College Costs in Jackson, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Jackson, 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
$885
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Jackson Overview
Population
34,442
Student Population
3,575 (10.4%)
Cost of Living Index
94.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Jackson
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$114,740
Total After Financial Aid
$114,740
Annual Cost
$28,685
Annual After Aid
$28,685
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $114,740 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,303 |
| Total Interest | $41,602 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,342 |
Universities in Jackson
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson State University | Public | $14,457 |
| Jackson Community College | Community | $4,996 |
Jackson has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Jackson vs. National Average
| Category | Jackson | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $885 | $1,050 | -$165 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.7 | 100 | -5.299999999999997 |
Jackson'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 Jackson
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,575 students
Jackson has a total population of 34,442, with approximately 3,575 college students (10.4% of the population). Jackson has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Jackson
$43,523
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Jackson earn a median starting salary of $43,523, which is $8,523 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $114,740 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,701 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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