College Cost Planning in Saint Paul, MN 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Saint Paul, Minnesota. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Saint Paul as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,200
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$795
per month
Local Cost Market
11
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Saint Paul
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
11
Public tuition
$14,200
Private tuition
$38,000
Community college
$5,443
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
Review
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 less per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. The modeled starting salary does not create a positive premium over the high-school earnings benchmark, so this market needs extra scrutiny before borrowing. With average financial aid of $13,478 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Saint Paul
How we compile Saint Paul college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Saint Paul institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Saint Paul's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Saint Paul, MN?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Saint Paul is $14,200. Private university tuition averages $38,000, and community college tuition averages $5,443. When room and board ($13,171/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $27,371.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Saint Paul, MN?
Saint Paul uses approximately 11 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 16,066, which represents 5.2% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Saint Paul?
The average rent near college campuses in Saint Paul is approximately $795 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 101.5 (national average is 100), a walk score of 69, and a public transit score of 42. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Saint Paul?
College graduates in Saint Paul earn a median starting salary of $31,689. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%. With an average financial aid package of $13,478 per student and a 47% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Saint Paul, MN?
With a median starting salary of $31,689 and an average 4-year public university cost of $109,484 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium is not strong enough to show a standard payback period. Use grants, lower-cost school choices, and program-specific earnings before borrowing.
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