SCSU is one of nation’s top destinations for international students

St. Cloud State University has been classified as one of the top destinations for international students at master's-granting institutions by the International Institute of Education's annual report.

SCSU ranked 12th in the nation with 1,759 students, nearly 200 more enrolled students than in the 2022-23 academic year.

"We are pleased that our global connections encourage so many international students to call St. Cloud State home," Interim President Larry Dietz said. "They enhance our campus environment with diverse perspectives and allow our local students to learn meaningful lessons in cultural education."

St. Cloud State has a long tradition of supporting international students, recently earning the inaugural International College of Distinction award. They have also ranked in the top-12 for international student enrollment at master's-granting institutions every year since 2016-17.

Multicultural Student Services is a benefit for international students attending SCSU, which is a key resource for students who need assistance with financial aid concerns, housing or academic support.

SCSU's Center for International Studies also works to create international partnerships that benefit SCSU and other universities worldwide.

More than 1.1 million international students were at U.S. colleges and universities in 2023-24, a seven percent increase from the prior academic year. International students studying at St. Cloud State have a $43 million impact on the region and support 179 jobs, according to NAFSA.

"We are proud of the contributions that our international students make in the classroom and their economic impact in the community," said Shahzad Ahmad, associate vice president for Global Engagement & Multicultural Student Services.

SCSU's new ranking was released on International Education Week, a cooperative initiative created by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Education to promote international education.

Visit the SCSU website to read more about how the Center for International Studies supports international education on campus and around the globe.