Cost of Living in Minnesota
The Twin Cities is a vibrant metropolitan area with a wide range of housing, transportation, dining, and entertainment options. As a result, your actual living expenses may be higher or lower than the estimates shown below.
The University of Minnesota uses these estimates to calculate your total cost of attendance for financial aid purposes. They are not charges billed by the University. For the fall and spring semesters, estimated living expenses, which include housing, food, transportation, books and course materials, personal expenses, and loan fees, total to $27,738.
For the most accurate financial plan, we encourage you to estimate your own expenses based on your expected housing, transportation, and spending habits.
Tuition and fees are listed separately. For undergraduate students, please refer to One Stop.
| Expense Category | Fall/Spring Amount | Semester Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Books, course materials, supplies, and equipment | $1,000.00 | $500.00 |
| Housing and food | $19,600.00 | $9,800.00 |
| Transportation | $2,350.00 | $1,175.00 |
| Personal, misc | $4,000.00 | $2,000.00 |
| Loan fees | $788.00 | $394.00 |
| Total | $27,738.00 | $13,869.00 |
School of Public Health (SPH) students live in apartments near campus and throughout the Twin Cities area. The University’s Housing & Residential Life lists both on- and off-campus housing options.
Students who have children may live in University family housing with amenities. Housing & Residential Life is proud to offer two student housing properties for students who have children: the Commonwealth Terrace Cooperative (near the St. Paul campus) and the Como Student Community Cooperative (near the Minneapolis campus).
Campus shuttles: You can get wherever you need to go at the University by using the free campus shuttle system. These shuttle buses link the Minneapolis (East Bank and West Bank) and St. Paul campuses.
Public transit: The Light Rail Transit system and Minneapolis/St. Paul Bus system are excellent transportation options. Students who pay the Transportation Fee receive unlimited access to the transit system.
Parking: Ramps, meters and parking lots are options for those who drive to campus. Students can enter a lottery for on-campus contract parking space. Information about parking is available through Parking and Transportation Services.
Biking: The University of Minnesota is nationally recognized for being bicycle-friendly and was named a Platinum Bicycle-Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists. Many students, faculty, staff, and visitors get around campus using this healthy and cost-effective transportation option.
The Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) is a cost-effective, comprehensive health plan designed to meet the unique needs of students. All students are required to have health insurance. For more information about health insurance, visit the Office of Student Health Benefits.
Students with graduate assistant appointments may be eligible to participate in the university-sponsored Graduate Assistant Health Plan. For more information about this health insurance, visit the Office of Student Health Benefits.
Note: The University of Minnesota mandates all international students and their dependents be covered by the University-sponsored health plan while studying in the United States.
Support for student parents is available through the Student Parent HELP Center.
