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Tuition & Fees

Tuition, or the cost that a student pays to take classes, is set for each university annually by the Board of Trustees, based upon a number of factors, including instructional costs, state appropriations, and the rate of inflation. 

For Illinois resident undergraduates, the guaranteed tuition program locks in the same tuition rate throughout his/her four years.

Are tuition and fees the same for all students?

No. Several factors determine the exact rate for a particular student. These can include residency, program of study, and credit load.  There are also mandatory fees that vary for each university, and some programs have additional fees. For detailed information on all tuition, fees, and housing rates, see the Tuition Book

In addition to tuition, when calculating the total cost of attendance, students and their families should factor in room and board, books and supplies, and other living expenses.

What about financial aid?

Financial aid advisers encourage students and their families to differentiate between college "sticker price" and the real cost after financial aid and tax credits and deductions.

More than half of University of Illinois System students typically pay less than full cost of tuition because of need- and merit-based aid provided by the university and federal and state grant programs.

Some students are eligible for tuition waivers that provide financial assistance to students who demonstrate need or hardship, and students with academic talent or special status. Total or partial waivers may also be granted to student veterans, reserve officers, university employees and their children, and research and teaching assistants.

For more specific details on estimated student costs per university, as well as financial aid and scholarship information, visit: