Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Saint Cloud, MN (2026)
Saint Cloud, Minnesota has a population of about 69,926. The city’s median household income is $61,112 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 29.4% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Saint Cloud. In the St. Cloud, MN metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $85,100 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Saint Cloud
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Saint Cloud city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Cloud State University | Saint Cloud, MN | 1.4 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | 59.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| University of St Thomas | Saint Paul, MN | 62.8 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul | Saint Paul, MN | 63.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Century College | White Bear Lake, MN | 67.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Minnesota schools on the Minnesota liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Saint Cloud
Saint Cloud is part of the St. Cloud, MN metro area (BLS area code 41060). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Minnesota statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $57,580 | St. Cloud, MN | $65,731 |
| Management Analyst | $85,100 | St. Cloud, MN | $97,146 |
| Technical Writer | $76,770 | MN statewide | $87,637 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $45,190 | MN statewide | $51,587 |
| Editor | $45,350 | St. Cloud, MN | $51,769 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $71,240 | St. Cloud, MN | $81,324 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $72,250 | St. Cloud, MN | $82,477 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Saint Cloud at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 69,926 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $61,112 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 29.4% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 87.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Stearns County | 135 workers, 22 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Saint Cloud-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Monticello, MN – 24.4 mi away (26,875 pop)
- Elk River, MN – 32.5 mi away (24,364 pop)
- Ramsey, MN – 39.8 mi away (26,206 pop)
- Andover, MN – 45.3 mi away (32,461 pop)
- Maple Grove, MN – 45.3 mi away (69,576 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Saint Cloud, MN?
Our directory lists 5 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Saint Cloud. The closest is Saint Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN (1.4 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Century College (67.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Saint Cloud?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Saint Cloud are: Management Analyst ($85,100), Technical Writer ($76,770), Human Resources Specialist ($72,250). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Minnesota statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Monticello instead of Saint Cloud?
Monticello, MN is 24.4 miles from Saint Cloud and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Saint Cloud an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Saint Cloud’s median household income of $61,112 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Saint Cloud while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Minnesota public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Minnesota
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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