College Costs in Arlington Heights, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$867
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Arlington Heights Overview
Population
77,676
Student Population
5,845 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
97.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
23/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Arlington Heights
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,680
Total After Financial Aid
$120,680
Annual Cost
$30,170
Annual After Aid
$30,170
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,680 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,370 |
| Total Interest | $43,756 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,436 |
Universities in Arlington Heights
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington Heights State University | Public | $16,354 |
| Arlington Heights Community College | Community | $5,336 |
Arlington Heights has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Arlington Heights vs. National Average
| Category | Arlington Heights | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $867 | $1,050 | -$183 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.7 | 100 | -2.299999999999997 |
Arlington Heights's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Arlington Heights
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,845 students
Arlington Heights has a total population of 77,676, with approximately 5,845 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Arlington Heights offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Arlington Heights
$37,525
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~48 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Arlington Heights earn a median starting salary of $37,525, which is $2,525 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,680 (including room and board), it would take approximately 48 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,590 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Illinois
Chicago
98 colleges · Avg tuition $14,816
Joliet
12 colleges · Avg tuition $8,958
Naperville
13 colleges · Avg tuition $8,287
Rockford
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,764
Elgin
13 colleges · Avg tuition $10,014
Springfield
9 colleges · Avg tuition $12,413
Peoria
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,032
Champaign
7 colleges · Avg tuition $16,004
Decatur
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,845
Aurora
7 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Waukegan
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Cicero
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Arlington Heights
How we compile Arlington Heights college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Arlington Heights institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Arlington Heights's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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