College Costs in Buffalo Grove, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Buffalo Grove, 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
$651
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Buffalo Grove Overview
Population
41,496
Student Population
2,708 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
87.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
College Cost Calculator for Buffalo Grove
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,400
Total After Financial Aid
$117,400
Annual Cost
$29,350
Annual After Aid
$29,350
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,400 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,333 |
| Total Interest | $42,566 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,966 |
Universities in Buffalo Grove
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Buffalo Grove State University | Public | $15,264 |
| Buffalo Grove Community College | Community | $4,976 |
Buffalo Grove has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Buffalo Grove vs. National Average
| Category | Buffalo Grove | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $651 | $1,050 | -$399 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.7 | 100 | -12.299999999999997 |
Buffalo Grove'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 Buffalo Grove
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,708 students
Buffalo Grove has a total population of 41,496, with approximately 2,708 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Buffalo Grove offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Buffalo Grove
$39,301
Starting Salary
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
59%
Graduation Rate
~27 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Buffalo Grove earn a median starting salary of $39,301, which is $4,301 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,400 (including room and board), it would take approximately 27 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,918 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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13 colleges · Avg tuition $8,287
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Champaign
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Methodology & Education Data Sources for Buffalo Grove
How we compile Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove 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: Buffalo Grove'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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