Saint Cloud, MN · Private University
Is Saint Cloud State University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$55,813
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$10,117
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$10,117
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$40,468
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
5.52x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
1.9 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
46.9%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$21,058
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$14,485
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Saint Cloud State University graduates earn $10,813 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Saint Cloud State University ranked by graduate earnings
32 graduates
23 graduates
62 graduates
32 graduates
155 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Saint Cloud State University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Saint Cloud State University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Science: $91,282) and the lowest (Film/Video and Photographic Arts: $32,595) is $58,687/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer ScienceBest ROI | $91,282 | 9.0x |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering | $83,539 | 8.3x |
| Mechanical Engineering | $78,056 | 7.7x |
| Computer Engineering(1yr data) | $77,792 | 7.7x |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $74,157 | 7.3x |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $71,427 | 7.1x |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $67,231 | 6.7x |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | $64,363 | 6.4x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $63,825 | 6.3x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $62,236 | 6.2x |
| Business/Commerce, General(1yr data) | $59,378 | 5.9x |
| Biology, General | $57,880 | 5.7x |
| Marketing | $56,662 | 5.6x |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $54,327 | 5.4x |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $52,753 | 5.2x |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions | $51,681 | 5.1x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $49,010 | 4.8x |
| Social Work | $48,016 | 4.8x |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $47,000 | 4.7x |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology | $46,210 | 4.6x |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology | $46,120 | 4.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $45,346 | 4.5x |
| Psychology, General | $44,730 | 4.4x |
| Political Science and Government | $44,544 | 4.4x |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $44,070 | 4.4x |
| Special Education and Teaching | $43,167 | 4.3x |
| Public Health | $43,053 | 4.3x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $42,729 | 4.2x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $42,417 | 4.2x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $41,518 | 4.1x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $39,290 | 3.9x |
| Design and Applied Arts(1yr data) | $34,627 | 3.4x |
| Film/Video and Photographic ArtsLowest | $32,595 | 3.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Saint Cloud State University stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $55,813 10 years after starting, $10,813 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 1.9 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.