College Costs in Evanston, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Evanston, 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
$837
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Evanston Overview
Population
78,110
Student Population
5,765 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
96.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Evanston
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$120,916
Total After Financial Aid
$120,916
Annual Cost
$30,229
Annual After Aid
$30,229
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $120,916 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,373 |
| Total Interest | $43,841 |
| Total Loan Cost | $164,757 |
Universities in Evanston
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Evanston State University | Public | $16,896 |
| Evanston Community College | Community | $5,248 |
Evanston has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Evanston vs. National Average
| Category | Evanston | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $837 | $1,050 | -$213 |
| Cost of Living Index | 96.9 | 100 | -3.0999999999999943 |
Evanston's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Evanston
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,765 students
Evanston has a total population of 78,110, with approximately 5,765 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Evanston offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Evanston
$36,950
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
~62 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Evanston earn a median starting salary of $36,950, which is $1,950 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $120,916 (including room and board), it would take approximately 62 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,984 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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