College Costs in Granite City, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Granite City, 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
$762
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Granite City Overview
Population
28,676
Student Population
2,064 (7.2%)
Cost of Living Index
91.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Granite City
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,500
Total After Financial Aid
$116,500
Annual Cost
$29,125
Annual After Aid
$29,125
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,323 |
| Total Interest | $42,240 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,740 |
Universities in Granite City
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Granite City State University | Public | $16,423 |
| Granite City Community College | Community | $5,030 |
Granite City has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Granite City vs. National Average
| Category | Granite City | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $762 | $1,050 | -$288 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.9 | 100 | -8.099999999999994 |
Granite City'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 Granite City
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,064 students
Granite City has a total population of 28,676, with approximately 2,064 college students (7.2% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Granite City offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Granite City
$40,049
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
64%
Graduation Rate
~23 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Granite City earn a median starting salary of $40,049, which is $5,049 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,500 (including room and board), it would take approximately 23 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,541 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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