College Costs in McHenry, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in McHenry, 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
$717
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
McHenry Overview
Population
26,992
Student Population
1,689 (6.3%)
Cost of Living Index
87.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for McHenry
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,720
Total After Financial Aid
$111,720
Annual Cost
$27,930
Annual After Aid
$27,930
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,720 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,269 |
| Total Interest | $40,507 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,227 |
Universities in McHenry
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| McHenry State University | Public | $16,748 |
| McHenry Community College | Community | $5,530 |
McHenry has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in McHenry vs. National Average
| Category | McHenry | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $717 | $1,050 | -$333 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.6 | 100 | -12.400000000000006 |
McHenry'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 McHenry
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,689 students
McHenry has a total population of 26,992, with approximately 1,689 college students (6.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, McHenry offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in McHenry
$37,426
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~46 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in McHenry earn a median starting salary of $37,426, which is $2,426 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,720 (including room and board), it would take approximately 46 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,979 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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