Cost & Aid

Compare and See for Yourself

Tuition at Minneapolis College is significantly lower than tuition at most other colleges and universities, and Minneapolis College has worked to hold tuition rates down. When you start at a 2-year college like Minneapolis College, you can save thousands of dollars on the cost of a 4-year education.

Annual Tuition Costs

Minneapolis College compared to 4-year colleges and universities

By attending Minneapolis College for one academic year, you could save more than \$30,000 over private schools. And as you can see, you can save over $18,000 by completing your first 2 years at Minneapolis College versus doing all 4 at the University of Minnesota.

Of the 63% of students at Minneapolis College who receive financial aid, almost 9 of 10 receive some level of grant money, money that you don't have to pay back.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attendance is an estimate of how much it would cost a student to attend college for one year (two semesters). This determines a student’s financial need (see below in the page). Summer cost of attendance is listed separately below.

Below is the estimated 2024-2025 cost of attendance at Minneapolis College based on 15 credits:

Tuition/Fees -
- Fall - $3,080
- Spring - $3,080
- Annual - $6,160
Books and Course Materials -
- Fall - $500
- Spring - $500
- Annual - $1,000
Housing and Food* -
- Fall - $6,672
- Spring - $6,672
- Annual - $13,344
Transportation -
- Fall - $562.50
- Spring - $562.50
- Annual - $1,125
Personal/Miscellaneous -
- Fall - $2,250
- Spring - $2,250
- Annual - $4,500
Student Loan Fees -
- Fall - $49.00
- Spring - $49.00
- Annual - $98
Total -
- Fall - $13,114
- Spring - $13,114
- Annual - $26,228

Summer Term:

Tuition/Fees - $3,080
Books and Materials - $500
Housing and Food* - $2,965
Transportation - $250
Student Loan Fees - $49
Personal/Misc - $1,000
- Total - $ 7,844

*Housing and Food calculations reflect the apartment rent rate and food costs in the Twin Cities.

Tuition and Fees:

Course Tuition per credit:

General Education Courses* - $175.45
Online Courses* - $179.95
Nursing Courses* - $212.95
Aircraft Maintenance and Cinema Courses - $260.45
Courses with Background Checks - $181.20
Dental Courses - $200.90
Welding Courses - $190.95
CHEM 1020 Courses - $205.45

Add these fees per credit to all courses:

MSCSA Fee - $ 0.61
Technology Fee - $13.25
Student Life Fee - $5.45
Health Services Fee - $3.10
Student Center Fee - $7.50

Total to add to each credit: $29.91

* Some courses or programs have a tuition differential due to higher costs associated with the curriculum. If applicable to your registration, these costs are listed on your online bill in eServices.

Financial Aid Eligibility

Determining Financial Aid

The U.S. Department of Education determines who is eligible for federal financial aid by applying the same rules and calculations to every student’s application. The Financial Aid Office at Minneapolis College then notifies applicants of their federal financial aid awards. The same process determines eligibility for state awards.

Based on the information from your FAFSA, the Department of Education calculates what your family is expected to contribute based on its financial situation.

Expected Family Contribution

Financial Need

Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by subtracting the expected family contribution (EFC) from the cost of attendance (COA). After financial need is calculated, the Minneapolis College Financial Aid office awards the maximum federal and state grants that students are eligible to receive, then work study and loans.

Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

Payment Policy Information

Other Costs and Fees

In addition to tuition and program costs there are other costs you may need to consider to plan and budget for college.

These costs and fees are:

Textbooks

The estimated textbook expense for a full-time student is $450 per semester. However, the actual cost of required books varies by course and individual situations. Many textbooks can be purchased used for a savings.

The College Store publishes new and used textbook prices by course online. The bookstore arranges for a used book buy-back at the end of each semester which allows students the opportunity to recoup a portion of their book expense (not all titles are re-purchased and rates are determined by market).

Supplies and Tools

Some courses require specific supplies and tools to complete the course. These items vary by course and are typically listed as part of the course description. Additional information is provided on the instructor’s course syllabus. In certain cases, these required supplies and tools can be purchased through the campus bookstore.

General school supplies vary by individual needs, but are an important part of a successful college budget.

Technology Access

Technology considerations such as personal computers, software and internet access vary by individual needs, but warrant consideration as part of your college budget. Include technology access in your plan particularly if you intend to take online courses.

However most courses will require some computer access for participation. The technology fee included in the price of your courses provides you with various resources such as computer labs, printing and on-campus wireless internet.

Transportation and Parking

Transportation needs vary by individual situations, but are an important part of your college budget. You will receive the best prices by pre-paying your transit and parking needs.

Minneapolis College partners with Metro Transit to provide the subsidized Go-To College bus pass, additional information available in the campus bookstore.

The college-owned parking ramp offers students affordable downtown parking at $2.50 per day (prepaid rate). Metered parking is available on several streets adjacent to campus.

Additionally, Minneapolis is a bike-friendly campus.

Senior Citizen Rates

If you are 62 years old or older and a Minnesota resident, you may audit courses free or take courses for credit at a significantly reduced price if space is available on or after the second day of the term.

Registrations processed prior to the second day are offered for full price. Additionally, it is not permissible to request free or reduced fees if you register early (to hold a seat) and then drop and re-register after the second day.

Visit Ask Us to learn more about the tuition rate for senior citizens or to navigate the senior citizen tuition policy.