Saint Cloud State University
Saint Cloud, MN, USA

Reviews

Saint Cloud State University

Karen from Spicer, MN

a current student here
12 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Kellie from Fargo, ND

a current student here
11 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Amanda from Racine, WI

a current student here
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Megan from Silver Bay, MN

a current student here
6 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Lindie from Saint Cloud, MN

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Madelaine from Fond Du Lac, WI

a past student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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!

Nicole from St. Cloud, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
I love St. Cloud State. The classes are great, the teachers are wonderfully helpful and your class schedule is so flexible. The best part is that the campus is on the Mississippi River, which provides a beautiful scenery.
Tips for prospective students
With all the things to do on and around campus it can be tempting to go out with friends all the time instead of study but I believe you really want to succeed here you have to find a healthy balance of school and fun. It's okay to say no to friends sometimes.
Academic Rigor
Classes here can be pretty challenging, but with a little hard work and determination it all pays off in the end. The best part is the classes here are interesting and mind provoking. They make you think and they give you valuable information that you can use later on in life.
Dorm Life
Although sharing a bathroom with 11 other girls can get tricky you meet a ton of new people and there's always something to do. Getting to know people is easy and fun and there will never be a dull moment,
Food and Dining
The dining halls are always kept clean and that's great because no one wants to eat somewhere dirty and there are always multiple dishes to choose from at every meal. The only problem is that sometimes the selection from day to day can be limited and sometimes having pizza everyday can get a little old and unhealthy.
Other than the dining hall there are also places like Subway and WOW! on campus as well that provide a great alternative to eating pizza and spaghetti for every meal.
What to do for fun
Since St. Cloud is a large city there are all sorts of fun and interesting things to do. There's the mall and restaurants. There's parks and the quarrys to swim and play at. There is places to bike and roller blade. There are theaters and hole in the wall shops that are fun to explore. And of course there is all the on campus events. I assure you there will never be a dull moment when you are here.
Bang for the buck
I believe that the students that attend St. Cloud State are getting what they are paying for. There's a beautiful campus, lots to do, and plenty of places to get a job. There are also a lot of on campus resources including free help finding a major, help with resume and cover letters, you can get help at doing better in interviews and much, much more.
Clubs and Activities
At St. Cloud State there are a ton of clubs and activities providing something for everyone. When going here no one has to worry about fitting in because we have everything from student government to racquetball. With over 250 clubs and activities there's bound to be something for everyone.
Campus Safety
Campus safety is amazing. The campus police are around 24/7 watching to keep us safe. They assure that there is nothing dangerous around to keep students safe. And at night all the dorms are locked so only students can get in.

Sonny from Saint Cloud, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Jacob from St. Cloud, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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!

Amber from Champlin, MN

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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!