College Costs in Waukegan, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 4 colleges in Waukegan, 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
$771
per month
Colleges & Universities
4
institutions
Waukegan Overview
Population
88,826
Student Population
5,843 (6.6%)
Cost of Living Index
90.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
24/100
Unemployment Rate
5.1%
College Cost Calculator for Waukegan
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$116,164
Total After Financial Aid
$116,164
Annual Cost
$29,041
Annual After Aid
$29,041
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $116,164 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,319 |
| Total Interest | $42,118 |
| Total Loan Cost | $158,282 |
Universities in Waukegan
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Waukegan State University | Public | $15,619 |
| Waukegan Community College | Community | $4,848 |
Waukegan has 4 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Waukegan vs. National Average
| Category | Waukegan | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $771 | $1,050 | -$279 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.3 | 100 | -9.700000000000003 |
Waukegan'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 Waukegan
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
5,843 students
Waukegan has a total population of 88,826, with approximately 5,843 college students (6.6% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Waukegan offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Waukegan
$38,869
Starting Salary
5.1%
Unemployment Rate
74%
Graduation Rate
~30 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Waukegan earn a median starting salary of $38,869, which is $3,869 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $116,164 (including room and board), it would take approximately 30 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,734 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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