College Costs in Waconia, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Waconia, 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
$846
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Waconia Overview
Population
13,000
Student Population
1,511 (11.6%)
Cost of Living Index
103 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
14/100
Unemployment Rate
3%
College Cost Calculator for Waconia
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,236
Total After Financial Aid
$116,236
Annual Cost
$29,059
Annual After Aid
$29,059
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,236 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,320 |
| Total Interest | $42,144 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,380 |
Universities in Waconia
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Waconia State University | Public | $13,989 |
| Waconia Community College | Community | $5,857 |
Waconia has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Waconia vs. National Average
| Category | Waconia | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $846 | $1,050 | -$204 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 100 | +3 |
Waconia's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Waconia
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,511 students
Waconia has a total population of 13,000, with approximately 1,511 college students (11.6% of the population). Waconia has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Waconia
$40,567
Starting Salary
3%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~21 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Waconia earn a median starting salary of $40,567, which is $5,567 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,236 (including room and board), it would take approximately 21 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,413 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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