College Costs in Wells, MN 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wells, 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
$975
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wells Overview
Population
37,364
Student Population
3,551 (9.5%)
Cost of Living Index
100.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
2.2%
College Cost Calculator for Wells
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$112,484
Total After Financial Aid
$112,484
Annual Cost
$28,121
Annual After Aid
$28,121
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $112,484 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,277 |
| Total Interest | $40,784 |
| Total Loan Cost | $153,268 |
Universities in Wells
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wells State University | Public | $14,161 |
| Wells Community College | Community | $5,987 |
Wells has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wells vs. National Average
| Category | Wells | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,200 | $10,940 | +$3,260 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $975 | $1,050 | -$75 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100.7 | 100 | +0.7000000000000028 |
Wells's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Wells
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,551 students
Wells has a total population of 37,364, with approximately 3,551 college students (9.5% of the population). Wells has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wells
$54,620
Starting Salary
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wells earn a median starting salary of $54,620, which is $19,620 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $112,484 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,606 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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