College Costs in Saint Paul, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 11 colleges in Saint Paul, 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
$795
per month
Colleges & Universities
11
institutions
Saint Paul Overview
Population
311,527
Student Population
16,066 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
101.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
69/100
Transit Score
42/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Saint Paul
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$109,484
Total After Financial Aid
$109,484
Annual Cost
$27,371
Annual After Aid
$27,371
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $109,484 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,243 |
| Total Interest | $39,696 |
| Total Loan Cost | $149,180 |
Universities in Saint Paul
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Paul State University | Public | $13,811 |
| University of Saint Paul | Public | $13,351 |
| Saint Paul Institute of Technology | Private | $43,387 |
| Saint Paul Community College | Community | $5,443 |
| Minnesota Technical College - Saint Paul | Community | $5,156 |
Saint Paul has 11 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Saint Paul vs. National Average
| Category | Saint Paul | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $795 | $1,050 | -$255 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.5 | 100 | +1.5 |
Saint Paul's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Saint Paul
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
16,066 students
Saint Paul has a total population of 311,527, with approximately 16,066 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Saint Paul offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Saint Paul
$31,689
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Saint Paul earn a median starting salary of $31,689, which is -$3,311 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $109,484 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,478 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Minnesota
Minneapolis
15 colleges · Avg tuition $15,142
St. Paul
20 colleges · Avg tuition $10,448
Rochester
8 colleges · Avg tuition $8,930
Duluth
5 colleges · Avg tuition $13,872
St. Cloud
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,546
Moorhead
3 colleges · Avg tuition $8,982
Mankato
4 colleges · Avg tuition $9,040
Winona
2 colleges · Avg tuition $8,666
Bloomington
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
Brooklyn Park
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
Plymouth
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
Maple Grove
4 colleges · Avg tuition $14,200
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