College Costs in Melrose, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Melrose, 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
$1,245
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Melrose Overview
Population
29,020
Student Population
2,846 (9.8%)
Cost of Living Index
102.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
College Cost Calculator for Melrose
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$114,788
Total After Financial Aid
$114,788
Annual Cost
$28,697
Annual After Aid
$28,697
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $114,788 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,303 |
| Total Interest | $41,619 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,407 |
Universities in Melrose
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Melrose State University | Public | $14,411 |
| Melrose Community College | Community | $5,132 |
Melrose has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Melrose vs. National Average
| Category | Melrose | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,245 | $1,050 | +$195 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102.9 | 100 | +2.9000000000000057 |
Melrose's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Melrose
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,846 students
Melrose has a total population of 29,020, with approximately 2,846 college students (9.8% of the population). Melrose has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Melrose
$50,326
Starting Salary
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
68%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Melrose earn a median starting salary of $50,326, which is $15,326 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $114,788 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,354 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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