College Cost Planning in Des Plaines, IL 2026
Estimate tuition, housing, financial aid, and payback using local planning benchmarks for Des Plaines, Illinois. Use the calculator to stress-test your net cost before borrowing.
Local Planning Model, Not a School Directory
DegreeCalc treats Des Plaines 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 We do not publish synthetic or unverified institution names on this page.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
$15,400
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,000
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$738
per month
Local Cost Market
3
benchmark points
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 |
Education Cost Benchmarks in Des Plaines
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
3
Public tuition
$15,400
Private tuition
$38,000
Community college
$5,548
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 the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At the modeled net cost, the salary premium would take about 25 years to cover the investment. With average financial aid of $8,013 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
Decatur
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,845
Aurora
7 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Waukegan
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Cicero
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Des Plaines
How we compile Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines 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: Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines, IL?
Average annual in-state public university tuition in Des Plaines is $15,400. Private university tuition averages $38,000, and community college tuition averages $5,548. When room and board ($12,939/year) is included, the total annual cost at a public university is approximately $28,339.
How many local cost benchmarks are used for Des Plaines, IL?
Des Plaines uses approximately 3 local education-market benchmark points for tuition, housing, and student-cost planning. The city has an estimated student population of approximately 4,742, which represents 7.9% of the total population.
What is the average rent near campus in Des Plaines?
The average rent near college campuses in Des Plaines is approximately $738 per month. The city has a cost of living index of 92.9 (national average is 100), a walk score of 44, and a public transit score of 22. Students can save on housing by sharing apartments or living further from campus.
What is the average starting salary after college in Des Plaines?
College graduates in Des Plaines earn a median starting salary of $39,531. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%. With an average financial aid package of $8,013 per student and a 46% graduation rate, students should carefully plan their college journey to maximize their return on investment.
Is it worth going to college in Des Plaines, IL?
With a median starting salary of $39,531 and an average 4-year public university cost of $113,356 (including room and board), the modeled salary premium can recoup the net investment in about 25 years. The 46% graduation rate underscores the importance of choosing the right program and staying on track academically.
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