College Costs in Golden Valley, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Golden Valley, 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
$792
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Golden Valley Overview
Population
22,552
Student Population
2,804 (12.4%)
Cost of Living Index
91.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
College Cost Calculator for Golden Valley
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$107,196
Total After Financial Aid
$107,196
Annual Cost
$26,799
Annual After Aid
$26,799
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $107,196 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,217 |
| Total Interest | $38,867 |
| Total Loan Cost | $146,063 |
Universities in Golden Valley
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Golden Valley State University | Public | $14,648 |
| Golden Valley Community College | Community | $5,054 |
Golden Valley has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Golden Valley vs. National Average
| Category | Golden Valley | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $792 | $1,050 | -$258 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.4 | 100 | -8.599999999999994 |
Golden Valley'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 Golden Valley
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,804 students
Golden Valley has a total population of 22,552, with approximately 2,804 college students (12.4% of the population). Golden Valley has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Golden Valley
$37,504
Starting Salary
2.7%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~43 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Golden Valley earn a median starting salary of $37,504, which is $2,504 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $107,196 (including room and board), it would take approximately 43 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,614 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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