College Costs in Forest Lake, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Forest Lake, 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
$867
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Forest Lake Overview
Population
20,776
Student Population
3,020 (14.5%)
Cost of Living Index
93.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Forest Lake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$114,748
Total After Financial Aid
$114,748
Annual Cost
$28,687
Annual After Aid
$28,687
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $114,748 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,303 |
| Total Interest | $41,605 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,353 |
Universities in Forest Lake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Forest Lake State University | Public | $15,306 |
| Forest Lake Community College | Community | $5,474 |
Forest Lake has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Forest Lake vs. National Average
| Category | Forest Lake | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $867 | $1,050 | -$183 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.7 | 100 | -6.299999999999997 |
Forest Lake'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 Forest Lake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,020 students
Forest Lake has a total population of 20,776, with approximately 3,020 college students (14.5% of the population). Forest Lake has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Forest Lake
$44,270
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~12 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Forest Lake earn a median starting salary of $44,270, which is $9,270 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $114,748 (including room and board), it would take approximately 12 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,931 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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