College Costs in Bloomington, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Bloomington, 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
$585
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Bloomington Overview
Population
78,902
Student Population
4,489 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
92.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
50/100
Transit Score
29/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Bloomington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,300
Total After Financial Aid
$115,300
Annual Cost
$28,825
Annual After Aid
$28,825
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,300 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,309 |
| Total Interest | $41,805 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,105 |
Universities in Bloomington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington State University | Public | $14,688 |
| Bloomington Community College | Community | $5,776 |
Bloomington has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Bloomington vs. National Average
| Category | Bloomington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $585 | $1,050 | -$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.5 | 100 | -7.5 |
Bloomington'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 Bloomington
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,489 students
Bloomington has a total population of 78,902, with approximately 4,489 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Bloomington offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Bloomington
$36,034
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~112 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Bloomington earn a median starting salary of $36,034, which is $1,034 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,300 (including room and board), it would take approximately 112 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,658 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 Bloomington
How we compile Bloomington 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 Bloomington 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: Bloomington'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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