College Costs in Ely, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Ely, 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
$615
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Ely Overview
Population
28,349
Student Population
2,573 (9.1%)
Cost of Living Index
97.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Ely
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,736
Total After Financial Aid
$111,736
Annual Cost
$27,934
Annual After Aid
$27,934
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,736 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,269 |
| Total Interest | $40,513 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,249 |
Universities in Ely
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Ely State University | Public | $14,525 |
| Ely Community College | Community | $5,560 |
Ely has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Ely vs. National Average
| Category | Ely | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $615 | $1,050 | -$435 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.2 | 100 | -2.799999999999997 |
Ely's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Ely
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,573 students
Ely has a total population of 28,349, with approximately 2,573 college students (9.1% of the population). Ely has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Ely
$35,938
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~119 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Ely earn a median starting salary of $35,938, which is $938 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,736 (including room and board), it would take approximately 119 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,379 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities