcomes for a substantial number of students.
Program choice significantly impacts earnings potential at Saint Cloud State. While fields like Psychology show more modest outcomes around $33,459, the university's strength in nursing, engineering, and business-related fields provides multiple pathways to strong financial returns. The diversity of program options allows students to balance their interests with earning potential, making Saint Cloud State a practical choice for career-focused students.
Saint Cloud State University offers strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to a broad range of Minnesota families. Low-income students pay approximately $9,772 annually in net price, well below national averages and reflecting the university's commitment to need-based aid. Middle-income families see costs around $13,125 per year, while higher-income families pay about $20,104 annually—all representing competitive pricing within the public university landscape.
The university's debt structure supports its affordability mission. Typical graduates leave with about $21,058 in federal student loan debt, a manageable amount given the median earnings of $55,813 that graduates achieve. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $11,000, indicating that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through grants, work-study, and savings rather than relying heavily on parent borrowing. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes Saint Cloud State particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between borrowing levels and post-graduation earning capacity. With loan repayment rates above 81%, most borrowers successfully pay down their balances over time. The combination of reasonable net prices, moderate debt levels, and solid earnings outcomes creates a financial pathway that works for middle-class families seeking predictable, affordable higher education in Minnesota.
Saint Cloud State University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
