College Costs in Staples, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Staples, 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
$810
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Staples Overview
Population
20,934
Student Population
1,188 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
89.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
College Cost Calculator for Staples
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,684
Total After Financial Aid
$111,684
Annual Cost
$27,921
Annual After Aid
$27,921
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,684 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,268 |
| Total Interest | $40,494 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,178 |
Universities in Staples
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Staples State University | Public | $13,734 |
| Staples Community College | Community | $5,288 |
Staples has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Staples vs. National Average
| Category | Staples | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $810 | $1,050 | -$240 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.9 | 100 | -10.099999999999994 |
Staples's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Staples
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,188 students
Staples has a total population of 20,934, with approximately 1,188 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Staples offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Staples
$37,574
Starting Salary
2.9%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~43 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Staples earn a median starting salary of $37,574, which is $2,574 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,684 (including room and board), it would take approximately 43 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,978 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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