College Costs in Fairmont, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Fairmont, 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
$660
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Fairmont Overview
Population
21,414
Student Population
2,402 (11.2%)
Cost of Living Index
93.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
College Cost Calculator for Fairmont
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,848
Total After Financial Aid
$111,848
Annual Cost
$27,962
Annual After Aid
$27,962
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,848 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,270 |
| Total Interest | $40,553 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,401 |
Universities in Fairmont
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Fairmont State University | Public | $14,857 |
| Fairmont Community College | Community | $5,866 |
Fairmont has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fairmont vs. National Average
| Category | Fairmont | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $660 | $1,050 | -$390 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.6 | 100 | -6.400000000000006 |
Fairmont'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 Fairmont
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,402 students
Fairmont has a total population of 21,414, with approximately 2,402 college students (11.2% of the population). Fairmont has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fairmont
$38,961
Starting Salary
2.8%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~28 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fairmont earn a median starting salary of $38,961, which is $3,961 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,848 (including room and board), it would take approximately 28 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,499 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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