About the Program
Online * Student-Focused * Future-Driven * Amazing Value
Unleash robust career possibilities by earning your Master of Science degree at St. Cloud State University. Our affordable, 100% online program prepares you to lead two-year, four-year, public, and private colleges and universities.
You'll interact with world-class faculty to learn a wide-range of roles within higher education including student affairs, administration, athletics, enrollment management, alumni and development, academics, and so much more. Plus you further refine your skills in the areas that most interest you. And, you'll grow as a leader.
The flexibility of our online program fits your busy lifestyle. Our approach to distance learning has quality at its core and strong emphasis on student support.
You'll connect and engage with colleagues from all backgrounds to ensure differing viewpoints and robust discussion. Expand your worldview and gain unforgettable cultural experiences during the opportunity to study-abroad in Italy.
The curriculum incorporates standards championed by the American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) as its benchmark for professional competencies assessment.
Our Student Community
Welcome to the Husky family where you'll engage in a diverse community of learners. Our outstanding students and alumni offer a snapshot of our students in our programs.
- Students have varied educational backgrounds including college counseling, nursing, engineering, sports management, student life and development, advising, teaching, fundraising, information technology, higher education, and enrollment management
- A diverse body of students come from across the country and around the world
- Graduates have launched successful careers in a wide variety of higher education career areas
About Our Faculty
Our faculty are nationally recognized practitioners and published researchers. Students have the unique opportunity to learn from and partner with experienced and respected scholars.
Each class is taught by faculty, not teaching or research assistants.
Online Program Delivery
Our accredited online learning experience allows you to engage with professors and your cohort in online discussions. You attend classes 100 percent online when it is convenient for you with a few optional online activities meeting during designated times. If you are unable to meet during designated times, you watch the recording of the meeting later.
Follow course lectures, read materials, submit assignments, communicate in discussions, video conference, meet industry experts and converse with professors — all while connecting online. Utilize technology such as D2L Brightspace, MediaSpace, and Zoom. Plus, receive an online orientation to prepare you to begin your education journey.
Online learning offers a great deal of independence, but that doesn't mean that you're alone. Your instructors are available to answer your questions and the University provides online resources and financial assistance to help you succeed. Plus, your classmates will be a source of professional support as you work toward your degree.
Courses
Coursework is completed using an 8-week or 16-week delivery format. Faculty provide a syllabus with structured requirements for each course, including assignment deadlines. Each week, students are expected to review course materials, participate in learning activities and complete assignments.
Core coursework provides knowledge in college and university leadership, equity issues, student support services, finance and budget, law and ethics, organizational structures, research and assessment.
You will complete your master's program with a culminating experience to showcase the knowledge you’ve gained through the program. You can chose from three options — a practicum, research thesis, or a comprehensive test of your knowledge.
Select course electives that most interest you and your career goals. Various courses strengthen your skills and foster the proficiencies employers most value in the workforce.
Tuition and Financial Assistance
Tuition and Student Fees
Without any sacrifice to academic quality, you benefit from amazing value when you choose our program. As a graduate assistant, you pay in-state tuition rates.
*Minnesota resident and reciprocity. Graduate assistants enjoy in-state tuition rates.
**Students who live out of state and are taking only online courses may be eligible for a waiver of all student fees except for the MSUSA and Technology fees. Apply for waiver.
| Program | Tuition Per Credit Hour | Student Fees Per Credit | Credits in Program |
| Master's in Higher Education & Student Affairs | $497.28 | $55.80 | 36 |
Graduate Assistantships
The University and program offer online or on-campus graduate assistantships to attain academically relevant experiences. Students receive a stipend for their work and tuition remission. Students may apply for assistantships through the Career Center or via the Higher Education program at hied@stcloudstate.edu.
Scholarships
St. Cloud State offers scholarships gifted by friends and alumni of the University
The Academic and Cultural Sharing Scholarship (ACSS) offers resident tuition rates to international students who meet and maintain eligibility requirements.
Financial Aid
We provide you with an overview of financial aid programs and give you guidance in the application process. Submitting the FAFSA application is free. Contact the Financial Aid Office to talk with a staff member about how to pay for school and keep you debt load down.
Military Benefits
The Veterans Resource Center will assist active duty service-members and those separated from service with obtaining education benefits.
Tuition Waiver
Check with your Human Resource Office to determine if you are eligible for any type of tuition waiver through your employer. Your contract may cover a tuition waiver or cover your tuition credits under your professional development benefits.
Minnesota State Employee tuition waiver: employees are entitled to enroll in a limited number of courses on an annual basis at some Minnesota State institutions without payment of tuition. See your union contract for specific benefit information or speak with an individual in the Human Resources Department at your institution.
Research Funding
Graduate students, under the direction of a faculty member, have access to research funding in the Office of Sponsored Programs.
Vera Russell Graduate Student Travel Funds
The Vera Russell Graduate Student Travel Fund was developed to support the College of Education and Learning Design graduate students presenting at a regional, national, or international professional conference. Funds of up to $2,500 per graduate student are awarded in multiple rounds throughout the academic year. Funding is in the form of reimbursement.
Huskies Food Pantry
The Huskies Food Pantry provides nutritious options to students experiencing food insecurity in an effort to support learning, health and student retention. All current St. Cloud State students are welcome at Huskies Food Pantry.
Other Resource Funding and Resources
St. Cloud State provides a list to community resources, campus resources, academic support and student services to assist students with resources such as child care, clothing, counseling, employment, food, housing, healthcare, legal assistance, transportation, accessibility and so much more.
The Minnesota College Personnel Association LGBTQIA+ Commission provides a Resource Library with scholarships and grants to local and national non-profit organizations.