St. Cloud State University Admission Requirements

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  • 4 Year
  • Saint Cloud, MN
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#5 Best Public Universities in Minnesota

St. Cloud State University Admission Overview

St. Cloud State University admission requirements are summarized from last year's class. Last year St. Cloud State University admitted 94.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.4 GPA (B+) and SAT 1025-1260 / ACT 17-25. St. Cloud State University is test-optional, so you choose whether to send SAT or ACT. Those figures describe last year's class, not a score you must hit.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

St. Cloud State University Acceptance Rate

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance rate

94.8%

Admission Standards

Moderate

Applicant Competition

Very Low

Very Low
Low
Average
High
Very High
Extreme

Admission difficulty for Saint Cloud State University

Acceptance Rate

The St. Cloud State University acceptance rate is 94.8%. Last year, 5,665 of 5,976 applicants were admitted. That is the 32nd lowest acceptance rate in Minnesota.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into St. Cloud State University and can you get accepted?

St. Cloud State University is an easy school to get into, admitting most applicants. You have a very good chance of acceptance if you meet last year's profile.

Saint Cloud State University typically attracts "B+" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.4. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top half of their high school class. 17% of those admitted chose to enroll.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

St. Cloud State University GPA

GPA of enrolled freshmen

Avg. High School GPA

3.4

Typical High School Grades

B+

Average GPA (4.0 Scale) 3.4

0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

Average GPA

Enrolled freshmen at St. Cloud State University typically have around a 3.4 GPA (B+) on a 4.0 scale. That is last year's class average, not a cutoff. Enrolled students typically have above average high school grades. St. Cloud State University is test-optional. If you withhold SAT or ACT, GPA carries more weight.

The school ranks #23 in Minnesota for highest average GPA.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.4 GPA range.

Competitiveness by GPA Ranges

Share of last year's freshmen in each GPA range, compared with the rest of the class.

High school GPA ranges for enrolled Saint Cloud State University freshmen
High School GPA Freshmen Within Range Competitiveness
4.0 7.0% Good
3.75 to 3.99 19.0% Avg +
3.50 to 3.74 22.0% Avg +
3.25 to 3.49 15.0% Avg -
3.00 to 3.24 11.0% Avg -
2.50 to 2.99 20.0% Reach
2.00 to 2.49 6.0% Low
1.00 to 1.99 0% Low
less than 1.00 0% Low

What do these figures mean?

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2024

St. Cloud State University SAT Scores

SAT scores of enrolled freshmen

SAT Range

1025-1260

Freshmen who sent SAT

1%

25th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 510
  • Math 515
  • Composite 1025
SAT 25th percentile scores for Saint Cloud State University

75th Percentile Scores

  • Reading 615
  • Math 645
  • Composite 1260
SAT 75th percentile scores for Saint Cloud State University

Average SAT

Enrolled testers at St. Cloud State University typically score around a 1140 SAT (middle 50% 1025–1260) out of 1600. That is last year's class, not a cutoff. The average SAT of enrolled testers is about the 66th percentile nationally. St. Cloud State University ranks #17 in the state of Minnesota for highest average SAT composite score.

SAT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 1025 to 1260

800 1000 1200 1400 1600

SAT policy

St. Cloud State University is test-optional. You choose whether to send SAT. If you send a score, it is considered.

View other colleges which accept students in the 1140 SAT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How SAT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares SAT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. It is not a personal chance of admission. If you withhold SAT, skip this table.

SAT ranges vs last year's enrolled testers at Saint Cloud State University
SAT Score (1600 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
1260+ Above 75th >97%
1140 to 1260 Avg + 95%-97%
1025 to 1140 Avg - 91%-95%
Below 1025 Below mid-50 <91%

What do these figures mean?

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

St. Cloud State University ACT Scores

ACT scores among enrolled freshmen

ACT Range

17-25

Freshmen reporting ACT

22%

25th Percentile Scores

  • English 15
  • Math 17
  • Composite 17
ACT 25th percentile scores for Saint Cloud State University

75th Percentile Scores

  • English 23
  • Math 24
  • Composite 25
ACT 75th percentile scores for Saint Cloud State University

Average ACT

Incoming testers at St. Cloud State University typically have around a 21 ACT (mid-50 17–25) on the 36 scale. That reflects last year's enrolled testers, not a cutoff. That average sits near the 57th percentile of ACT takers nationwide. St. Cloud State University places #25 among colleges in Minnesota for highest average ACT composite.

ACT Range (25th-75th Percentile) 17 to 25

1 9 18 27 36

ACT policy

You may apply to St. Cloud State University without ACT. A score you do send is still reviewed.

See colleges with similar ACT profiles in the 21.0 ACT score range.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

How ACT scores compare with last year's enrolled testers

This table compares ACT ranges with last year's enrolled testers and the school's acceptance rate. They are not your individual odds. If you leave ACT off your application, you can skip this table.

ACT bands compared with last year's enrolled testers at Saint Cloud State University
ACT Score (36 scale) Competitiveness Admission Chances
25+ Above 75th >97%
21 to 25 Avg + 95%-97%
17 to 21 Avg - 91%-95%
Below 17 Below mid-50 <91%

How to read these figures

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

High School Class Rank

Class Rank of Admitted Students

66% of Saint Cloud State University freshman are in the top half of their high school graduating class and 28% are in the top quarter.

High School Class Rank for admitted Saint Cloud State University students
High School Class Rank Freshmen Within Range
Top 10% of class 8%
Top 25% of class 28%
Top 50% of class 66%

Data Source, Peterson's Data

Estimate How You Compare

See how your GPA and scores compare with last year's enrolled testers. You can mark that you will withhold scores.

Open the St. Cloud State University chances calculator

Applying

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed in the table below.

Saint Cloud State University admission statistics
Women Men Total
Applied 3,116 2,860 5,976
Accepted 2,929 2,736 5,665
Acceptance Rate 94% 96% 95%
Enrolled 501 437 938
Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) 17% 16% 17%

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Saint Cloud State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Saint Cloud State University application requirements
Requirement Used for Admission
Test Scores Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional)
High School GPA Required to be considered for admission
High School Class Rank Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Completion of College Preparatory Program Not required for admission, but considered if submitted
Recommendations Not considered for admission, even if submitted
Demonstration of Competencies Not considered for admission, even if submitted

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Fall 2027 Application Deadline

Applications Due

Aug 15, 2027

Days left to Apply

349

Applicants have 349 days left until the Fall 2027 term applications are due on Aug 15, 2027.

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Saint Cloud State University is $0. The school is free to apply to.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Credits Accepted

High school credits accepted at Saint Cloud State University
Credit Type Accepted
AP Credit Yes
Dual Credit Yes
Credit for Life Experiences Yes

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Admission summary

St. Cloud State University is test-optional for 2024-25. Last year it admitted 94.8% of applicants. Enrolled freshmen typically had about a 3.4 GPA (about an B+ average). Send SAT/ACT if you are at or above this campus mid-50 (1025-1260); otherwise withhold. Mid-50 scores, where shown, are enrolled testers, not cutoffs.

Data Source, IPEDS 2025 survey for academic year 2024/2025

Other Colleges to Apply To

Students applying to Saint Cloud State University often consider these colleges

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=174783.

GPA calculator: Saint Cloud State University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026