ACCREDITATIONS & ACCOLADES

In addition to ongoing recognition from outside accrediting agencies, St. Cloud State University is a member of many academic and professional associations.

Apply Now

Accreditations

Higher Learning Commission logo

St. Cloud State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

AACSB accredited logo

The Herberger Business School at St. Cloud State University is accredited by AACSB International (AACSB). Less than 6% of the world’s schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation. We are one of two business schools in Minnesota to hold AACSB accreditation for 45+ years showing a long-standing record of excellence.

The AAQEP Logo which stands for Association for Advancing Quality in Education Preparation.

St. Cloud State University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

The CCNE Accredited Logo which stands for Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

The Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at St. Cloud State University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.

The Educational Administration programs are approved by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BoSA).

St. Cloud State University is accredited by the Council for Exceptional Children.

The Teacher Education Unit and all teaching licensure programs at St. Cloud State University are approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB).

Accolades

  • Ranked among “Minnesota’s Top Colleges for Value and Affordability”: #4 overall in Minnesota; #2 in affordability statewide; #2 for best value statewide by Research.com, 2025

  • St. Cloud State University has been recognized among “Top Regional Universities Midwest” and “Top Public Schools” by U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges, 2026

  • The Herberger Business School is recognized as a “Best College in Business” by Colleges of Distinction, 2025-2026, and maintains prestigious AACSB International accreditation through 2030—placing it among the top business schools worldwide

  • St. Cloud State University is ranked among “America’s Top Colleges” by Forbes, 2024, recognized for student success, return on investment, and alumni outcomes — and is the only Minnesota State system university to earn a place on the Forbes Top 500.

  • Among recent graduates of the College of Education and Learning Design, 97% secured employment shortly after completing their program

Request More Information

Submit this form, and an Enrollment Specialist will contact you to answer your questions.

Begin Application Process

Start your application today!

Apply Now
Or call 888-439-0687 888-439-0687

for help with any questions you may have.