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Saint Cloud State University is a public university in St. Cloud, Minnesota, founded in 1869 and ranked #95 among Regional Universities Midwest by US News Best Colleges 2026. Set on a 100 acre riverside campus 65 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, SCSU enrols 10,164 students across 200 undergraduate majors and 60 graduate programmes.
The university is one of the largest public campuses in the Minnesota State system, teaching every programme in English and ranked #33 in US News Top Public Schools 2026. It hosts the only ABET accredited manufacturing engineering programme in Minnesota, along with tracks in computer science, business, biological sciences and information assurance. Indian applicants are supported through a dedicated how to apply for MS in USA route with rolling review after priority deadlines close.
- US News Rank: #95 Regional Universities Midwest 2026, #33 Top Public Schools
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (January)
- PG Tuition: USD 10,147 to 19,822 per year (INR 9.72 to 18.98 lakh)
- Median Salary (6 years post entry): USD 47,215 per year (INR 45.21 lakh)
Indian applicants can also compare tuition against peer publics through the MS in USA universities listing before shortlisting. The Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship reduces international tuition by USD 3,900 (INR 3.73 lakh) per year for eligible applicants, and graduate assistantships stipend up to USD 10,000 (INR 9.58 lakh) per academic year with tuition waivers. Indian STEM graduates qualify for the 3 year OPT extension, a decisive factor when weighing total cost against post study earning potential.
Exchange rate used: 1 USD = INR 95.75 as of August 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 and Fall 2027 intakes). Graduate applicants outside the United States must submit by 15 October 2026 for Spring 2027 entry and by 15 June 2027 for Fall 2027 entry. Undergraduate priority deadlines are 1 November 2026 for Spring 2027 and 1 July 2027 for Fall 2027, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis after these dates.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and Fees at Saint Cloud State University 2027
- Saint Cloud State University Admission 2027
- Saint Cloud State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- Saint Cloud State University Acceptance Rate 2027
- Saint Cloud State University Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- Saint Cloud State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- Saint Cloud State University Scholarships 2027
- Saint Cloud State University Rankings 2027
- Saint Cloud State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- Saint Cloud State University vs Peer Universities
- Saint Cloud State University FAQs
Popular Courses and SCSU Fees 2027
SCSU fees for Indian students run on a per credit hour basis, billed by semester. Master programmes span 30 to 36 credits over 2 years, and bachelor tracks are 120 credits over 4 years. Tuition varies by school, with STEM masters priced lower than business programmes.
SCSU Fees Structure for Popular Masters Programmes 2027
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Computer Science | 20,294 | 19.43 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.5 |
| MS Biological Sciences | 28,260 | 27.06 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| MS Sports Management | 28,260 | 27.06 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| MS Engineering Management | 39,644 | 37.96 lakh | Bachelor of Engineering with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5 |
| MS Applied Behavior Analysis | 32,000 to 38,000 (estimated) | 30.64 to 36.39 lakh (estimated) | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| MS Information Assurance | 28,260 | 27.06 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 68, IELTS 6.0 |
| Master of Business Administration | 39,644 | 37.96 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); TOEFL 79, IELTS 6.5 |
[Source: Saint Cloud State University International Admissions Costs, July 2025]
SCSU Fees for Popular Bachelor Programmes 2027
| Programme | Total Fee (USD) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Science Medical Laboratory Science | 78,784 | 75.44 lakh | Class 12 with 60% to 70% (recommended); TOEFL 61, IELTS 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Science Chemistry | 78,784 | 75.44 lakh | Class 12 with 60% to 70% (recommended); TOEFL 61, IELTS 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Computer Engineering | 78,784 | 75.44 lakh | Class 12 with 60% to 70% (recommended); TOEFL 61, IELTS 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Science Marketing | 78,784 | 75.44 lakh | Class 12 with 60% to 75% (recommended); TOEFL 61, IELTS 5.5 |
| Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering | 78,784 | 75.44 lakh | Class 12 with 60% to 70% (recommended); TOEFL 61, IELTS 5.5 |
[Source: Saint Cloud State University International Admissions Costs, July 2025]
Insider note: Indian applicants cluster in MS Computer Science, MS Information Assurance and MBA at SCSU because tuition of USD 10,147 to 19,822 (INR 9.72 to 18.98 lakh) per year sits well below the R1 public average, and STEM designated tracks unlock 3 years of OPT.
Read More: SCSU Fees and Programmes Guide for Indian Students
Saint Cloud State University Admission 2027
SCSU admission for Indian students runs on two intakes: Fall (August) as the primary window and Spring (January) as the secondary intake. Graduate deadlines fall earlier than undergraduate ones, and both intakes stay open on rolling review after their priority dates.
SCSU PG Admission Dates 2027
Graduate applicants outside the United States face fixed institutional cutoffs set by the School of Graduate Studies. Certain programmes publish earlier departmental deadlines that override these dates.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline | 15 October 2026 | Applies to all applicants outside the United States |
| Fall 2027 application deadline | 15 June 2027 | Programme level deadlines may fall earlier, verify at official page |
| Credential verification (WES) | Start 6 to 8 weeks before deadline | Required for degrees earned outside North America |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | Orientation runs 1 week before classes begin |
SCSU UG Admission Dates 2027
Undergraduate priority deadlines fall earlier than final review dates. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis afterwards.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 priority deadline | 1 November 2026 | Applications received after are still considered |
| Fall 2027 priority deadline | 1 July 2027 | F-1 visa processing needs 8 to 10 weeks post decision |
| Fall 2027 programme start | August 2027 | International orientation is mandatory |
Planning note: Indian applicants targeting Fall 2027 should submit financial documentation of USD 29,178 (INR 27.94 lakh) with the application itself, since I-20 processing cannot begin until this proof is on file.
Read More: SCSU Admissions Guide for Indian Students
Saint Cloud State University Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
SCSU admission requirements for Indian students centre on a bachelor degree with a competitive GPA and one accepted English test score.
PG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended), aligning with the SCSU 2.75/4.0 minimum. A 3 year Indian bachelor is accepted where evaluated equivalent by a NACES member
- English test minimums: TOEFL iBT 68 with no subscore below 16, IELTS 6.0, or PTE 53. Programmes like MS Computer Science require higher (TOEFL 100, IELTS 7.5) and MEM requires TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5
- Credential verification: WES or similar course by course evaluation for degrees from Indian universities
- Programme specific: GRE or GMAT is required by select master and doctoral programmes but waived for most master applicants
UG Requirements for Indian Applicants
- Academic: Class 12 with 60% to 70% (recommended) across CBSE, ISC or state boards
- English test minimums: TOEFL iBT 61, IELTS 5.5, or PTE 53 (as officially published)
- Financial proof: Bank statements dated within 6 months showing USD 29,178 (INR 27.94 lakh) available
Key insight: IELTS waiver is not available for Indian applicants whose bachelor was taught in English medium at an Indian university unless the language of instruction is certified on the transcript. Plan to sit TOEFL or IELTS 4 to 6 weeks before submitting.
Saint Cloud State University Acceptance Rate 2027
SCSU acceptance rate stands at 95%, one of the highest among four year public universities in Minnesota. The figure comes from the US News Best Colleges 2026 profile, based on Common Data Set submissions.
| Year | Acceptance Rate | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 95% | Steady |
| 2025 | 91% | Improving |
[Source: US News Best Colleges, Common Data Set]
Indian applicants meeting the minimum GPA and English test cutoff have a strong chance of admission, though STEM masters like MS Computer Science hold higher internal bars. GRE waivers do not lower academic screening for competitive tracks.
Reality check: The 95% acceptance rate applies to first year undergraduate applicants and does not reflect graduate programme selectivity. MS Computer Science applications screen for a 3.0 GPA and a stronger academic record than the institutional minimum.
Read More: SCSU Acceptance Rate for Indian Students
Saint Cloud State University Fees for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for Indian students at SCSU sits between USD 29,178 and USD 34,768 (INR 27.94 to 33.29 lakh) depending on programme level and school, one of the lowest cost pathways to a US degree in Minnesota.
SCSU Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
Undergraduate tuition is charged at a flat rate across 12 to 18 credits per semester, and graduate tuition varies by school.
| Level | Tuition (USD) | Tuition (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 11,258 per year | 10.78 lakh |
| Most Masters | 10,147 to 14,130 per year | 9.72 to 13.53 lakh |
| MBA (St. Cloud campus) | 19,822 per year | 18.98 lakh |
| MEM (Twin Cities) | 19,822 per year | 18.98 lakh |
| MedTech (Twin Cities) | 19,822 per year | 18.98 lakh |
[Source: SCSU International Admissions Costs, July 2025]
Monthly SCSU Cost of Living in St. Cloud for Indian Students
St. Cloud sits well below coastal city cost bands, and SCSU on campus accommodation is required for first year undergraduates.
| Expense | Monthly (USD) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (on campus) | 914 | 10.50 lakh |
| Food | 350 (estimated) | 4.02 lakh (estimated) |
| Transportation | 80 (estimated) | 0.92 lakh (estimated) |
| Books and supplies | 150 (estimated) | 1.72 lakh (estimated) |
| Health insurance and personal | 456 | 5.24 lakh |
| Total | 1,950 (estimated) | 22.40 lakh (estimated) |
[Source: SCSU International Admissions Costs, July 2025 for accommodation and health cells; College Board 2025 Midwest student expense averages for the rest]
Insider note: Off campus shared apartments in St. Cloud rent for USD 400 to 600 per bedroom (INR 3.83 to 5.75 lakh per year), 30% below the on campus rate. Indian students moving off campus after year 1 report the biggest single COL saving.
Saint Cloud State University Campus, Facilities and Student Life
SCSU sits on a 100 acre campus along the Mississippi River in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with an urban setting served by Amtrak and the Northstar commuter rail to Minneapolis. Twin Cities graduate programmes run from satellite locations in St. Paul and Plymouth.
- Location and transport: St. Cloud is 65 miles northwest of Minneapolis-St. Paul, connected by Amtrak Empire Builder and Northstar Link bus routes
- Housing: On campus room and board costs USD 10,970 per year (INR 10.50 lakh), guaranteed for first year students; off campus rentals begin at USD 400 per bedroom (INR 3.83 lakh per year)
- Notable facilities: Miller Center library, Herb Brooks National Hockey Center, ISELF science building housing engineering and biotech labs
- Indian community: International enrolment is 1,047 students, with an active India Students Association and cricket, Diwali and Holi programming through the Center for International Studies
What Indian students say: Winter is severe with temperatures below minus 20 Celsius from December to February. Budget for one heavy jacket and thermals in the first month, and use skyway connected buildings between classes.
Saint Cloud State University Scholarships 2027
SCSU offers 3 confirmed institutional scholarships for international students, including one Indian eligible track. Graduate assistantships offer the deepest value for eligible master applicants.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship (ACSS) | Tuition reduction | USD 3,900 per year (INR 3.73 lakh) | International students contributing to campus cultural programming | Rolling |
| Graduate Assistantship | Stipend + tuition waiver | Up to USD 10,000 per year (INR 9.58 lakh) plus waiver | Admitted master and doctoral students | Verify at official page |
| Huskies Scholarships (Academic Works) | Merit and need based | Varies | Enrolled SCSU students, awards through central database | Verify at official page |
[Source: SCSU Scholarships for International Students, Costs and Scholarships]
Planning note: The ACSS reduces first semester tuition by USD 8,652 (INR 8.28 lakh) as reflected in the published USD 29,178 cost of attendance; Indian applicants should apply for the ACSS at the same time as the SCSU admission form to maximise savings.
Read More: SCSU Scholarships Guide for Indian Students
Saint Cloud State University Rankings 2027
SCSU is ranked #95 among Regional Universities Midwest and #33 in Top Public Schools by US News Best Colleges 2026, its strongest published ranking.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | Not ranked in QS World 2027 | Not ranked in QS World 2026 | Not ranked in QS World 2025 |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE World 2026 | Not ranked in THE World 2025 | Not ranked in THE World 2024 |
| US News Regional Universities Midwest | 2026: #95 | 2025: #97 | 2024: #94 |
| US News Top Public Schools | 2026: #33 | 2025: #34 | 2024: #33 |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026 published ranking table]
US News also ranks the SCSU Education programme #234 out of 258 in its Global Education subject ranking, and #62 out of 211 among US education schools.
Key insight: The US News Regional Universities Midwest ranking is the primary credential for SCSU because QS and THE do not currently include the institution. F-1 visa officers generally recognise US News accreditation as the reference set for tier evaluation.
Read More: SCSU Rankings Analysis for Indian Students
Saint Cloud State University Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
SCSU reports strong graduate employment outcomes tied to Minnesota corporate demand for STEM and healthcare talent.
- Employment within 3 years: 93.1% of alumni employed after graduation
- Full time offers within 6 months: 57% of graduating class
- Median earnings 6 years post entry: USD 47,215 per year (INR 45.21 lakh)
- Median earnings by field: Engineering USD 68,014 (INR 65.12 lakh), Computer Science USD 63,603 (INR 60.90 lakh), Health Professions USD 48,550 (INR 46.49 lakh)
- Top employers for international students: 3M, Medtronic, Open Access Technology International, UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Bank
Insider note: Indian STEM graduates cluster at 3M and Medtronic through STEM OPT extensions, and Twin Cities MedTech programmes at SCSU maintain direct hiring pipelines to UnitedHealth Group and Medtronic.
Saint Cloud State University vs Peer Universities
SCSU competes with mid tier Midwest publics on tuition and admission openness. The peers below match SCSU on cost and admission profile for Indian applicants.
| University | US News Regional Rank 2026 | Avg PG Tuition (USD) | Avg PG Tuition (INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Cloud State University | #95 Midwest | 10,147 to 19,822 | 9.72 to 18.98 lakh | ABET manufacturing engineering, lowest tuition in Minnesota State |
| Minnesota State University Mankato | #79 Midwest | 10,600 (estimated) | 10.15 lakh (estimated) | Larger engineering school |
| University of Northern Iowa | #37 Midwest | 11,470 (estimated) | 10.98 lakh (estimated) | Stronger business accreditation |
| Northwest Missouri State University | #77 Midwest | 10,850 (estimated) | 10.39 lakh (estimated) | Data science and cybersecurity focus |
| Wichita State University | #88 Midwest | 13,200 (estimated) | 12.64 lakh (estimated) | Aerospace industry links |
[Source: US News Best Colleges 2026; peer tuition figures estimated from institutional international pages]
SCSU stands out because the ACSS tuition reduction and graduate assistantship stipend push effective tuition below every peer in this set. The Minnesota State system tuition freeze also caps annual increases below the US average.
Indian applicants targeting STEM masters find SCSU MS Computer Science tuition of USD 10,147 (INR 9.72 lakh) per year notably lower than most Midwest peers. The 95% acceptance rate keeps the profile realistic for CGPA 6.0 to 7.0 applicants.
Saint Cloud State University suits Indian applicants who want a US accredited STEM master under a total investment of USD 60,000 (INR 57.45 lakh) across 2 years and target Minnesota corporate employers like 3M, Medtronic and UnitedHealth. The median 6 year salary of USD 47,215 (INR 45.21 lakh) offsets total cost inside 3 years, and the 3 year STEM OPT extension is a decisive Indian advantage over UK and Australia routes with shorter post study work windows.
SCSU is not the fit for Indian applicants seeking QS or THE top 500 branding, or for programmes outside Midwest corporate recruiting reach. Applicants targeting global brand recognition should shortlist Arizona State University or University of Illinois Chicago as realistic alternatives.
Saint Cloud State University FAQs
Ques. What English test scores does Saint Cloud State University accept from Indian applicants?
Ans. SCSU accepts TOEFL iBT (61 for undergraduate, 68 for most master programmes with no subscore below 16), IELTS (5.5 undergraduate, 6.0 graduate), and PTE (53). MS Computer Science requires TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.5, and MS Engineering Management requires TOEFL 79 or IELTS 6.5. Scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to SCSU using TOEFL code 6679.
Ques. Can Indian graduate applicants get an IELTS or TOEFL waiver at SCSU?
Ans. SCSU does not waive IELTS or TOEFL for Indian applicants purely on the basis of English medium bachelor instruction. Waivers are considered only when the Indian university certifies English as the language of instruction on the official transcript, or when the applicant has completed 24 credits at a US institution. Duolingo English Test is not currently listed as accepted for master programmes.
Ques. Is GRE mandatory for MS admission at Saint Cloud State University?
Ans. GRE is not mandatory for most MS programmes at SCSU including MS Computer Science, MS Information Assurance and MS Sports Management. Select master and doctoral tracks require GRE or GMAT, but graduate certificate programmes do not. Indian applicants should check the individual programme marketing page to confirm the current GRE policy before submitting the application.
Ques. How much financial proof does SCSU require for the F-1 visa application?
Ans. SCSU requires proof of USD 29,178 (INR 27.94 lakh) for undergraduate first year cost of attendance, and USD 30,875 to USD 34,768 (INR 29.56 to 33.29 lakh) for graduate programmes depending on the school. Bank statements must be dated within the last 6 months, and non English statements need certified English translations submitted with the application to enable I-20 processing.
Ques. Does Saint Cloud State University offer part time work for Indian students?
Ans. SCSU on campus jobs pay USD 10 to 15 per hour (INR 958 to 1,436) for up to 20 hours per week during term, meeting the F-1 visa work rule. Graduate assistantships are the highest paid on campus route, offering stipends up to USD 10,000 (INR 9.58 lakh) per academic year plus full tuition waiver. Off campus work is limited to CPT and OPT authorisations after the first academic year.
Ques. Which Indian banks recognise SCSU for education loans?
Ans. Saint Cloud State University features on the approved list of most public sector Indian banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda and Punjab National Bank, along with private lenders like HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred and Auxilo. Collateral free loans up to INR 40 lakh are commonly sanctioned for admitted SCSU master applicants given the moderate tuition band and the F-1 visa approval track record.
Ques. Can Indian applicants apply with a 3 year bachelor degree at SCSU?
Ans. SCSU accepts 3 year Indian bachelor degrees for graduate admission provided the degree is course by course evaluated as US bachelor equivalent by a NACES member agency like WES or ECE. Applicants with 3 year bachelor and no additional postgraduate diploma face a higher rejection risk, so pairing the bachelor with a 1 year PG diploma or a master strengthens the application.
Ques. What are the dependent visa rules for spouses of SCSU F-1 students?
Ans. Spouses and children under 21 of F-1 students at SCSU are eligible for F-2 dependent visas. F-2 spouses cannot work in the United States but may enrol in part time or vocational study. Indian applicants must add USD 6,500 (INR 6.22 lakh) per dependent to the financial proof submitted at application and secure separate bank statements dated within 6 months for each dependent.
Saint Cloud State University Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M.S Computer Science 1 year | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (15th Oct 2026) | USD 10,147 /Yr | 60 | TOEFL iBT: 100, IELTS: 7.5, Duolingo: 120 |
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Saint Cloud State University Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TEC Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| BeArt Presets-Academic Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,500 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Chuan Ai Lu Engstrom Memorial Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Jagdish Bhagwati Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCollege-Specific | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Comindware Scholarship | Scholarship per student$4,000 | Level Of StudyApprenticeship | TypeMerit-Based |
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Saint Cloud State University Admissions
Application Portal: https://www.stcloudstate.edu/scsu4u/admissions/
Early Action Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)Regular Decision Deadlines
Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)Important Date: April1 (Application results)
Saint Cloud State University Exam Scores
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Saint Cloud State University Accreditations
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9010 | 5452 | 3558 | 234 |
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At Saint Cloud State University, international students are offered scholarships only in their first year unless otherwise specified. You must submit an application before the deadline to be considered for scholarship.