College Costs in East St. Louis, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in East St. Louis, 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
$660
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
East St. Louis Overview
Population
24,710
Student Population
2,935 (11.9%)
Cost of Living Index
90.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for East St. Louis
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,020
Total After Financial Aid
$117,020
Annual Cost
$29,255
Annual After Aid
$29,255
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,020 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,329 |
| Total Interest | $42,429 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,449 |
Universities in East St. Louis
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| East St. Louis State University | Public | $14,023 |
| East St. Louis Community College | Community | $5,707 |
East St. Louis has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in East St. Louis vs. National Average
| Category | East St. Louis | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $660 | $1,050 | -$390 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.8 | 100 | -9.200000000000003 |
East St. Louis'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 East St. Louis
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,935 students
East St. Louis has a total population of 24,710, with approximately 2,935 college students (11.9% of the population). East St. Louis has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in East St. Louis
$43,475
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
~14 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in East St. Louis earn a median starting salary of $43,475, which is $8,475 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,020 (including room and board), it would take approximately 14 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,045 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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