College Costs in Westchester, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Westchester, 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
$870
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Westchester Overview
Population
18,633
Student Population
2,784 (14.9%)
Cost of Living Index
89.5 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
40/100
Transit Score
17/100
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
College Cost Calculator for Westchester
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$115,636
Total After Financial Aid
$115,636
Annual Cost
$28,909
Annual After Aid
$28,909
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $115,636 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,313 |
| Total Interest | $41,927 |
| Total Loan Cost | $157,563 |
Universities in Westchester
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Westchester State University | Public | $14,565 |
| Westchester Community College | Community | $5,715 |
Westchester has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Westchester vs. National Average
| Category | Westchester | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $870 | $1,050 | -$180 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89.5 | 100 | -10.5 |
Westchester'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 Westchester
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,784 students
Westchester has a total population of 18,633, with approximately 2,784 college students (14.9% of the population). Westchester has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Westchester
$43,675
Starting Salary
4.7%
Unemployment Rate
72%
Graduation Rate
~13 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Westchester earn a median starting salary of $43,675, which is $8,675 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $115,636 (including room and board), it would take approximately 13 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $10,816 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
Other Cities in Illinois
Chicago
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
Springfield
9 colleges · Avg tuition $12,413
Peoria
5 colleges · Avg tuition $8,032
Champaign
7 colleges · Avg tuition $16,004
Decatur
7 colleges · Avg tuition $8,845
Aurora
7 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Waukegan
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Cicero
4 colleges · Avg tuition $15,400
Methodology & Education Data Sources for Westchester
How we compile Westchester college data: Our institution profiles, tuition figures, and outcome data combine multiple federal datasets — primarily IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), which all Title IV-eligible US colleges report to annually, and College Scorecard from the US Department of Education. Cost-of-attendance figures include published tuition, fees, room/board, books, and transportation per institutional reporting.
- Tuition data reflects published in-state and out-of-state rates per IPEDS for Westchester institutions, updated annually.
- Acceptance rates sourced from College Scorecard (most recent reporting cycle), reflecting first-year first-time freshman admissions.
- Earnings outcomes tracked 6-10 years post-enrollment per College Scorecard, comparing earnings to high school graduates ($30,200 baseline).
- Default rates: Cohort Default Rate (CDR) from US Dept of Education tracks 3-year repayment outcomes after entering repayment.
- Local context: Westchester's walk score, transit options, and cost of living affect total college expenses beyond tuition.
Authoritative US education data sources:
- IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — federal college data
- College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion
- NCES Digest of Education Statistics — education indicators
- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan info
- NCES College Navigator — official institution search
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — career outcomes by major
Education Disclaimer: College data reflects most recent IPEDS/Scorecard reporting (typically 1-2 year lag). Tuition can change annually. Always verify current figures with the institution's financial aid office. Use the FAFSA Estimator for personalized aid eligibility.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS data current as of latest annual release
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