College Costs in Duluth, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Duluth, Minnesota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$13,872
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$41,612
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$765
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Duluth Overview
Population
90,843
Student Population
6,264 (6.9%)
Cost of Living Index
100 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
11/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Duluth
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$106,136
Total After Financial Aid
$106,136
Annual Cost
$26,534
Annual After Aid
$26,534
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $106,136 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,205 |
| Total Interest | $38,482 |
| Total Loan Cost | $144,618 |
Universities in Duluth
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Minnesota Duluth | Public | $13,872 |
| College of St. Scholastica | Private | $41,612 |
| Lake Superior College | Community | $5,772 |
Duluth has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Duluth vs. National Average
| Category | Duluth | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $13,872 | $10,940 | +$2,932 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $765 | $1,050 | -$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 100 | 0 |
Duluth's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Duluth
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,264 students
Duluth has a total population of 90,843, with approximately 6,264 college students (6.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Duluth offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Duluth
$53,801
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Duluth earn a median starting salary of $53,801, which is $18,801 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $106,136 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,990 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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