Clinton:We have two universities here and, when school is in, students are ~12-15% of the population.  

Grats on graduating and welcome to your new university :)

I am not sure of the prices there but it is where Applianchin state university there.

Buying houses next to a university...

Additionally, I am a James Madison University graduate so I am fairly familiar with the area you are operating in.  

I recently graduated university, so I do not have much employment history.

Narrowed it down to two areas: one with great schools, a very desirable to live Ellicott City, MD, expensive also; and second - immediate area right outside of the state university campus.

All kinds of things they could do that frustrate you, such as signing you up for magazine subscriptions using bill me later as the payment option, disney cruise dvds, university of Phoenix mailing lists, or sending disgusting things themselves.

My name is Diana, my husband and I both love in NYC but I studied at university at buffalo. 10 years post graduation I decided to go back there and see if I could start a rental property business since the ROI was pretty decent. 4 years later we own 5 properties between the two of us.

Be sure you know that in and out.As to your plan to invest near colleges/universities.. there are plenty in the greater Chicago area that aren't in "Crook" county.