Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at Saint Cloud State University

Saint Cloud State's education program sits squarely in the middle of Minnesota's teaching landscape—graduates earn $40,580 initially, placing them in the 40th percentile statewide. That's roughly $2,000 below what new teachers from other Minnesota programs typically make, and about $4,000 less than graduates from the state's stronger programs like Martin Luther College or UMN-Morris. The debt load of $25,449 is actually slightly better than state and national averages, yielding a manageable 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio, but the modest starting salary means it will still take time to pay down.

The more pressing concern is the earnings trajectory. Four years out, graduates see only a 5% increase to $42,417—minimal growth in a field where salary schedules typically reward experience more generously. This suggests graduates may be finding positions in lower-paying districts or facing slower advancement than peers from other programs. With 95% of applicants admitted and relatively modest academic credentials among the student body, Saint Cloud State serves an important access mission, but families should know they're not getting the premium placement outcomes available at more selective Minnesota education programs.

For families committed to teaching and looking to stay in-state, this program offers adequate preparation at reasonable cost. Just understand you're likely starting slightly behind peers from competing programs, and that gap may not close quickly.