College Costs in Apple Valley, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Apple Valley, 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
$1,065
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Apple Valley Overview
Population
55,135
Student Population
3,342 (6.1%)
Cost of Living Index
97.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Apple Valley
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,384
Total After Financial Aid
$112,384
Annual Cost
$28,096
Annual After Aid
$28,096
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,384 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,276 |
| Total Interest | $40,748 |
| Total Loan Cost | $153,132 |
Universities in Apple Valley
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Valley State University | Public | $13,262 |
| Apple Valley Community College | Community | $5,629 |
Apple Valley has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Apple Valley vs. National Average
| Category | Apple Valley | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,065 | $1,050 | +$15 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.7 | 100 | -2.299999999999997 |
Apple Valley's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Apple Valley
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,342 students
Apple Valley has a total population of 55,135, with approximately 3,342 college students (6.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Apple Valley offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Apple Valley
$48,818
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Apple Valley earn a median starting salary of $48,818, which is $13,818 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,384 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,725 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 Apple Valley
How we compile Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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: Apple Valley'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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