College Cost Planning in Fergus Falls, MN 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Fergus Falls as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$936
per month
Local Cost Market
1
benchmark points
Fergus Falls Overview
Population
14,003
Student Population
1,865 (13.3%)
Cost of Living Index
99.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Fergus Falls
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,652
Total After Financial Aid
$110,652
Annual Cost
$27,663
Annual After Aid
$27,663
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,652 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,256 |
| Total Interest | $40,120 |
| Total Loan Cost | $150,772 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Fergus Falls
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
1
Public tuition
$14,200
Private tuition
$38,000
Community college
$5,523
Cost of Living in Fergus Falls vs. National Average
| Category | Fergus Falls | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $936 | $1,050 | -$114 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99.6 | 100 | -0.4000000000000057 |
Fergus Falls's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Fergus Falls
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,865 students
Fergus Falls has a total population of 14,003, with approximately 1,865 college students (13.3% of the population). Fergus Falls has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fergus Falls
$46,077
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fergus Falls earn a median starting salary of $46,077, which is $11,077 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 10 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $14,810 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Fergus Falls
How we compile Fergus Falls college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Fergus Falls institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Fergus Falls's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Fergus Falls, MN?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Fergus Falls is $14,200. Private university tuition averages $38,000, and community college tuition averages $5,523. When room and board ($13,463/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $27,663.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Fergus Falls, MN?
Fergus Falls uses approximately 1 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 1,865, which represents 13.3% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Fergus Falls?
The average rent near college campuses in Fergus Falls is approximately $936 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 99.6 (national average is 100), a walk score of 51, and a public transit score of 17. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Fergus Falls?
College graduates in Fergus Falls earn a median starting salary of $46,077. The local unemployment rate is 3%. With an average financial aid package of $14,810 per student and a 58% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Fergus Falls, MN?
With a median starting salary of $46,077 and an average 4-year public university cost of $110,652 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 10 years. The 58% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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