College Costs in Buffalo, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Buffalo, 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
$819
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Buffalo Overview
Population
18,143
Student Population
1,067 (5.9%)
Cost of Living Index
94.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Buffalo
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$109,688
Total After Financial Aid
$109,688
Annual Cost
$27,422
Annual After Aid
$27,422
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $109,688 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,245 |
| Total Interest | $39,770 |
| Total Loan Cost | $149,458 |
Universities in Buffalo
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo State University | Public | $13,871 |
| Buffalo Community College | Community | $5,334 |
Buffalo has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Buffalo vs. National Average
| Category | Buffalo | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $819 | $1,050 | -$231 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.2 | 100 | -5.799999999999997 |
Buffalo's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Buffalo
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,067 students
Buffalo has a total population of 18,143, with approximately 1,067 college students (5.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Buffalo offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Buffalo
$48,193
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~8 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Buffalo earn a median starting salary of $48,193, which is $13,193 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $109,688 (including room and board), it would take approximately 8 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,376 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 Buffalo
How we compile Buffalo 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 Buffalo 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: Buffalo'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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