College Costs in Jacksonville, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Jacksonville, 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
$765
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Jacksonville Overview
Population
18,940
Student Population
1,017 (5.4%)
Cost of Living Index
85.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Jacksonville
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,244
Total After Financial Aid
$117,244
Annual Cost
$29,311
Annual After Aid
$29,311
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,244 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,331 |
| Total Interest | $42,510 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,754 |
Universities in Jacksonville
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville State University | Public | $14,446 |
| Jacksonville Community College | Community | $5,239 |
Jacksonville has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Jacksonville vs. National Average
| Category | Jacksonville | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $765 | $1,050 | -$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85.7 | 100 | -14.299999999999997 |
Jacksonville'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 Jacksonville
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,017 students
Jacksonville has a total population of 18,940, with approximately 1,017 college students (5.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Jacksonville offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Jacksonville
$38,408
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~34 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Jacksonville earn a median starting salary of $38,408, which is $3,408 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,244 (including room and board), it would take approximately 34 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,525 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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