College Costs in Joliet, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 12 colleges in Joliet, Illinois. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,958
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$36,980
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$880
per month
Colleges & Universities
12
institutions
Joliet Overview
Population
150,362
Student Population
14,659 (9.7%)
Cost of Living Index
108 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
64/100
Transit Score
27/100
Unemployment Rate
4.2%
College Cost Calculator for Joliet
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$87,888
Total After Financial Aid
$87,888
Annual Cost
$21,972
Annual After Aid
$21,972
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $87,888 |
| Monthly Payment | $998 |
| Total Interest | $31,866 |
| Total Loan Cost | $119,754 |
Universities in Joliet
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of St. Francis | Private | $36,980 |
| Joliet Junior College | Community | $4,980 |
Joliet has 12 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Joliet vs. National Average
| Category | Joliet | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,958 | $10,940 | -$1,982 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $880 | $1,050 | -$170 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 100 | +8 |
Joliet's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Joliet
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
14,659 students
Joliet has a total population of 150,362, with approximately 14,659 college students (9.7% of the population). Joliet has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Joliet
$43,716
Starting Salary
4.2%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~10 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Joliet earn a median starting salary of $43,716, which is $8,716 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $87,888 (including room and board), it would take approximately 10 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,482 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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