College Costs in Oak Park, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Oak Park, 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
$783
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Oak Park Overview
Population
52,233
Student Population
3,879 (7.4%)
Cost of Living Index
97.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Oak Park
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,208
Total After Financial Aid
$113,208
Annual Cost
$28,302
Annual After Aid
$28,302
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,208 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,285 |
| Total Interest | $41,046 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,254 |
Universities in Oak Park
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Oak Park State University | Public | $14,525 |
| Oak Park Community College | Community | $4,966 |
Oak Park has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Oak Park vs. National Average
| Category | Oak Park | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $783 | $1,050 | -$267 |
| Cost of Living Index | 97.2 | 100 | -2.799999999999997 |
Oak Park's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Oak Park
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,879 students
Oak Park has a total population of 52,233, with approximately 3,879 college students (7.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Oak Park offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Oak Park
$36,057
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~107 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Oak Park earn a median starting salary of $36,057, which is $1,057 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,208 (including room and board), it would take approximately 107 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,640 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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