College Costs in Oak Forest, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Oak Forest, 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
$819
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Oak Forest Overview
Population
27,403
Student Population
2,517 (9.2%)
Cost of Living Index
86.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
51/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
College Cost Calculator for Oak Forest
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,572
Total After Financial Aid
$118,572
Annual Cost
$29,643
Annual After Aid
$29,643
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,572 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,346 |
| Total Interest | $42,991 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,563 |
Universities in Oak Forest
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Forest State University | Public | $15,521 |
| Oak Forest Community College | Community | $4,757 |
Oak Forest has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Oak Forest vs. National Average
| Category | Oak Forest | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $819 | $1,050 | -$231 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.9 | 100 | -13.099999999999994 |
Oak Forest'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 Oak Forest
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,517 students
Oak Forest has a total population of 27,403, with approximately 2,517 college students (9.2% of the population). Oak Forest has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Oak Forest
$35,281
Starting Salary
5.2%
Unemployment Rate
70%
Graduation Rate
~422 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Oak Forest earn a median starting salary of $35,281, which is $281 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,572 (including room and board), it would take approximately 422 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,386 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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