College Costs in Palatine, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 3 colleges in Palatine, 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
$792
per month
Colleges & Universities
3
institutions
Palatine Overview
Population
69,144
Student Population
3,928 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
91.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
39/100
Transit Score
18/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Palatine
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,440
Total After Financial Aid
$113,440
Annual Cost
$28,360
Annual After Aid
$28,360
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,440 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,288 |
| Total Interest | $41,131 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,571 |
Universities in Palatine
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Palatine State University | Public | $14,851 |
| Palatine Community College | Community | $5,176 |
Palatine has 3 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Palatine vs. National Average
| Category | Palatine | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $792 | $1,050 | -$258 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91.9 | 100 | -8.099999999999994 |
Palatine'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 Palatine
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,928 students
Palatine has a total population of 69,144, with approximately 3,928 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Palatine offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Palatine
$33,088
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
52%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Palatine earn a median starting salary of $33,088, which is -$1,912 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,440 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,275 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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