College Costs in Oakdale, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Oakdale, 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
Oakdale Overview
Population
28,185
Student Population
2,420 (8.6%)
Cost of Living Index
94.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Oakdale
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,488
Total After Financial Aid
$110,488
Annual Cost
$27,622
Annual After Aid
$27,622
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,488 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,255 |
| Total Interest | $40,060 |
| Total Loan Cost | $150,548 |
Universities in Oakdale
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Oakdale State University | Public | $14,825 |
| Oakdale Community College | Community | $5,409 |
Oakdale has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Oakdale vs. National Average
| Category | Oakdale | 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 | 94.3 | 100 | -5.700000000000003 |
Oakdale'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 Oakdale
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,420 students
Oakdale has a total population of 28,185, with approximately 2,420 college students (8.6% of the population). Oakdale has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Oakdale
$45,031
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~11 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Oakdale earn a median starting salary of $45,031, which is $10,031 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $110,488 (including room and board), it would take approximately 11 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,987 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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