College Costs in Des Plaines, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Des Plaines, 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
$738
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Des Plaines Overview
Population
59,773
Student Population
4,742 (7.9%)
Cost of Living Index
92.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Des Plaines
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,356
Total After Financial Aid
$113,356
Annual Cost
$28,339
Annual After Aid
$28,339
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,356 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,287 |
| Total Interest | $41,100 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,456 |
Universities in Des Plaines
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Des Plaines State University | Public | $14,210 |
| Des Plaines Community College | Community | $5,548 |
Des Plaines has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Des Plaines vs. National Average
| Category | Des Plaines | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $738 | $1,050 | -$312 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.9 | 100 | -7.099999999999994 |
Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
4,742 students
Des Plaines has a total population of 59,773, with approximately 4,742 college students (7.9% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Des Plaines offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Des Plaines
$39,531
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
46%
Graduation Rate
~25 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Des Plaines earn a median starting salary of $39,531, which is $4,531 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,356 (including room and board), it would take approximately 25 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,013 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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