College Costs in River Forest, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in River 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
$765
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
River Forest Overview
Population
11,635
Student Population
1,180 (10.1%)
Cost of Living Index
90.7 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
43/100
Transit Score
12/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for River Forest
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,116
Total After Financial Aid
$117,116
Annual Cost
$29,279
Annual After Aid
$29,279
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,116 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,330 |
| Total Interest | $42,463 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,579 |
Universities in River Forest
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| River Forest State University | Public | $16,467 |
| River Forest Community College | Community | $5,331 |
River Forest has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in River Forest vs. National Average
| Category | River Forest | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $765 | $1,050 | -$285 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.7 | 100 | -9.299999999999997 |
River Forest'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 River Forest
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,180 students
River Forest has a total population of 11,635, with approximately 1,180 college students (10.1% of the population). River Forest has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in River Forest
$43,698
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in River Forest earn a median starting salary of $43,698, which is $8,698 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,116 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $11,891 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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