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.
Other Cities in Minnesota
Minneapolis
15 colleges · Avg tuition $15,142
St. Paul
20 colleges · Avg tuition $10,448
Rochester
8 colleges · Avg tuition $8,930
Duluth
5 colleges · Avg tuition $13,872
St. Cloud
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,546
Moorhead
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,982
Mankato
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,040
Winona
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,666
Saint Paul
11 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
Bloomington
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
Brooklyn Park
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
Plymouth
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Albert Lea
How we compile Albert Lea college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Albert Lea institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Albert Lea's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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