College Costs in Cicero, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Cicero, 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
$735
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Cicero Overview
Population
83,891
Student Population
4,265 (5.1%)
Cost of Living Index
93.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Cicero
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,648
Total After Financial Aid
$115,648
Annual Cost
$28,912
Annual After Aid
$28,912
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,648 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,313 |
| Total Interest | $41,931 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,579 |
Universities in Cicero
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Cicero State University | Public | $16,526 |
| Cicero Community College | Community | $4,957 |
Cicero has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Cicero vs. National Average
| Category | Cicero | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $735 | $1,050 | -$315 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.6 | 100 | -6.400000000000006 |
Cicero'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 Cicero
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,265 students
Cicero has a total population of 83,891, with approximately 4,265 college students (5.1% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Cicero offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Cicero
$34,526
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
51%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Cicero earn a median starting salary of $34,526, which is -$474 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,648 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,408 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
Bloomington
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Cicero
How we compile Cicero 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 Cicero 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: Cicero'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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