College Costs in Metropolis, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Metropolis, 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
$855
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Metropolis Overview
Population
42,290
Student Population
2,115 (5.0%)
Cost of Living Index
95.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
34/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Metropolis
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,820
Total After Financial Aid
$117,820
Annual Cost
$29,455
Annual After Aid
$29,455
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,820 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,338 |
| Total Interest | $42,719 |
| Total Loan Cost | $160,539 |
Universities in Metropolis
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolis State University | Public | $15,807 |
| Metropolis Community College | Community | $5,258 |
Metropolis has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Metropolis vs. National Average
| Category | Metropolis | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $855 | $1,050 | -$195 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.3 | 100 | -4.700000000000003 |
Metropolis's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Metropolis
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,115 students
Metropolis has a total population of 42,290, with approximately 2,115 college students (5.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Metropolis offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Metropolis
$40,555
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
54%
Graduation Rate
~21 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Metropolis earn a median starting salary of $40,555, which is $5,555 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,820 (including room and board), it would take approximately 21 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,224 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Illinois
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12 colleges · Avg tuition $8,958
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13 colleges · Avg tuition $8,287
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7 colleges · Avg tuition $16,004
Decatur
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
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4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
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