College Costs in Normal, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Normal, 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
$870
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Normal Overview
Population
54,264
Student Population
3,532 (6.5%)
Cost of Living Index
87.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Normal
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,024
Total After Financial Aid
$115,024
Annual Cost
$28,756
Annual After Aid
$28,756
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,024 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,306 |
| Total Interest | $41,705 |
| Total Loan Cost | $156,729 |
Universities in Normal
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Normal State University | Public | $16,290 |
| Normal Community College | Community | $5,480 |
Normal has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Normal vs. National Average
| Category | Normal | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $870 | $1,050 | -$180 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.6 | 100 | -12.400000000000006 |
Normal'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 Normal
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,532 students
Normal has a total population of 54,264, with approximately 3,532 college students (6.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Normal offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Normal
$38,370
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
57%
Graduation Rate
~34 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Normal earn a median starting salary of $38,370, which is $3,370 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,024 (including room and board), it would take approximately 34 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,061 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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