College Costs in Chicago, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 98 colleges in Chicago, Illinois. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$14,816
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$62,666
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,521
per month
Colleges & Universities
98
institutions
Chicago Overview
Population
2,693,976
Student Population
177,322 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
109 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
68/100
Transit Score
77/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Chicago
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$95,732
Total After Financial Aid
$95,732
Annual Cost
$23,933
Annual After Aid
$23,933
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $95,732 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,087 |
| Total Interest | $34,710 |
| Total Loan Cost | $130,442 |
Universities in Chicago
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | Private | $62,940 |
| Northwestern University | Private | $62,391 |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | Public | $14,816 |
| City Colleges of Chicago | Community | $3,918 |
Chicago has 98 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Chicago vs. National Average
| Category | Chicago | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $14,816 | $10,940 | +$3,876 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,521 | $1,050 | +$471 |
| Cost of Living Index | 109 | 100 | +9 |
Chicago's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Chicago
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Excellent Transit
Student Population
177,322 students
Chicago has a total population of 2,693,976, with approximately 177,322 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Chicago offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Chicago
$51,454
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Chicago earn a median starting salary of $51,454, which is $16,454 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $95,732 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $16,009 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Illinois
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
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