College Costs in St. Paul, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 20 colleges in St. Paul, Minnesota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$10,448
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$52,990
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$843
per month
Colleges & Universities
20
institutions
St. Paul Overview
Population
308,096
Student Population
20,175 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
108 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
30/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for St. Paul
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,424
Total After Financial Aid
$95,424
Annual Cost
$23,856
Annual After Aid
$23,856
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,424 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,084 |
| Total Interest | $34,598 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,022 |
Universities in St. Paul
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Hamline University | Private | $45,776 |
| Macalester College | Private | $60,204 |
| Saint Paul College | Community | $5,772 |
St. Paul has 20 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in St. Paul vs. National Average
| Category | St. Paul | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $10,448 | $10,940 | -$492 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $843 | $1,050 | -$207 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 100 | +8 |
St. Paul's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in St. Paul
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
20,175 students
St. Paul has a total population of 308,096, with approximately 20,175 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, St. Paul offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in St. Paul
$48,971
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in St. Paul earn a median starting salary of $48,971, which is $13,971 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,424 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,005 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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