College Costs in Brainerd, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Brainerd, 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
$930
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Brainerd Overview
Population
14,395
Student Population
1,584 (11.0%)
Cost of Living Index
99.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
College Cost Calculator for Brainerd
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,836
Total After Financial Aid
$112,836
Annual Cost
$28,209
Annual After Aid
$28,209
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,836 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,281 |
| Total Interest | $40,912 |
| Total Loan Cost | $153,748 |
Universities in Brainerd
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Brainerd State University | Public | $14,970 |
| Brainerd Community College | Community | $5,194 |
Brainerd has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Brainerd vs. National Average
| Category | Brainerd | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $930 | $1,050 | -$120 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.7 | 100 | -0.29999999999999716 |
Brainerd's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Brainerd
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,584 students
Brainerd has a total population of 14,395, with approximately 1,584 college students (11.0% of the population). Brainerd has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Brainerd
$50,999
Starting Salary
2.3%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Brainerd earn a median starting salary of $50,999, which is $15,999 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,836 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,430 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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