College Costs in Albert Lea, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$756
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Albert Lea Overview
Population
18,016
Student Population
2,472 (13.7%)
Cost of Living Index
101.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Albert Lea
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,292
Total After Financial Aid
$110,292
Annual Cost
$27,573
Annual After Aid
$27,573
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,292 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,252 |
| Total Interest | $39,989 |
| Total Loan Cost | $150,281 |
Universities in Albert Lea
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Albert Lea State University | Public | $14,230 |
| Albert Lea Community College | Community | $5,364 |
Albert Lea has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Albert Lea vs. National Average
| Category | Albert Lea | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $756 | $1,050 | -$294 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.9 | 100 | +1.9000000000000057 |
Albert Lea's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Albert Lea
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,472 students
Albert Lea has a total population of 18,016, with approximately 2,472 college students (13.7% of the population). Albert Lea has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Albert Lea
$45,369
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Albert Lea earn a median starting salary of $45,369, which is $10,369 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $110,292 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,336 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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