College Costs in Lincoln, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Lincoln, 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
$585
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Lincoln Overview
Population
19,553
Student Population
2,110 (10.8%)
Cost of Living Index
91.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
13/100
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
College Cost Calculator for Lincoln
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,988
Total After Financial Aid
$115,988
Annual Cost
$28,997
Annual After Aid
$28,997
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,988 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,317 |
| Total Interest | $42,054 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,042 |
Universities in Lincoln
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln State University | Public | $16,132 |
| Lincoln Community College | Community | $4,956 |
Lincoln has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Lincoln vs. National Average
| Category | Lincoln | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $585 | $1,050 | -$465 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.9 | 100 | -8.099999999999994 |
Lincoln'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 Lincoln
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,110 students
Lincoln has a total population of 19,553, with approximately 2,110 college students (10.8% of the population). Lincoln has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Lincoln
$36,542
Starting Salary
4.5%
Unemployment Rate
75%
Graduation Rate
~75 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Lincoln earn a median starting salary of $36,542, which is $1,542 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,988 (including room and board), it would take approximately 75 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,315 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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