College Costs in Glendale Heights, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Glendale Heights, 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
$786
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Glendale Heights Overview
Population
34,208
Student Population
2,635 (7.7%)
Cost of Living Index
85.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Glendale Heights
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,248
Total After Financial Aid
$118,248
Annual Cost
$29,562
Annual After Aid
$29,562
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,248 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,343 |
| Total Interest | $42,874 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,122 |
Universities in Glendale Heights
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Glendale Heights State University | Public | $16,152 |
| Glendale Heights Community College | Community | $4,712 |
Glendale Heights has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Glendale Heights vs. National Average
| Category | Glendale Heights | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $786 | $1,050 | -$264 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.6 | 100 | -14.400000000000006 |
Glendale Heights'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 Glendale Heights
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,635 students
Glendale Heights has a total population of 34,208, with approximately 2,635 college students (7.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Glendale Heights offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Glendale Heights
$32,921
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
73%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Glendale Heights earn a median starting salary of $32,921, which is -$2,079 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,248 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,578 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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