College Costs in Wilmington, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Wilmington, 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
$750
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Wilmington Overview
Population
33,823
Student Population
2,174 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
90.6 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
53/100
Transit Score
19/100
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
College Cost Calculator for Wilmington
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$111,976
Total After Financial Aid
$111,976
Annual Cost
$27,994
Annual After Aid
$27,994
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $111,976 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,271 |
| Total Interest | $40,600 |
| Total Loan Cost | $152,576 |
Universities in Wilmington
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmington State University | Public | $16,270 |
| Wilmington Community College | Community | $5,620 |
Wilmington has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Wilmington vs. National Average
| Category | Wilmington | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $750 | $1,050 | -$300 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.6 | 100 | -9.400000000000006 |
Wilmington'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 Wilmington
Walk Score
Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,174 students
Wilmington has a total population of 33,823, with approximately 2,174 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Wilmington offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Wilmington
$37,345
Starting Salary
4.4%
Unemployment Rate
53%
Graduation Rate
~48 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Wilmington earn a median starting salary of $37,345, which is $2,345 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $111,976 (including room and board), it would take approximately 48 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,870 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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