College Costs in Elmhurst, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Elmhurst, 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
$651
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Elmhurst Overview
Population
46,756
Student Population
3,621 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
87.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Elmhurst
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,456
Total After Financial Aid
$113,456
Annual Cost
$28,364
Annual After Aid
$28,364
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,456 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,288 |
| Total Interest | $41,136 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,592 |
Universities in Elmhurst
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Elmhurst State University | Public | $14,175 |
| Elmhurst Community College | Community | $5,126 |
Elmhurst has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Elmhurst vs. National Average
| Category | Elmhurst | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $651 | $1,050 | -$399 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.5 | 100 | -12.5 |
Elmhurst'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 Elmhurst
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,621 students
Elmhurst has a total population of 46,756, with approximately 3,621 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Elmhurst offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Elmhurst
$41,785
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~17 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Elmhurst earn a median starting salary of $41,785, which is $6,785 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,456 (including room and board), it would take approximately 17 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,958 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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