College Costs in Thief River Falls, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Thief River Falls, 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
$828
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Thief River Falls Overview
Population
8,573
Student Population
1,773 (20.7%)
Cost of Living Index
97.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Thief River Falls
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,028
Total After Financial Aid
$110,028
Annual Cost
$27,507
Annual After Aid
$27,507
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,028 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,249 |
| Total Interest | $39,893 |
| Total Loan Cost | $149,921 |
Universities in Thief River Falls
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Thief River Falls State University | Public | $15,238 |
| Thief River Falls Community College | Community | $5,433 |
Thief River Falls has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Thief River Falls vs. National Average
| Category | Thief River Falls | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $828 | $1,050 | -$222 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.5 | 100 | -2.5 |
Thief River Falls's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Thief River Falls
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,773 students
Thief River Falls has a total population of 8,573, with approximately 1,773 college students (20.7% of the population). As a major college town, Thief River Falls offers a vibrant campus atmosphere with student-friendly businesses, affordable dining options, and active social scene.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Thief River Falls
$41,890
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
50%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Thief River Falls earn a median starting salary of $41,890, which is $6,890 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $110,028 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,789 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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