College Costs in Rock Island, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Rock Island, 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
$678
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Rock Island Overview
Population
36,632
Student Population
2,763 (7.5%)
Cost of Living Index
93.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
36/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Rock Island
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$119,500
Total After Financial Aid
$119,500
Annual Cost
$29,875
Annual After Aid
$29,875
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $119,500 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,357 |
| Total Interest | $43,328 |
| Total Loan Cost | $162,828 |
Universities in Rock Island
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Island State University | Public | $15,200 |
| Rock Island Community College | Community | $4,941 |
Rock Island has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Rock Island vs. National Average
| Category | Rock Island | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $678 | $1,050 | -$372 |
| Cost of Living Index | 93.6 | 100 | -6.400000000000006 |
Rock Island'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 Rock Island
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,763 students
Rock Island has a total population of 36,632, with approximately 2,763 college students (7.5% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Rock Island offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Rock Island
$33,175
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Rock Island earn a median starting salary of $33,175, which is -$1,825 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $119,500 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $15,258 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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