College Costs in Belvidere, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Belvidere, 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
$708
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Belvidere Overview
Population
25,585
Student Population
2,450 (9.6%)
Cost of Living Index
86.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Belvidere
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,084
Total After Financial Aid
$115,084
Annual Cost
$28,771
Annual After Aid
$28,771
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,084 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,307 |
| Total Interest | $41,727 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,811 |
Universities in Belvidere
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Belvidere State University | Public | $15,250 |
| Belvidere Community College | Community | $4,892 |
Belvidere has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Belvidere vs. National Average
| Category | Belvidere | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $708 | $1,050 | -$342 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.5 | 100 | -13.5 |
Belvidere's cost of living is below the national average. This makes it a more affordable city for students compared to many other college towns.
Student Life in Belvidere
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,450 students
Belvidere has a total population of 25,585, with approximately 2,450 college students (9.6% of the population). Belvidere has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Belvidere
$32,336
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Belvidere earn a median starting salary of $32,336, which is -$2,664 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,084 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,640 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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