College Costs in Cottage Grove, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Cottage Grove, 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
$924
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Cottage Grove Overview
Population
37,400
Student Population
2,769 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
99.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
College Cost Calculator for Cottage Grove
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,360
Total After Financial Aid
$111,360
Annual Cost
$27,840
Annual After Aid
$27,840
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,360 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,264 |
| Total Interest | $40,376 |
| Total Loan Cost | $151,736 |
Universities in Cottage Grove
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cottage Grove State University | Public | $13,189 |
| Cottage Grove Community College | Community | $5,406 |
Cottage Grove has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cottage Grove vs. National Average
| Category | Cottage Grove | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $924 | $1,050 | -$126 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.1 | 100 | -0.9000000000000057 |
Cottage Grove's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Cottage Grove
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,769 students
Cottage Grove has a total population of 37,400, with approximately 2,769 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cottage Grove offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cottage Grove
$34,747
Starting Salary
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cottage Grove earn a median starting salary of $34,747, which is -$253 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,360 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,275 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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