College Costs in Plainfield, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Plainfield, 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
$651
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Plainfield Overview
Population
44,762
Student Population
2,446 (5.5%)
Cost of Living Index
84.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
37/100
Transit Score
28/100
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
College Cost Calculator for Plainfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,412
Total After Financial Aid
$111,412
Annual Cost
$27,853
Annual After Aid
$27,853
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,412 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,265 |
| Total Interest | $40,395 |
| Total Loan Cost | $151,807 |
Universities in Plainfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Plainfield State University | Public | $16,822 |
| Plainfield Community College | Community | $5,032 |
Plainfield has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Plainfield vs. National Average
| Category | Plainfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $651 | $1,050 | -$399 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.3 | 100 | -15.700000000000003 |
Plainfield'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 Plainfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,446 students
Plainfield has a total population of 44,762, with approximately 2,446 college students (5.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Plainfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Plainfield
$33,587
Starting Salary
4.6%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Plainfield earn a median starting salary of $33,587, which is -$1,413 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,412 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $12,749 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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