College Costs in Park Forest, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Park 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
$654
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Park Forest Overview
Population
21,232
Student Population
2,726 (12.8%)
Cost of Living Index
95.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
44/100
Transit Score
21/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Park Forest
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,832
Total After Financial Aid
$119,832
Annual Cost
$29,958
Annual After Aid
$29,958
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,832 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,361 |
| Total Interest | $43,448 |
| Total Loan Cost | $163,280 |
Universities in Park Forest
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Park Forest State University | Public | $16,644 |
| Park Forest Community College | Community | $5,192 |
Park 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 Park Forest vs. National Average
| Category | Park Forest | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $654 | $1,050 | -$396 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.2 | 100 | -4.799999999999997 |
Park Forest's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Park Forest
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,726 students
Park Forest has a total population of 21,232, with approximately 2,726 college students (12.8% of the population). Park Forest has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Park Forest
$34,247
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
63%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Park Forest earn a median starting salary of $34,247, which is -$753 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,832 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,149 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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