College Costs in Springfield, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 9 colleges in Springfield, Illinois. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$12,413
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$27,201
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$642
per month
Colleges & Universities
9
institutions
Springfield Overview
Population
114,394
Student Population
6,874 (6.0%)
Cost of Living Index
92 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
32/100
Unemployment Rate
5.8%
College Cost Calculator for Springfield
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$103,988
Total After Financial Aid
$103,988
Annual Cost
$25,997
Annual After Aid
$25,997
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $103,988 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,181 |
| Total Interest | $37,704 |
| Total Loan Cost | $141,692 |
Universities in Springfield
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Springfield | Public | $12,413 |
| Lincoln Land Community College | Community | $4,980 |
Springfield has 9 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Springfield vs. National Average
| Category | Springfield | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $12,413 | $10,940 | +$1,473 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $642 | $1,050 | -$408 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92 | 100 | -8 |
Springfield'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 Springfield
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
6,874 students
Springfield has a total population of 114,394, with approximately 6,874 college students (6.0% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Springfield offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Springfield
$49,976
Starting Salary
5.8%
Unemployment Rate
61%
Graduation Rate
~7 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Springfield earn a median starting salary of $49,976, which is $14,976 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $103,988 (including room and board), it would take approximately 7 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,401 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Illinois
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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
Peoria
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,032
Champaign
7 colleges · Avg tuition $16,004
Decatur
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,845
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