St. Cloud State University SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
At St. Cloud State, a strong ACT score can be more useful for merit aid than for admission. A 24+ ACT with a 2.60+ GPA can qualify you for the Presidential Scholarship, while a 23+ ACT with a 3.30+ GPA connects to the Caliber Scholarship.
⬡ LangSmithc59a8e44-37b6-4fbc-b31c-768a344c560bData on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
St. Cloud State University facts and stats
St. Cloud State University enrolls about 8,209 undergraduates in a suburban campus setting. St. Cloud State has a 70% freshman retention rate and a 39% six-year graduation rate. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1.
⬡ LangSmithece577d5-6c8d-44a6-bf83-34914962ba08St. Cloud, MN
How do your scores compare at St. Cloud State?
Key St. Cloud State University application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
August 15
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Coming soon
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because St. Cloud State is test-optional, follow this plan only if you choose to submit scores or want ACT-based Presidential or Caliber scholarship consideration. Take your first SAT or ACT by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year for retakes and superscoring opportunities. With the Regular Decision deadline on August 15, fall retakes will not arrive in time for admission consideration.
⬡ LangSmith43d26aee-b804-431a-9c36-96c5fd562cb7Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at St. Cloud State University?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
St. Cloud State is a public university with in-state tuition of $8,812 and out-of-state tuition of $18,696. About 54% of students receive aid, and the average merit award is $2,390.
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For St. Cloud State, out-of-state tuition is $18,696, while in-state tuition is $8,812; room and board adds $10,596. Aid is an important part of the price: 54% of students receive aid, with an average package of $14,846. Merit awards average $2,390, which can help but may not cover a large share of costs. Graduates leave with an average debt of $29,813.
⬡ LangSmithaa71c6d1-56d9-4322-96e3-9058c8a791f5Student life at St. Cloud State University
19% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Priority
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 2% of men join fraternities, and 1% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Metropolitan State University
Saint Paul, MNAcceptance rate: 98.8%
ACT: 16–21
Acceptance rate: 100%
University of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MNAcceptance rate: 88.8%
SAT: 1140–1350
ACT: 23–28
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MNAcceptance rate: 88.4%
ACT: 21–25
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