College Costs in Wheeling, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wheeling, 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
$672
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wheeling Overview
Population
39,137
Student Population
2,235 (5.7%)
Cost of Living Index
92.3 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
38/100
Transit Score
25/100
Unemployment Rate
4.3%
College Cost Calculator for Wheeling
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$113,892
Total After Financial Aid
$113,892
Annual Cost
$28,473
Annual After Aid
$28,473
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $113,892 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,293 |
| Total Interest | $41,294 |
| Total Loan Cost | $155,186 |
Universities in Wheeling
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wheeling State University | Public | $16,196 |
| Wheeling Community College | Community | $5,046 |
Wheeling has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wheeling vs. National Average
| Category | Wheeling | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $672 | $1,050 | -$378 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.3 | 100 | -7.700000000000003 |
Wheeling'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 Wheeling
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,235 students
Wheeling has a total population of 39,137, with approximately 2,235 college students (5.7% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Wheeling offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wheeling
$38,572
Starting Salary
4.3%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~32 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wheeling earn a median starting salary of $38,572, which is $3,572 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $113,892 (including room and board), it would take approximately 32 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $13,965 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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