College Costs in Northbrook, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Northbrook, 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
$780
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Northbrook Overview
Population
33,170
Student Population
1,761 (5.3%)
Cost of Living Index
92.1 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
5%
College Cost Calculator for Northbrook
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,116
Total After Financial Aid
$116,116
Annual Cost
$29,029
Annual After Aid
$29,029
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,116 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,318 |
| Total Interest | $42,101 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,217 |
Universities in Northbrook
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Northbrook State University | Public | $16,319 |
| Northbrook Community College | Community | $5,319 |
Northbrook has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Northbrook vs. National Average
| Category | Northbrook | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $780 | $1,050 | -$270 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.1 | 100 | -7.900000000000006 |
Northbrook'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 Northbrook
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,761 students
Northbrook has a total population of 33,170, with approximately 1,761 college students (5.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Northbrook offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Northbrook
$35,305
Starting Salary
5%
Unemployment Rate
65%
Graduation Rate
~381 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Northbrook earn a median starting salary of $35,305, which is $305 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,116 (including room and board), it would take approximately 381 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,832 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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