St. Cloud State University Nursing Programs: What to Know (2026)
St. Cloud State University’s Department of Nursing offers a CCNE-accredited Traditional BSN on campus (with a selective High School Early Acceptance pathway), plus an accelerated online RN-to-BSN. Pre-licensure admission is TEAS-weighted and competitive. This guide cites SCSU 2025–26 cost of attendance and the Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN PDF (2022–2025)—confirm every figure with SCSU and the Board.
Contents
Quick Facts
Key Takeaway
SCSU nursing emphasizes holistic, culturally responsive care, a Nursing Science simulation lab, and a one-month senior capstone with partners statewide. CentraCare has committed support referenced on program pages for graduate nursing education development—confirm whether MSN/DNP tracks are enrolling in the catalog before you plan beyond BSN/RN-BSN. Use the official application points table (TEAS-heavy) to gauge competitiveness.
Overview & Why Students Choose St. Cloud State University
St. Cloud State University sits in St. Cloud, Minnesota—a regional hub between the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota—within the Minnesota State system. The Department of Nursing (College of Health and Wellness Professions) delivers a holistic, evidence-informed pre-licensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a Nursing Science Lab (low- through high-fidelity simulation) and a senior capstone immersion. Graduates are positioned for NCLEX-RN, and program materials note eligibility for Minnesota public health nurse certification and school nurse licensure options. Licensed RNs can add the online RN-to-BSN completion pathway.
Start planning from the SCSU Department of Nursing hub, then open Application Process for the points-based pre-licensure rubric or the RN Baccalaureate Completion and accelerated online RN-to-BSN pages for post-licensure details.
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing Number and First-time Success Rate of NCLEX-RN Candidates Educated in Minnesota Professional Nursing Programs 2022–2025 (PDF), St. Cloud State University had a reported 76.92% first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate in 2025 with 65 first-time candidates (baccalaureate-and-higher programs table). In the same PDF, the 2025 aggregate first-time pass rate for all Minnesota baccalaureate-and-higher RN programs was 85.12%. Earlier years in that table were stronger for SCSU (e.g., 95.31% in 2024 with 64 candidates). Confirm current rates with the Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Data and St. Cloud State.
Reasons students choose St. Cloud State
Regional clinical breadth & capstone
SCSU describes partnerships across Minnesota and a required one-month capstone for applied learning—confirm your cohort’s placement process with the department.
CCNE-accredited BSN & RN-BSN
The university states the bachelor’s nursing programs hold Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation; programs are also approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Simulation & skills lab
The Nursing Science Lab supports low-, medium-, and high-fidelity practice before live patient care, as described on the nursing program page.
Transparent TEAS-heavy ranking
The application page publishes an objective 110-point scale where TEAS can account for up to 60 points—useful for applicants who want clear scoring rules.
Flexible online RN-to-BSN
Working RNs can pursue 30 nursing credits in about 10 months through accelerated 7-week courses with multiple starts, per the online program partner site.
Nursing Programs Offered
The following aligns with stcloudstate.edu/nursing, the Nursing BS program page, and the catalog Nursing, BS entry. Pre-licensure pathways are listed first, then post-licensure RN-to-BSN. SCSU materials reference future graduate nursing development with CentraCare—verify in the current catalog before assuming MSN/DNP admission is available.
Pre-licensure (NCLEX-RN intent)
Traditional BSN (Nursing, Bachelor of Science)
Campus-based pre-licensure curriculum integrating sciences, liberal education, and nursing major coursework; prepares for NCLEX-RN. Includes simulation and diverse clinical experiences with a senior capstone. CCNE-accredited per SCSU.
High School Early Acceptance
Select incoming freshmen who list Nursing BS can receive guaranteed admission to the nursing major in the second semester of sophomore year if they maintain published benchmarks (e.g., 3.0 GPA, B or better in prerequisites per the Early Acceptance page). Requires strong high-school metrics such as 3.6+ GPA and ACT 24+ for consideration—see the official page.
Post-licensure
RN Baccalaureate Completion (RN-to-BSN)
Online completion for licensed RNs—about 30 credits of nursing coursework in a cohort model with capstone clinical learning in the student’s community. Marketed through SCSU’s accelerated online RN-to-BSN partner site at $350/credit (fees included per that page). CCNE-accredited per SCSU. Effective Spring B 2025, the RN-BSN page states no new international student admission to that online program.
This guide does not list MSN, DNP, ADN, or a marketed Accelerated BSN (ABSN) for second-degree students because they are not featured on the main nursing pages reviewed here. If you need an ADN or ABSN, browse related Minnesota nursing schools or confirm catalog updates with SCSU.
NCLEX-RN Pass Rate
The Minnesota Board of Nursing publishes first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates for Minnesota baccalaureate-and-higher (professional) nursing programs in one table. St. Cloud State University appears as a single institutional row; the PDF does not separate traditional BSN testers from RN-BSN completers unless a narrower report is issued.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2025 — first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate (St. Cloud State University, baccalaureate-and-higher table) | 76.92% (65 first-time candidates), per Minnesota Board of Nursing PDF |
| 2024 | 95.31% (64 candidates) |
| 2023 | 94.52% (73 candidates) |
| 2022 | 97.18% (71 candidates) |
| 2025 — Minnesota aggregate (all baccalaureate-and-higher RN programs, same PDF) | 85.12% first-time pass (statewide aggregate) |
| Source | Minnesota Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN Professional Nursing Programs 2022–2025 (PDF); Education Statistical Data. Confirm current data with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and St. Cloud State University. |
NCLEX outcomes change by cohort and class size. Always confirm the latest first-time pass rates with the Minnesota Board of Nursing and St. Cloud State University.
International Students & Internationally Educated Nurses
International and foreign-educated applicants must satisfy St. Cloud State admissions, Department of Nursing English proficiency rules when applicable (see Admission Requirements and Details), and Minnesota Board of Nursing steps for licensure. The RN-to-BSN completion page states that beginning Spring B 2025 the program will not admit new international students because it is fully online. This section is guidance only—not legal or immigration advice.
- English-language proficiency (pre-licensure): SCSU lists TOEFL iBT 84 with speaking 26 or IELTS 6.5 overall with speaking 7 when English is not your native language and you have lived in the U.S. fewer than eight years at enrollment—confirm current thresholds.
- Transcript / credential evaluation: Work with SCSU’s international admissions office and any Board-required evaluators.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing: For RN licensure, NCLEX eligibility, and internationally educated nurse pathways, follow Board instructions.
- Visa & clinical compliance: Pre-licensure nursing requires in-person clinicals and reliable transportation; confirm F-1 compliance with the international office.
Policies change frequently. Verify with St. Cloud State’s international office, the Department of Nursing, and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Admissions: A Realistic Look
Pre-licensure BSN admission is competitive and uses a formal application after university admission. SCSU states it no longer uses HESI; applicants take the ATI TEAS (online or in-person at a participating site) and send scores using school code St Cloud State U. Finalists are ranked with up to 110 points: pre-admission GPA (35), cumulative SCSU GPA (10) if 12+ SCSU credits earned, TEAS (60), and references (5). See Application Process.
RN-to-BSN applicants follow the online program checklist (active RN license, 2.5 GPA in the prior RN program per that site, transcripts). High School Early Acceptance uses a different selection model—read High School Early Acceptance.
Application timeline (pre-licensure)
| Term start | Completed application deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | September 10, 2025 | Per Application Process table; submit at least one week early when possible. |
| Fall 2026 | January 14, 2026 | Verify future cycles (e.g., Spring 2027 Sept 16, 2026; Fall 2027 Jan 13, 2027) on the live page. |
| RN-BSN online | Accelerated online calendar | Multiple 7-week starts (e.g., Summer A 2026 apply by 4/27/26 per site when reviewed). |
Admissions snapshot
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Acceptance rate (nursing-specific) | Not publicly disclosed as a single percentage; admission is competitive with a capped cohort. |
| Minimum GPA (pre-licensure) | 2.75 cumulative and 2.75 preadmission coursework GPA per admission requirements; grades below C in preadmission courses are not acceptable. |
| ATI TEAS | Required for traditional applicants; contributes up to 60/110 ranking points. HESI is discontinued per nursing homepage. |
| Other requirements | Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation; active HuskyNet email; application with unofficial transcripts, degree audit, and two references (one academic, one professional); maximum two unsuccessful applications without admission per application page. |
Honest tip: Because TEAS can represent more than half of the objective score, plan retake policies carefully—but strong preadmission science GPA still matters for the 35-point academic block. Map repeats early: SCSU states blended (averaged) grades for repeated preadmission courses.
Tuition & Cost of Attendance
Figures below come from St. Cloud State’s Cost of Attendance (undergraduate tables referencing Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026) and the Accelerated RN-to-BSN tuition table. SCSU uses flat-rate undergraduate tuition for 12–18 credits; out-of-state students may qualify for the Be a Husky Rate that aligns tuition & fees with the in-state column on the COA chart—confirm eligibility with the university.
| Category | Published highlights (SCSU) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate tuition & fees (MN / reciprocity, ~15 credits per semester) | $9,386 annual tuition + $1,472 fees = $10,858 tuition & fees total per academic year on the COA chart (before housing, books, etc.). |
| Total COA on campus (MN / reciprocity, with housing & meal plan) | $26,292 estimated total per year on the same undergraduate COA table (includes housing, food, books, transportation, personal expenses, average loan fees). |
| Non-resident before “Be a Husky” adjustment | Chart lists $19,912 annual tuition before the award; with Be a Husky, tuition & fees align to $10,858 like in-state—verify current policy. |
| RN-to-BSN online (30 nursing credits) | Partner site lists $350 per credit hour (tuition includes standard fees) and $1,050 per 3-credit course; ~$10,500 for 30 credits at that rate. |
| Detailed per-credit breakdown | For banded tuition nuances, use Business Services — cost of attendance / tuition detail. |
| Source | SCSU — Cost of Attendance; SCSU accelerated online RN-to-BSN tuition; Accelerated online programs financial aid. |
Submit the FAFSA and review Financial Aid. Minnesota residents may explore the North Star Promise Scholarship overview linked from the online program site. Nursing scholarships are listed via AcademicWorks (nursing scope).
Student Outcomes & Career Prospects
Use Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX-RN first-time data as the primary public outcome metric for SCSU’s pre-licensure graduates (see NCLEX-RN Pass Rate). For employment or salary figures, rely on the BLS Registered Nurses profile or any school-published consumer disclosures with stated methodology and year—this guide does not cite a placement percentage without a sourced report.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| NCLEX-RN first-time pass rate (SCSU, MN BON baccalaureate table) | 76.92% in 2025 (65 first-time candidates); 95.31% in 2024 (64 candidates)—per PDF cited in NCLEX-RN Pass Rate. Confirm current cohorts with the Board and SCSU. |
| Job placement / employment rate | Not publicly disclosed on the pages reviewed for this guide; ask the department for the latest consumer information or outcomes survey if available. |
| Source | Minnesota Board of Nursing NCLEX PDF; SCSU Department of Nursing. |
Is St. Cloud State University the Right Fit for You?
SCSU combines a mid-size public university in central Minnesota with a nursing department that stresses holistic practice, simulation, and statewide clinical partnerships. Weigh whether the TEAS-heavy ranking, in-person pre-licensure requirements, and year-to-year NCLEX variability match your risk tolerance and career timeline.
✓ Good fit for students who—
- Want a CCNE-accredited Minnesota State BSN with a defined simulation lab and senior capstone immersion.
- Can meet 2.75+ GPA benchmarks, excel on the TEAS, and travel for clinical placements across Minnesota.
- Are licensed RNs seeking a fast online RN-to-BSN with multiple start dates (and meet domestic enrollment rules).
- Value optional global-health exposure through department education abroad partnerships highlighted on program pages.
✗ May not be ideal for students who—
- Need a guaranteed nursing seat without competitive ranking (outside High School Early Acceptance).
- Require fully online pre-licensure nursing—SCSU’s BSN track is campus-based with in-person labs and clinicals.
- Are international students targeting the online RN-BSN after Spring B 2025 restrictions noted on the program page.
- Expect an MSN or DNP at SCSU today—confirm whether graduate nursing has launched; materials reference future development.
Local Healthcare Ecosystem
St. Cloud sits along the Mississippi River and anchors Stearns County health services. CentraCare — St. Cloud Hospital is the region’s major tertiary referral center, and SCSU notes broad statewide agency partnerships for capstone and clinical learning. The St. Cloud VA Health Care System adds federal inpatient and ambulatory capacity locally, while the Twin Cities corridor (~65 miles southeast) offers large integrated networks students may visit depending on placement—confirm your assigned sites each term with the department.
| Facility / system | Details |
|---|---|
| CentraCare — St. Cloud Hospital | Regional referral hub for central Minnesota; commonly referenced in local nursing education partnerships. |
| St. Cloud VA Health Care System | Federal veterans medical center in St. Cloud—confirm whether SCSU assigns VA rotations for your cohort. |
| Twin Cities networks | Allina, Fairview, and other metro systems may host experiences when SCSU assigns students beyond the immediate St. Cloud market. |
Student Experience & Campus Life
Nursing courses and faculty offices are centered in Brown Hall, with the Nursing Science Lab supporting skills and simulation practice. Student life includes the active Nursing Club and connections to broader pre-health groups such as the Medical Professions Association per CampusLabs listings. Husky athletics, Mississippi River recreation, and short drives to the Twin Cities round out the experience—confirm housing and student support services through Campus Life.
Resources & Next Steps
Contact & location
- Campus location
- St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Department mailing address
- Department of Nursing, 213 Brown Hall, St. Cloud State University, 720 Fourth Avenue South, St. Cloud, MN 56301-4498, US
- Department phone / email
- (320) 308-1749 · nursing@stcloudstate.edu
- Online RN-to-BSN (accelerated partner)
- 888-439-0687 · see program contact form
- Undergraduate admissions
- See Admissions contact for counselor phone and email.
- Website
- stcloudstate.edu
Official links
Your “Next 7 Days” checklist
- Open the Application Process table and add deadline reminders for your target term.
- Download the intended nursing worksheet (verify current version with advising) and map prerequisites.
- Schedule the ATI TEAS, send scores to St Cloud State U, and review how TEAS converts to ranking points.
- Estimate net cost using the COA tables plus Be a Husky rules if you are out-of-state.
- Bookmark the Minnesota Board NCLEX PDFs to monitor updated cohort data.
- Register for a nursing information session and tour the simulation lab if you can visit campus.
- Email nursing@stcloudstate.edu with remaining questions after reviewing the handbook links on the admission pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nursing programs does St. Cloud State University offer?
SCSU lists a CCNE-accredited Traditional BSN, a selective High School Early Acceptance pathway into that major, and a CCNE-accredited online RN-to-BSN completion program. Graduate nursing may be in development with CentraCare—verify the catalog before assuming MSN/DNP admission. See stcloudstate.edu/nursing.
What is the first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate for St. Cloud State University?
According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing PDF NCLEX-RN … Professional Nursing Programs 2022–2025, St. Cloud State University posted 76.92% first-time in 2025 with 65 candidates and 95.31% in 2024 with 64 candidates. The 2025 statewide baccalaureate-and-higher aggregate in that PDF was 85.12%. Confirm updates via the Education Statistical Data page.
How much does St. Cloud State publish for nursing-related tuition (2025–26)?
The undergraduate Cost of Attendance lists about $10,858 annual tuition & fees for Minnesota/reciprocity residents in the full-time band (before housing). The accelerated RN-to-BSN site lists $350/credit (fees included) for the 30-credit nursing sequence. Confirm banded tuition and aid with Financial Aid and Business Services.
Does St. Cloud State still require HESI or TEAS for pre-licensure nursing?
SCSU states it no longer uses HESI. Applicants take the ATI TEAS (online or in-person) and send scores to St Cloud State U. TEAS contributes up to 60 of 110 ranking points on the published scale.
How competitive is admission to St. Cloud State pre-licensure nursing?
Admission is competitive and uses GPA components plus TEAS and references; meeting the 2.75 GPA minimums does not guarantee selection. Applicants may attempt no more than two unsuccessful applications without admission per the application page.
When are St. Cloud State nursing application deadlines?
The Application Process page lists deadlines such as January 14, 2026 for Fall 2026 and September 10, 2025 for Spring 2026, with additional future terms posted—verify the live table.
Does St. Cloud State offer an Accelerated BSN (ABSN)?
The materials reviewed for this guide do not market a separate second-degree ABSN; contact the department if you hold a prior bachelor’s and need a tailored plan.
Can international students start SCSU’s online RN-to-BSN?
The RN Baccalaureate Completion page states that beginning Spring B 2025 the program will not admit new international students because it is fully online.
Who do I contact for St. Cloud State nursing?
Email nursing@stcloudstate.edu or call (320) 308-1749; online RN-to-BSN applicants may also use 888-439-0687 per the accelerated program site.
References
- St. Cloud State University — Department of Nursingstcloudstate.edu/nursing
- SCSU — Application Process (pre-licensure nursing)Application Process
- SCSU — Admission Requirements and DetailsAdmission Requirements
- SCSU — Nursing BS program pagePrograms / Nursing
- SCSU — RN Baccalaureate CompletionRN-BS Completion
- SCSU — Accelerated online RN-to-BSN (tuition & calendar)degree.stcloudstate.edu/rn-to-bsn
- SCSU — Undergraduate cost of attendanceCost of Attendance
- SCSU — Business Services cost of attendance / tuition detailBusiness Services
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Education Statistical Datamn.gov/boards/nursing/education/education-statistical-data
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — NCLEX-RN Professional Nursing Programs (2022–2025 PDF)2022-2025_RN_NCLEX PDF
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)ncsbn.org
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Registered Nursesbls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses
Editorial Standards & Review
About the author: Francesco Di Siena, RN, writes evidence-based nursing education guides for NurseOnShift.
Review: This page was reviewed by Araceli Collado, RN, for alignment between St. Cloud State University nursing program scope (pre-licensure BSN, RN-to-BSN online), SCSU 2025–26 cost-of-attendance figures, TEAS ranking disclosures, and NCLEX data from Minnesota Board of Nursing statistical PDFs.
Disclaimer: This page is for general reference only. It does not constitute professional, admissions, or financial advice. Requirements, deadlines, tuition, and policies change; always verify with the institution and the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Published: March 25, 2026 · Last reviewed: March 25, 2026 · Medical Review Process · Editorial Policy