College Costs in Gurnee, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Gurnee, 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
$711
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Gurnee Overview
Population
30,771
Student Population
3,027 (9.8%)
Cost of Living Index
92.4 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
College Cost Calculator for Gurnee
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,508
Total After Financial Aid
$117,508
Annual Cost
$29,377
Annual After Aid
$29,377
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,508 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,334 |
| Total Interest | $42,606 |
| Total Loan Cost | $160,114 |
Universities in Gurnee
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Gurnee State University | Public | $15,501 |
| Gurnee Community College | Community | $5,251 |
Gurnee has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Gurnee vs. National Average
| Category | Gurnee | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $711 | $1,050 | -$339 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.4 | 100 | -7.599999999999994 |
Gurnee'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 Gurnee
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,027 students
Gurnee has a total population of 30,771, with approximately 3,027 college students (9.8% of the population). Gurnee has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Gurnee
$39,068
Starting Salary
4.1%
Unemployment Rate
48%
Graduation Rate
~29 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Gurnee earn a median starting salary of $39,068, which is $4,068 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,508 (including room and board), it would take approximately 29 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,942 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Illinois
Chicago
98 colleges · Avg tuition $14,816
Joliet
12 colleges · Avg tuition $8,958
Naperville
13 colleges · Avg tuition $8,287
Rockford
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,764
Elgin
13 colleges · Avg tuition $10,014
Springfield
9 colleges · Avg tuition $12,413
Peoria
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,032
Champaign
7 colleges · Avg tuition $16,004
Decatur
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,845
Aurora
7 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Waukegan
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Cicero
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities