College Costs in DeKalb, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in DeKalb, 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
$672
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
DeKalb Overview
Population
42,849
Student Population
4,030 (9.4%)
Cost of Living Index
94.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for DeKalb
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,848
Total After Financial Aid
$115,848
Annual Cost
$28,962
Annual After Aid
$28,962
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,848 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,315 |
| Total Interest | $42,004 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,852 |
Universities in DeKalb
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| DeKalb State University | Public | $16,841 |
| DeKalb Community College | Community | $5,782 |
DeKalb has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in DeKalb vs. National Average
| Category | DeKalb | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $672 | $1,050 | -$378 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.6 | 100 | -5.400000000000006 |
DeKalb'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 DeKalb
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,030 students
DeKalb has a total population of 42,849, with approximately 4,030 college students (9.4% of the population). DeKalb has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in DeKalb
$41,267
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~18 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in DeKalb earn a median starting salary of $41,267, which is $6,267 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,848 (including room and board), it would take approximately 18 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,078 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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