Student Life in Naperville, Illinois
Overview
Naperville is a prosperous suburb located approximately 28 miles southwest of Chicago in DuPage County. Consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States, Naperville offers students an exceptionally high quality of life, excellent public services, and convenient access to Chicago's professional and cultural resources.
Home to North Central College, Naperville blends a traditional campus community with a thriving suburban environment. The city's downtown area features boutique shops, restaurants, the Riverwalk along the DuPage River, and a walkable commercial district.
Students in Naperville experience higher living costs compared to downstate Illinois cities, offset by superior amenities, safety, and proximity to Chicago's employment market.
Universities & Student Population
North Central College
A private liberal arts college offering undergraduate and master's degree programs in business, sciences, engineering, arts, and education. North Central College has a residential campus culture and emphasizes undergraduate teaching and student engagement.
College of DuPage
One of the largest community colleges in Illinois, College of DuPage serves the greater Naperville and DuPage County area with associate degrees, certificates, and transfer programs. Many students use CoD as an affordable pathway to four-year institutions.
Proximity to Chicago Universities
Naperville's Metra BNSF commuter rail service connects students to downtown Chicago in approximately 50 minutes, enabling access to Chicago-area universities, internships, and cultural amenities.
Cost of Living
Naperville's cost of living is higher than most Illinois cities outside Chicago, reflecting its affluent suburban character and high demand for housing.
Housing
On-Campus Housing (North Central): $800 - $1,300/month
Shared Apartment/House: $700 - $1,100/month per person
Studio/1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,200 - $1,900/month
Overall Monthly Budget
Conservative: $1,500 - $2,200/month
Moderate: $2,200 - $3,200/month
For comprehensive cost information, visit Cost of Studying in Illinois.
Transportation
Metra Rail Service
The Metra BNSF Line serves Naperville with multiple stations, connecting to downtown Chicago (Union Station) in approximately 50 minutes. This provides convenient access to Chicago for internships, cultural activities, and exploration.
Personal Vehicles
Many Naperville students rely on personal vehicles for local transportation, as the suburban layout limits walkability outside the downtown core. Parking is generally available but adds to student expenses.
Cultural & Social Life
Downtown Naperville
The walkable downtown features the Riverwalk along the DuPage River, boutique shops, diverse restaurants, cafes, and seasonal community events. The area is popular with students for dining and social activities.
Naper Settlement
An outdoor history museum celebrating the city's heritage, offering cultural programming and community events throughout the year.
Corporate Environment
Naperville and the broader I-88 Technology and Research Corridor host corporate offices for numerous major companies, creating significant internship and part-time employment opportunities for students in business, technology, and related fields.
Information on this page represents general patterns and publicly available data about Naperville. Individual experiences vary by institution and personal circumstances. Students should verify details directly with colleges.
Last reviewed: January 2026