College Costs in St. Cloud, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 7 colleges in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,546
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$45,917
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$957
per month
Colleges & Universities
7
institutions
St. Cloud Overview
Population
70,093
Student Population
7,177 (10.2%)
Cost of Living Index
98 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
55/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for St. Cloud
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$75,692
Total After Financial Aid
$75,692
Annual Cost
$18,923
Annual After Aid
$18,923
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $75,692 |
| Monthly Payment | $859 |
| Total Interest | $27,444 |
| Total Loan Cost | $103,136 |
Universities in St. Cloud
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud State University | Public | $8,546 |
| St. Cloud Technical and Community College | Community | $5,772 |
St. Cloud has 7 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in St. Cloud vs. National Average
| Category | St. Cloud | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,546 | $10,940 | -$2,394 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $957 | $1,050 | -$93 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98 | 100 | -2 |
St. Cloud's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in St. Cloud
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
7,177 students
St. Cloud has a total population of 70,093, with approximately 7,177 college students (10.2% of the population). St. Cloud has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in St. Cloud
$40,875
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
56%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in St. Cloud earn a median starting salary of $40,875, which is $5,875 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $75,692 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,822 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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