College Costs in West Fargo, ND 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in West Fargo, North Dakota. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$9,800
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$20,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$915
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
West Fargo Overview
Population
38,626
Student Population
3,371 (8.7%)
Cost of Living Index
96.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
1.9%
College Cost Calculator for West Fargo
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,208
Total After Financial Aid
$95,208
Annual Cost
$23,802
Annual After Aid
$23,802
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,208 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,081 |
| Total Interest | $34,520 |
| Total Loan Cost | $129,728 |
Universities in West Fargo
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| West Fargo State University | Public | $9,676 |
| West Fargo Community College | Community | $5,594 |
West Fargo has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in West Fargo vs. National Average
| Category | West Fargo | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $9,800 | $10,940 | -$1,140 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $915 | $1,050 | -$135 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.8 | 100 | -3.200000000000003 |
West Fargo's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in West Fargo
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,371 students
West Fargo has a total population of 38,626, with approximately 3,371 college students (8.7% of the population). West Fargo has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in West Fargo
$40,965
Starting Salary
1.9%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~16 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in West Fargo earn a median starting salary of $40,965, which is $5,965 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,208 (including room and board), it would take approximately 16 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,734 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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