College Costs in Crystal, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Crystal, 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
$753
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Crystal Overview
Population
23,295
Student Population
2,592 (11.1%)
Cost of Living Index
92.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Crystal
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,648
Total After Financial Aid
$111,648
Annual Cost
$27,912
Annual After Aid
$27,912
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,648 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,268 |
| Total Interest | $40,481 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,129 |
Universities in Crystal
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Crystal State University | Public | $14,607 |
| Crystal Community College | Community | $5,003 |
Crystal has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Crystal vs. National Average
| Category | Crystal | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $753 | $1,050 | -$297 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.8 | 100 | -7.200000000000003 |
Crystal'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 Crystal
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,592 students
Crystal has a total population of 23,295, with approximately 2,592 college students (11.1% of the population). Crystal has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Crystal
$45,535
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Crystal earn a median starting salary of $45,535, which is $10,535 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,648 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,168 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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