College Costs in Peoria, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 5 colleges in Peoria, Illinois. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,032
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$38,400
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,049
per month
Colleges & Universities
5
institutions
Peoria Overview
Population
113,150
Student Population
4,843 (4.3%)
Cost of Living Index
104 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
43/100
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
College Cost Calculator for Peoria
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$74,392
Total After Financial Aid
$74,392
Annual Cost
$18,598
Annual After Aid
$18,598
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $74,392 |
| Monthly Payment | $845 |
| Total Interest | $26,973 |
| Total Loan Cost | $101,365 |
Universities in Peoria
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley University | Private | $38,400 |
| Illinois Central College | Community | $4,980 |
Peoria has 5 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Peoria vs. National Average
| Category | Peoria | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,032 | $10,940 | -$2,908 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,049 | $1,050 | -$1 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104 | 100 | +4 |
Peoria's cost of living is near the national average. Students can expect typical expenses comparable to most other U.S. cities.
Student Life in Peoria
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Some Transit
Student Population
4,843 students
Peoria has a total population of 113,150, with approximately 4,843 college students (4.3% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Peoria offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Peoria
$54,109
Starting Salary
5.6%
Unemployment Rate
47%
Graduation Rate
~4 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Peoria earn a median starting salary of $54,109, which is $19,109 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $74,392 (including room and board), it would take approximately 4 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $9,588 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Illinois
Chicago
98 colleges · Avg tuition $14,816
Joliet
12 colleges · Avg tuition $8,958
Naperville
13 colleges · Avg tuition $8,287
Rockford
8 colleges · Avg tuition $9,764
Elgin
13 colleges · Avg tuition $10,014
Springfield
9 colleges · Avg tuition $12,413
Champaign
7 colleges · Avg tuition $16,004
Decatur
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,845
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Explore 350+ Cities Across the U.S.
Compare college costs, housing, and student life in every major U.S. city.
Browse All Cities