College Costs in Urbana, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Urbana, 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
$693
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Urbana Overview
Population
38,336
Student Population
3,814 (9.9%)
Cost of Living Index
86.9 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
48/100
Transit Score
16/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Urbana
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,628
Total After Financial Aid
$113,628
Annual Cost
$28,407
Annual After Aid
$28,407
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,628 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,290 |
| Total Interest | $41,199 |
| Total Loan Cost | $154,827 |
Universities in Urbana
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Urbana State University | Public | $14,688 |
| Urbana Community College | Community | $5,271 |
Urbana has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Urbana vs. National Average
| Category | Urbana | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $693 | $1,050 | -$357 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86.9 | 100 | -13.099999999999994 |
Urbana'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 Urbana
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
3,814 students
Urbana has a total population of 38,336, with approximately 3,814 college students (9.9% of the population). Urbana has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Urbana
$35,973
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
55%
Graduation Rate
~117 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Urbana earn a median starting salary of $35,973, which is $973 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,628 (including room and board), it would take approximately 117 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $14,682 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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