History, Affiliations, and Rankings

St. Cloud State University was founded in 1869 under the name Third State Normal School. The university has grown into a national institution with a faculty of about 700 faculty members and a student body of over 15,400 students. As a leading comprehensive public university in the Upper Midwest of the United States, St. Cloud State provides accessible and active learning opportunities for students, faculty, and local businesses. One of the largest institutions of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, SCSU has 31 campuses. It is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). In the 2022 edition of Best Colleges, St. Cloud State University is ranked as the 95th Best Regional University in the Midwest, the 85th Top Performers on Social Mobility, and the 29th Top Public School.

Infrastructure, Campuses, and Courses

St. Cloud State University is academically divided into 8 Colleges, that offer hands-on learning and practical interaction that prepares students for the skills that they need to succeed in a fast-paced global society. Among the student services available at St. Cloud State University are nonremedial tutoring, a women's centre, placement services, daycare, health services, and health insurance. St. Cloud State University's campus safety and security services include 24-hour foot patrols, late-night transport, and escort services, 24-hour emergency telephones, lighted pathways/sidewalks, and controlled dormitory access (a key or security card). St. Cloud State University is recognized by Colleges of Distinction for its programs in Business, Nursing, Education, and Engineering.

Accomplishments and Alumni

Two awards were presented to St. Cloud State University by the Minnesota State system office for program innovation. In recognition of enhancing first-year students' perspectives and global competencies, the First-Year Experience program won the Innovation in Global Education Award.

Student Diversity and Visiting Companies

The student diversity at Saint Cloud State University is 66.4% White, 7.58% Black or African American, 5.13% Asian, 4.05% Hispanic or Latino, 3.07% Two or More Races, 0.236% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.0507% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. Top employers at the university are Target Corporation, Wells Fargo, Medtronic, U.S. Bancorp, etc.