College Costs in Edwardsville, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Edwardsville, 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
$648
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Edwardsville Overview
Population
25,332
Student Population
2,559 (10.1%)
Cost of Living Index
94.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Edwardsville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,448
Total After Financial Aid
$116,448
Annual Cost
$29,112
Annual After Aid
$29,112
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,448 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,322 |
| Total Interest | $42,221 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,669 |
Universities in Edwardsville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Edwardsville State University | Public | $14,259 |
| Edwardsville Community College | Community | $5,732 |
Edwardsville has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Edwardsville vs. National Average
| Category | Edwardsville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $648 | $1,050 | -$402 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.2 | 100 | -5.799999999999997 |
Edwardsville'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 Edwardsville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,559 students
Edwardsville has a total population of 25,332, with approximately 2,559 college students (10.1% of the population). Edwardsville has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Edwardsville
$42,675
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
67%
Graduation Rate
~15 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Edwardsville earn a median starting salary of $42,675, which is $7,675 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,448 (including room and board), it would take approximately 15 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,422 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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