College Costs in Pontiac, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Pontiac, 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
1
institutions
Pontiac Overview
Population
11,931
Student Population
1,179 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
84.8 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
33/100
Transit Score
26/100
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
College Cost Calculator for Pontiac
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,308
Total After Financial Aid
$116,308
Annual Cost
$29,077
Annual After Aid
$29,077
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,308 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,321 |
| Total Interest | $42,170 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,478 |
Universities in Pontiac
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Pontiac State University | Public | $16,339 |
| Pontiac Community College | Community | $5,057 |
Pontiac has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Pontiac vs. National Average
| Category | Pontiac | 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 | 84.8 | 100 | -15.200000000000003 |
Pontiac'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 Pontiac
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,179 students
Pontiac has a total population of 11,931, with approximately 1,179 college students (9.9% of the population). Pontiac has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Pontiac
$39,722
Starting Salary
3.8%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~25 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Pontiac earn a median starting salary of $39,722, which is $4,722 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,308 (including room and board), it would take approximately 25 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,334 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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