College Costs in Carol Stream, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Carol Stream, 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
$756
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Carol Stream Overview
Population
40,438
Student Population
3,036 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
93.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
15/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Carol Stream
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,512
Total After Financial Aid
$118,512
Annual Cost
$29,628
Annual After Aid
$29,628
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,512 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,346 |
| Total Interest | $42,970 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,482 |
Universities in Carol Stream
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Carol Stream State University | Public | $14,437 |
| Carol Stream Community College | Community | $5,569 |
Carol Stream has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Carol Stream vs. National Average
| Category | Carol Stream | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $756 | $1,050 | -$294 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.4 | 100 | -6.599999999999994 |
Carol Stream'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 Carol Stream
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,036 students
Carol Stream has a total population of 40,438, with approximately 3,036 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Carol Stream offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Carol Stream
$43,816
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Carol Stream earn a median starting salary of $43,816, which is $8,816 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,512 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,736 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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