College Cost Planning in Decatur, IL 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Decatur, Illinois. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Decatur as an education-cost market for tuition, rent, aid, and payback planning. We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page. Before applying, verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, official catalogs, and each school's net price calculator.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,845
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,170
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$710
per month
Local Cost Market
7
benchmark points
Decatur Overview
Population
70,522
Student Population
3,686 (5.2%)
Cost of Living Index
96 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
College Cost Calculator for Decatur
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$84,708
Total After Financial Aid
$84,708
Annual Cost
$21,177
Annual After Aid
$21,177
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $84,708 |
| Monthly Payment | $962 |
| Total Interest | $30,713 |
| Total Loan Cost | $115,421 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Decatur
These are city-level planning estimates for tuition, housing, aid, and student costs. Use them for budgeting, then verify specific schools with NCES College Navigator, College Scorecard, and the institution's own net price calculator.
Institution count
7
Public tuition
$8,845
Private tuition
$36,170
Community college
$4,980
Cost of Living in Decatur vs. National Average
| Category | Decatur | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,845 | $10,940 | -$2,095 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $710 | $1,050 | -$340 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96 | 100 | -4 |
Decatur's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Decatur
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,686 students
Decatur has a total population of 70,522, with approximately 3,686 college students (5.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Decatur offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Decatur
$47,863
Starting Salary
3.6%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~6.6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Decatur earn a median starting salary of $47,863, which is $12,863 more per year the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 6.6 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $11,022 per student per year, the net cost can change materially by school and program.
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
Aurora
7 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Waukegan
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Cicero
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Bloomington
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Decatur
How we compile Decatur 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 Decatur 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: Decatur'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
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does college cost in Decatur, IL?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Decatur is $8,845. Private university tuition averages $36,170, and community college tuition averages $4,980. When room and board ($12,332/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $21,177.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Decatur, IL?
Decatur uses approximately 7 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 3,686, which represents 5.2% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Decatur?
The average rent near college campuses in Decatur is approximately $710 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 96 (national average is 100), a walk score of 51, and a public transit score of 21. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Decatur?
College graduates in Decatur earn a median starting salary of $47,863. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%. With an average financial aid package of $11,022 per student and a 65% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Decatur, IL?
With a median starting salary of $47,863 and an average 4-year public university cost of $84,708 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 6.6 years. The 65% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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