College Costs in Rochester, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 8 colleges in Rochester, Minnesota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,930
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$42,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$933
per month
Colleges & Universities
8
institutions
Rochester Overview
Population
121,395
Student Population
12,743 (10.5%)
Cost of Living Index
105 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
43/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Rochester
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$86,580
Total After Financial Aid
$86,580
Annual Cost
$21,645
Annual After Aid
$21,645
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $86,580 |
| Monthly Payment | $983 |
| Total Interest | $31,392 |
| Total Loan Cost | $117,972 |
Universities in Rochester
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Mayo Clinic School of Health Sciences | Private | $42,000 |
| Rochester Community and Technical College | Community | $5,772 |
Rochester has 8 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rochester vs. National Average
| Category | Rochester | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,930 | $10,940 | -$2,010 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $933 | $1,050 | -$117 |
| Cost of Living Index | 105 | 100 | +5 |
Rochester's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Rochester
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
12,743 students
Rochester has a total population of 121,395, with approximately 12,743 college students (10.5% of the population). Rochester has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rochester
$44,890
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~9 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rochester earn a median starting salary of $44,890, which is $9,890 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $86,580 (including room and board), it would take approximately 9 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,803 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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