College Costs in Moorhead, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Moorhead, Minnesota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,982
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,200
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$772
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Moorhead Overview
Population
44,505
Student Population
3,673 (8.3%)
Cost of Living Index
94 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
College Cost Calculator for Moorhead
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$80,468
Total After Financial Aid
$80,468
Annual Cost
$20,117
Annual After Aid
$20,117
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $80,468 |
| Monthly Payment | $914 |
| Total Interest | $29,176 |
| Total Loan Cost | $109,644 |
Universities in Moorhead
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | Public | $8,982 |
| Concordia College Moorhead | Private | $42,200 |
| Minnesota State Community and Technical College | Community | $5,772 |
Moorhead has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Moorhead vs. National Average
| Category | Moorhead | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,982 | $10,940 | -$1,958 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $772 | $1,050 | -$278 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94 | 100 | -6 |
Moorhead'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 Moorhead
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,673 students
Moorhead has a total population of 44,505, with approximately 3,673 college students (8.3% of the population). Moorhead has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Moorhead
$52,541
Starting Salary
5.6%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~5 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Moorhead earn a median starting salary of $52,541, which is $17,541 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $80,468 (including room and board), it would take approximately 5 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,620 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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