College Costs in Niles, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Niles, 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
$669
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Niles Overview
Population
29,803
Student Population
2,767 (9.3%)
Cost of Living Index
94.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
35/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Niles
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,400
Total After Financial Aid
$113,400
Annual Cost
$28,350
Annual After Aid
$28,350
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,400 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,288 |
| Total Interest | $41,116 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,516 |
Universities in Niles
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Niles State University | Public | $14,688 |
| Niles Community College | Community | $5,749 |
Niles has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Niles vs. National Average
| Category | Niles | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $669 | $1,050 | -$381 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.9 | 100 | -5.099999999999994 |
Niles'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 Niles
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,767 students
Niles has a total population of 29,803, with approximately 2,767 college students (9.3% of the population). Niles has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Niles
$37,365
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
58%
Graduation Rate
~48 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Niles earn a median starting salary of $37,365, which is $2,365 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,400 (including room and board), it would take approximately 48 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,309 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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