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St. Cloud State University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See St. Cloud State University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending St. Cloud State University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free St. Cloud State University reviews, or contribute your own St. Cloud State University review if you're a current student there.

  • 10 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Karen from Spicer, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Although the core classes can be quite a joke. I do remember bits and pieces that may for some odd reason help me later in life.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love SCSU. It is a great school, big enough, but small enough to where you recognize a lot of people every day.
    Bang for the buck

    Pretty reasonable. Look for scholarships, there are lots of opportunities. Take the time to write an essay or whatnot, it is worth it when you won't have any loans in the end.
    Tips for prospective students

    Work hard right from the start. If you don't do well your first year, your GPA will stay low. It's hard to get it up from being low, so start high.
    Don't procrastinate, it will bite you in the end.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for athletes, outgoing, energetic people.

  • 5 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Kellie from Fargo, ND

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The class sizes are just right here and you are able to get to know professors if you try. If you want a good education you can certainly get one here but if you just want to party, you won't be alone. College is different than high school, you do have to try and study to learn but it's not difficult and SCSU has a lot of resources to help you out.
    Am enjoying being here

    The people on SCSU campus are great! Everybody always has a ton of energy and you can always find something to do. There are a lot of programs and different entertainment things to do every day. There's never a dull moment on campus.
    Bang for the buck

    The education is exactly what I would expect for what I pay. The price is very reasonable compared to other campus' around the area. All in all, you get what you work for. So if you want a great education and you work hard for it SCSU will offer it to you. But if you just want to get by and don't really care, that's what you'll get.
    Tips for prospective students

    SCSU is known for it's partying, and there is a lot of that going on at campus but stay focused and remember that you are in college to get an education for your future. You have the rest of your life to party so don't waste the money on tuition if you're not going to try.
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone and everyone. There are students from all over the world, many different backgrounds, and perspectives on life. I guarantee you will find someone just like you.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Megan from Silver Bay, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    You learn a ton in a short time. Some core classes will be easy and produce a lot of busy work, but if you get through those you should be well on your way to greatness. The people and the teachers provide a wide area for learning, and if you are open to new things and people you will find that this is the school for you.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is small enough to know people but big enough that you don't know everybody.
    Bang for the buck

    Reasonably priced, but when it comes to text books try and buy them on ebay or amazon cause you will be spending too much on books if you buy them from the book store on campus.
    Tips for prospective students

    Have an open mind, start out your freshman semesters studying hard and watching your GPA. If you mess up your first semester it is a long hard road to get it back up. Great place to meet international people and broaden your horizons. Oh, and networking is key. Make friends and connections with the professors and administration. You never know where those connections may lead.
    Great for these types of students

    If you like to be active, love adventures, and like to meet new people than this is the school for you.

  • 5 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Lindie from Saint Cloud, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I do believe that I have learned a lot from my professors at SCSU. For the most part, they make themselves available to students. The only downfall I have encountered is the English speaking abilities of some teachers. I recently had a teacher where I could not understand a word, therefore it was very difficult for me to take notes. He explained to us that his tests are formulated 50% by his lecture notes. This was a great disadvantage to me and my fellow classmates.
    Am enjoying being here

    I do enjoy being at SCSU. There is great diversity which makes the campus very colorful. SCSU is definately a melting pot.
    Bang for the buck

    I do believe that I get my money's worth at SCSU. Of course, as a college student with financial difficulties (just like every other college student) I would like college to be less expensive. I think that if colleges lowered their tuition costs, more people would then attend college.
    Tips for prospective students

    The only tip that I can give incoming students is to be open to other ethnicities and cultures.
    Great for these types of students

    SCSU is a great school for basically anyone.

  • 5 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    Amanda from Racine, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    SCSU has a lot to offer. They have a great Nursing program, they are highly recognized for their Education programs (Special Ed., Sports Ed., etc.), and the Business programs are some of the best in the nation. I love that all my teachers aren't locals. SCSU makes sure that you learn as much as you can about new things before you apply to your major. The General Education classes are very interesting and you have a bunch to chose from.
    Am enjoying being here

    I enjoy living close to campus, as well as living in the dorms last year. SCSU has concerts and speakers come from all over the world for our entertainment and different interests. Last year Plain White Tee's, Ne-Yo, and Snow Patrol came. Not to mention all the student organized activities. There are talent shows, visual arts performances, and a lot of other activities right on campus. The city isn't too bad either. Crossroads Mall isn't but a 5 minute drive away, and the grocery stores are even closer. St. Cloud Metro (bus system) runs 7 days a week and stops right in front of our Miller Center Library (on campus). So you can go to and from anywhere very easily. Did I mention the SCSU Hockey team? Those games are a blast to go to as well.
    Bang for the buck

    There is so much to do here and with all that SCSU has to offer with the wide variety of culture and activities, that I can't believe I am paying under $10, 000 a year to go here. They have great programs that at any other college, you would be paying over $20, 000 a semester to attend. If you dorm and have a meal plan, you'll be getting the most of your college education because you never have to leave campus!
    Tips for prospective students

    Know what you are getting into before you come. Make sure you look into your majors of interest before you apply. SCSU offers tours and Saturdays @ State events. These are a great way to figure out if SCSU fits you and your families needs. You can also take a drive around town to see what the City of St. Cloud has to offer. There are many Churches and restaurants for your convenience.
    Great for these types of students

    People who love to be social and aren't afraid of making new friends are going to blossom here. Dorming your first year is the best way to meet new people. People who are coming internationally will also love SCSU. We have a large population of international students and have made a lot of accommodations for them to still feel at home.

  • 4 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Madelaine from Fond Du Lac, WI

    Reviewer is A past student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Did learn a lot

    I loved the learning environment here and the teachers were always willing to help you. They would even give you their cell phone numbers in case of an emergency or you just needed personal help.
    Did enjoy being here

    I loved being in St. Cloud. The city was perfect size, nothing was too far away and it was close enough to the airport in the Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota.
    Bang for the buck

    Everything was priced basically how it was where I came from. The only thing that got a tad bit pricey was food from Pizza Hut or Burger King :P
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure to set rules with your roommate, such as if you are going out that when you come back you won't be loud, or every other week you take out the trash or if you are talking on the phone go out in the hallway. Get involved as much as you can, you want to meet alot of people and network as much as you can, it will help you further down the road. Make sure to bring something that reminds you of home, whether it be a pillow, or a blanket that smells like your house, it's always nice to have a reminder of home :)
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who loves to attend sporting events, especially hockey since they are a Divison 1 hockey team. Thoes who like to get involved in clubs, they have a club for anything you can imagine!

  • 4 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Paige from Champlin, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There are so many different classes that are available to take and it gives you the opportunity to learn what you want to learn. I have learned a lot of stuff that I learned in high school, the only difference is that you go more in depth in college. College gives the chance to learn things that are not always possible in high school.
    Am enjoying being here

    This school offers many activities and since it is a large school there is always something going on. There are many people here and many different groups. One things that people like about this school is the diversity. My favorite things are the hockey games, the on campus restaurants, and my friends.
    Bang for the buck

    The school is a pretty decent price for what you can get out of it. Most of the classrooms have a small amount of people which makes learning easier-and hey, your at college to learn right?
    Tips for prospective students

    Look at all the things when applying to a college- make sure your happy with the city, the clubs, the class room sizes and the living space! If your going to be living somewhere for 9 months, you might as well enjoy it and make the best out of it!
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great if you are interested in sports, or are into multicultural activities! It also is good if you enjoy a large school size with an easy to adapt to campus. Students who enjoy doing things off campus will also really enjoy it because the city of Saint Cloud has a lot to offer!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Daniel from Albertville, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    st. cloud state university is a great place to go to college. staff and students are friendly. campus is nicely setup.
    Tips for prospective students

    apply before the deadline that automatically enters you for school scholarships.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Chelsea from Paynesville, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Depending on your major, some of the prerequisites have larger class sizes. I personally enjoy them more; however, the only drawback is that you don't really get to know your professors or other students.
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved! There are so many activities on campus to choose from. Within the first month of classes, there is a fair where all of the organizations lineup on campus. It's a great way to get information about things you are interested in.
    Academic Rigor

    In high school I was always told college would be super hard but I'm finding the opposite to be true. In most classes it's easy to get an A or B by doing very little work.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms are fairly close to most of your freshman-year classes. However, they tend to get loud and the showers in Mitchell do not work nearly as well as the ones in other buildings such as Stearns. Be sure to go on tours of the dorms and think of how you'd want to share a room when signing up for the dorms.
    Food and Dining

    Garvey is pretty horrid. People complain of the Garvey runs. They sometimes have good food, but my first semester I only ate pizza and salads.
    What to do for fun

    SCSU has plenty of on campus activites. There is Atwood afterdark, where they have tons of games and activites planned. There are tons of cultural nights, which are a cheap way to get super good food. There are also movie nights in Atwood every Thursday through Sunday evening. Also, at the beginning of the year there was a super fun Jonny Holmes concert.
    Bang for the buck

    SCSU is a great school for a really low price. The education, nursing and buisness programs all have a super good rep too!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Last year they the first ever naked mile across campus, which I thought was a pretty cool thing.
    Great for these types of students

    I feel SCSU is great for all types of students! There is such a diverse population that anyone could fit in and anyone could find their niche.
    Clubs and Activities

    SCSU has over 200 clubs and activites. There are tons of intramurals, which can be a great way to expand your group of friends.
    Greek Life

    You don't really hear much about Greek life here. There really isn't a Greek row like larger campuses or any stereotypical ragers.
    Campus Safety

    There are blue emergency lights all across campus and campus security is always moving around. However, because St. Cloud is a larger town, I wouldn't venture too far off campus alone.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Amber from Champlin, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am currently finishing up my first semester of college. I am in general education classes now and they aren't as hard as I thought they would be. The library here is a great place to go to study and finish assignments.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love the campus, class size, dorm life, and people. Very helpful and friendly professors here! I live in Mitchell Hall and I absolutely love it. I feel very safe on this campus, and there is also many helpful resources for students.
    Bang for the buck

    Definitely affordable. I'm a broke college kid but the student loans and financial aid help out!
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't fall behind on homework. It's good to stay ahead of schedule so you get the best grade you can.
    Great for these types of students

    Many say St. Cloud State is a party school but there is so much more to it! I've made so many close friends now. Plus now there is so much freedom and choice so it is what yo make of your time here!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Dureti from Brooklyn Park, MN

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I am looking forward to getting a great education at st cloud! I have attend one of the classes there and the professors are great. They interact with the students and keep the lectures interesting.
    Will enjoy being here

    I definitely will enjoy being there! People are so kind and helpful which makes st cloud welcoming.
    Bang for the buck

    They have a lot of scholarships so I'll be hunting those down as soon as I get there!
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit st cloud and do an over night stay you might just like it. Research then apply.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students who are out going, ready to meet new people and are open minded.

  • 0 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    David from Erda, UT

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I have only heard good about this college, and I live in Utah!

  • 0 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Tabitha from Moberly, MO

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will enjoy being here

    They Have Alot of things you can do there

  • Ian from Bloomington, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St.Cloud State is a very diverse college. It is big four year college along the mississippi river. With more than 200 programs it has a lot to offer academically and a great chance to find individual interests in life.
    Tips for prospective students

    For incoming students I would recommend that you familiarize yourself with all the tools that can help you succeed your freshman year. The freshman year of college can be an overwhelming time in a students academic career because there is so much to adjust to and gain knowledge about. There is services such as the multi cultural student services that help minorities or second language students with programs that will get them more comfortable and give them information that freshman would love to know of in the beginning of the school year.
    Academic Rigor

    The university is a state school so I cannot compare it to a huge division one school that in reality is more technical than the state colleges. Even though it is a state school you might find that some classes are very hard to pass. This is because the professors are sometimes hard and maybe the combination of two or more heavy load credit classes can affect your semester. As long as you show up to class because attendance is usually mandatory in most general education classes than you will be fine. The Miller Center which is the second biggest college library in the state has a lot of tutoring help and online databases that can help reduce your stress and are great tools to help on hard homework, papers, and or if you want to study for your finals. Finals I'd say are very hard but most professors will give you plenty of time so you won't have to worry about being rushed.
    Dorm Life

    The dorm life in st cloud state is very entertaining. I lived in Shoemaker hall and we had a few dances and big events that you would have chances to win great prizes and get accompanied by great people and eat great food which is a good part of that! The dorm I lived in was recently remodeled on one side so there is a huge 72 inch T.V and other great study rooms and a computer lab that is open 24/7.
    The rest of the resident halls are scheduled to be remodeled and they are actually starting in the next year. I think its great because the dorm sizes will be bigger and newer technology will be available in the dorm rooms.
    Food and Dining

    Gravey Commons has a lot to offer and I guarantee that you are going to have great dreams about it the first few weeks of school. Compared to other college cafeterias our meal options should be considered gourmet food. The cafeteria itself is very big and has a couple available computers inside it so if you feel rushed you can complete you rwork if no one is in one of the two computer stations which they are usually empty. The cafeteria has a saute bar a salad bar, a deli, and the main grill where the double burgers are grilled which are my favorite by the way.
    What to do for fun

    There is so much to do for fun, if you have any hobby you love then you can probably find a group of people that are interested in the same one and have a club team. If there is no club team it is very easy for you to get one started. Lets say you are interested in boxing and have a couple friends that are as well then you can go apply with participants willing to perform you have your own class. The athletic facilities are state of the art and there is so much to do such as basketball,football,yoga classes,dance classes,etc. and the dome is up so you do not have to worry about the weaher in the winter time. Oh and a plus is the bowling alley inside Atwood memorial center. Downstairs you can enjoy a great night and maybe even catch one of the latest movies that are aired in atwood for free at night once a week!
    Bang for the buck

    My advice for people would be to save your munch money. You might be wondering what munch money is but it is $200.00 that is put on your student i.d for the semester. With this money you can purchase food from places such as subway,WOW wingery, burger joints, pizza hut. The money might sound a lot for the semester but remember! you have to save it for half the school year so be smart and do not be tempted to eat out everyday and waste your money. Garvey is a great place so take advantage of your meal plan. I would also recommend selling back your books at the end of the semester. The on campus book store is at centennial hall but I do not recommend the on campus book stores because they will give you a fraction of what other book stores that are only about a minute off campus would give you
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    some locations on campus that are great to hang out at are atwood memorial center there is a lot of comfortable places to rest at in between classes if you do not want to walk all the way back to your room you can take a nap and get some caribou coffee that is also located in atwood memorial center
    Great for these types of students

    adventorous
    enjoy having a social life outside of class
    leaders
    great business program
    Clubs and Activities

    there is a club for everything i swear. As well as having the freedom to be able to pick any club you would like to innovate is great and take advantage of it.
    Greek Life

    The greek life here is very involved with the community,though they are not as well known on campus it would be a great opportunity to join one of the sororitys or fraternitys to gain professional networks that could further help you succeed in life.
    Campus Safety

    Csmpus is pretty safe, just do not walk alone late at night because it can get sketchy, there is dangerous people but the st cloud state university officials try to ensure the safety of all of its students.

  • Larissa from Plymouth, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St. Cloud state is a great school. It has classes that push you to do your best and professors that are willing to help you.
    Tips for prospective students

    Work hard in your classes, pay attention and do your homework. Be careful with your social life, you have the freedom when you go to college but you have responsibilities as well.
    Academic Rigor

    They expect you to do your best in your classes, there is slack in some and professors are willing to help when needed.
    Dorm Life

    It can get annoying living with so many different people, not having any privacy. But, the dorm life helps you meet many people, life long friends and lets you make memories that will last a life time.
    Food and Dining

    Gets old after a while, but good food.
    What to do for fun

    There is bowling, you can go for walks, events once a month on Fridays, the gym, and much more.
    Bang for the buck

    You can get good deals around the school but some of the stores have pretty high prices.
    Clubs and Activities

    I wasn't in any clubs
    Greek Life

    Not really much out there for greek life.
    Campus Safety

    There were a few incidents over the year, but overall safety was good.

  • Sonny from Saint Cloud, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    St. Cloud State University is a truly positive, educational institution. It provides the knowledge one seeks when deciding colleges and offers a life unlike other institutions. Those who experience it understand its superior qualities.
    Tips for prospective students

    It is important when contemplating what college to choose to incorporate not only the academic aspect but also the life that can be provided. Prospective students should actively be involved and network rigorously while attending college. They should keep a positive attitude and stay focused, as well as develop relationships with their peers and faculty.
    Academic Rigor

    St. Cloud State University's Business College (Herberger Business School) is an AACSB International Accredited School. AACSB International accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools, worldwide. Institutions that earn accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement through a rigorous and comprehensive peer review (http://www.stcloudstate.edu/hbs/about/accreditation.asp). This means that those attending the business college will be tested and challenged academically.
    Dorm Life

    Residential Life on campus is exceptional. I lived in a dorm my first year. I was put in a room with a girl I did not know. I was fortunate to become great friends with this girl. There is a perceived notion prior to attending college that dorm life is something to fear, but in my experience it was wonderful. It is important to go into with an open mind.
    Food and Dining

    St. Cloud State University provides its students with a dining hall, called Garvey Commons. This was not my favorite place to eat. They should update their food options to more healthier choices. Off campus though, the city of St. Cloud provides numerous restaurants that students can choose from all within a very close proximity, this is extremely convenient.
    What to do for fun

    There is a wonderful array of diverse people on this campus to meet and build relationships with. There is a great downtown area to experience, as long as it is in moderation and school comes first. Also, the student union (Atwood) holds many activities for students to partake in. There is a wide variety of fun to be had at this University.
    Bang for the buck

    SCSU has an exceptional library. It is a good reason for choosing this school. It provides everything a student could need to help support their academic career.
    Clubs and Activities

    There is an abundance of clubs to participate in at this school. I am currently in the Entrepreneurship Club which I love. It is mostly a speaker-based club, real Entrepreneurs (mainly St. Cloud State alumni) come in and speak to us about their journey, it is incredibly educational and interesting.

  • Hilary from Becker, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    the college is close to home and fairly cheap which is why i applied. campus is well laid out and finding classes is easy. a lot of people from my high school attend scsu.
    Tips for prospective students

    read up on potential professiors!!!!!
    Academic Rigor

    the classes are challenging but i probably should've only started with maybe three courses instead of four.
    Dorm Life

    na
    Food and Dining

    na
    What to do for fun

    there is always something going on and a speaker like every onther weekend as well as athletic events.

  • Jacob from Brainerd, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    it is a great school in my opinion. the student body lacks spirit but overall is very friendly and easy to mingle. also the campus is small which makes it easy to get around.
    Tips for prospective students

    get involved and meet lots of people.
    What to do for fun

    go to hockey games, socialize, joining a club.
    Bang for the buck

    the tuition compared to a lot of other schools around the state is relatively low but at the same time i feel the professors hired are sometimes lacking.
    Clubs and Activities

    tons of clubs and intramural sports to join.

  • Valarie from Maple Grove, MN

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Jacob from St. Cloud, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    All of the proffesors ive had have been great and you get a lot out of class!
    Am enjoying being here

    I am heavily involved with organizations on campus which makes me enjoy my time more, But SCSU is a huge commuter school so it gets a little boring in town after 4pm
    Bang for the buck

    SCSU is the second largest university in Minnesota and has the cheapest tuition of any 4 year institution in the state
    Tips for prospective students

    Know how to study and be prepared for the much higher demand of college courses
    Great for these types of students

    Great for students looking at teaching, business, or media careers!