College Costs in Zion, IL 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Zion, 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
$738
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Zion Overview
Population
24,413
Student Population
2,072 (8.5%)
Cost of Living Index
84.2 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
46/100
Transit Score
20/100
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
College Cost Calculator for Zion
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$117,212
Total After Financial Aid
$117,212
Annual Cost
$29,303
Annual After Aid
$29,303
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $117,212 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,331 |
| Total Interest | $42,498 |
| Total Loan Cost | $159,710 |
Universities in Zion
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Zion State University | Public | $14,658 |
| Zion Community College | Community | $5,577 |
Zion has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Zion vs. National Average
| Category | Zion | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $15,400 | $10,940 | +$4,460 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $738 | $1,050 | -$312 |
| Cost of Living Index | 84.2 | 100 | -15.799999999999997 |
Zion'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 Zion
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,072 students
Zion has a total population of 24,413, with approximately 2,072 college students (8.5% of the population). Zion has a significant student presence that contributes to a diverse cultural scene with restaurants, entertainment, and networking opportunities.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Zion
$36,577
Starting Salary
3.9%
Unemployment Rate
62%
Graduation Rate
~74 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Zion earn a median starting salary of $36,577, which is $1,577 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $117,212 (including room and board), it would take approximately 74 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $8,179 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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