College Costs in River Falls, WI 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in River Falls, Wisconsin. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,600
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$34,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$612
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
River Falls Overview
Population
16,159
Student Population
1,362 (8.4%)
Cost of Living Index
87.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for River Falls
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$94,804
Total After Financial Aid
$94,804
Annual Cost
$23,701
Annual After Aid
$23,701
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $94,804 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,076 |
| Total Interest | $34,374 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,178 |
Universities in River Falls
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| River Falls State University | Public | $10,971 |
| River Falls Community College | Community | $5,143 |
River Falls has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in River Falls vs. National Average
| Category | River Falls | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,600 | $10,940 | -$340 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $612 | $1,050 | -$438 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.3 | 100 | -12.700000000000003 |
River Falls'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 River Falls
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,362 students
River Falls has a total population of 16,159, with approximately 1,362 college students (8.4% of the population). River Falls has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in River Falls
$41,597
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in River Falls earn a median starting salary of $41,597, which is $6,597 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $94,804 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,680 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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