College Costs in Prior Lake, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Prior Lake, 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
Prior Lake Overview
Population
27,590
Student Population
2,148 (7.8%)
Cost of Living Index
94.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
College Cost Calculator for Prior Lake
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,284
Total After Financial Aid
$111,284
Annual Cost
$27,821
Annual After Aid
$27,821
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,284 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,264 |
| Total Interest | $40,349 |
| Total Loan Cost | $151,633 |
Universities in Prior Lake
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Prior Lake State University | Public | $13,852 |
| Prior Lake Community College | Community | $5,385 |
Prior Lake has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Prior Lake vs. National Average
| Category | Prior Lake | 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 |
Prior Lake'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 Prior Lake
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,148 students
Prior Lake has a total population of 27,590, with approximately 2,148 college students (7.8% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Prior Lake offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Prior Lake
$39,829
Starting Salary
2.5%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~23 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Prior Lake earn a median starting salary of $39,829, which is $4,829 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,284 (including room and board), it would take approximately 23 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,646 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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