Saint Cloud State University

What are the graduation rates for students at Saint Cloud State University?

Saint Cloud State University reports graduation rates that fall toward the lower range when compared nationally. The overall graduation rate is 47%, positioning the university in the bottom 30% nationally. This suggests that less than half of students complete their programs within the traditional timeframe. When analyzing graduation rates by gender, the figures vary moderately: men graduate at a rate of 42%, while women graduate at a slightly higher rate of 51%. Both rates still place these groups in the lower percentiles, with men in the bottom 35% and women in the bottom 30% nationally.

The university's four-year graduation rate is notably low at 27%, ranking in the bottom 25%. This metric reflects the challenges many students face completing their programs within four years. Extending the window to six years improves outcomes, with a graduation rate of 46%, yet this remains in the bottom 30% range, indicating that nearly half of those who start do not graduate even over a longer period.

Retention rates provide additional insight, as 68% of first-time students continue their studies after the first year. This retention rate is also considered low, ranking in the bottom 30%. Retention is a key factor in eventual graduation, suggesting obstacles early in students' academic journeys may affect their ability to finish their degrees.

What is the earning potential for graduates at Saint Cloud State University?

Graduates from Saint Cloud State University experience a wide range of earning potential depending on their chosen field of study. Among the highest-earning degrees are those in the technology and engineering sectors. For instance, graduates with a degree in Computer Science earn an average of $72,734, while those in Computer Engineering and Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering report average earnings of $70,890 and $67,563 respectively. Mechanical Engineering graduates also enjoy competitive earnings, averaging $65,589.

Business-related degrees present solid earning opportunities as well. Accounting and Related Services graduates earn around $54,311, and those in Business Administration, Management and Operations receive approximately $42,820. Finance and Financial Management Services hold similar earning levels at $42,839, while Marketing graduates earn about $43,809.

The health and allied health professions also offer encouraging returns. Registered Nursing graduates have average earnings of $66,404, while those with a degree in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science reach $65,397. Mental and Social Health Services graduates earn roughly $43,232, and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions graduates earn about $34,528 on average.

Education and teaching fields show moderate earning potential, with Special Education and Teaching graduates earning roughly $41,408. More specific teacher education areas report earnings from $37,838 to $38,697. Graduates in criminal justice earn on average $43,607, indicating opportunities in public service sectors.

Other notable fields include Natural Resources Conservation and Research, where graduates average $44,805, and Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management at $54,472. Social sciences such as Psychology yield average earnings between $32,978 and $33,200, while degrees in Communication and Media Studies come with earnings around $36,050.

Degrees in the arts tend to have lower average earnings, with Fine and Studio Arts graduates earning about $26,825 and English Language and Literature graduates approximately $28,844. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies attract earnings around $34,784, and Public Health graduates hold an average income near $33,190.