College Costs in Effingham, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Effingham, 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
$636
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Effingham Overview
Population
12,604
Student Population
797 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
83.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
42/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Effingham
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$110,664
Total After Financial Aid
$110,664
Annual Cost
$27,666
Annual After Aid
$27,666
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $110,664 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,257 |
| Total Interest | $40,124 |
| Total Loan Cost | $150,788 |
Universities in Effingham
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Effingham State University | Public | $16,467 |
| Effingham Community College | Community | $4,997 |
Effingham has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Effingham vs. National Average
| Category | Effingham | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $636 | $1,050 | -$414 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83.2 | 100 | -16.799999999999997 |
Effingham'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 Effingham
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
797 students
Effingham has a total population of 12,604, with approximately 797 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Effingham offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Effingham
$37,621
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~42 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Effingham earn a median starting salary of $37,621, which is $2,621 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $110,664 (including room and board), it would take approximately 42 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,571 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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