College Costs in Sterling, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 1 colleges in Sterling, 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
$687
per month
Colleges & Universities
1
institutions
Sterling Overview
Population
14,785
Student Population
1,920 (13.0%)
Cost of Living Index
90.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
47/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4%
College Cost Calculator for Sterling
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$118,548
Total After Financial Aid
$118,548
Annual Cost
$29,637
Annual After Aid
$29,637
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $118,548 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,346 |
| Total Interest | $42,983 |
| Total Loan Cost | $161,531 |
Universities in Sterling
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling State University | Public | $16,723 |
| Sterling Community College | Community | $5,632 |
Sterling has 1 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Sterling vs. National Average
| Category | Sterling | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $687 | $1,050 | -$363 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 100 | -9.5 |
Sterling'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 Sterling
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
1,920 students
Sterling has a total population of 14,785, with approximately 1,920 college students (13.0% of the population). Sterling has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Sterling
$31,978
Starting Salary
4%
Unemployment Rate
69%
Graduation Rate
~0 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Sterling earn a median starting salary of $31,978, which is -$3,022 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $118,548 (including room and board), it would take approximately 0 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,541 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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