Illinois colleges are more expensive than the national average
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Illinois colleges and universities cost more than the national average, according to a new College Board study.
The big picture: While average college tuition has steadily dropped over the past five years, so has the amount of financial aid students receive. Federal grant aid per student has decreased nearly 4% in the same period, which is in line with decreases in enrollment.
- Both of those numbers are almost half of what the aid was a decade ago.
By the numbers: Nationally, tuition and fees for in-state public universities are flat year over year. It costs on average $11,610 a year. If you include room and board and books, the average price is $29,910.
Yes, but: Tuition at private colleges and universities has risen about 4%, before adjusting for inflation. On average it costs $43,350, which is $1,610 higher than 2023–24.
- $62,990 if you include all costs.
The intrigue: In Illinois, the average four-year in-state tuition (and fees) costs $15,320, well above the national average. With all costs including room and board, the average tuition is closer to $33,000.
- University of Illinois (public): $17,640, plus about $15,000 for room, board and fees.
- UIC (public): $18,880, plus another $15,000 for room, board and fees.
- DePaul University (private): $45,999, plus almost $20,000 for room, board and fees.
- University of Chicago (private): $69,324, plus over $20,000 for room, board and fees.
Between the lines: Even though Illinois costs are higher than most Midwest states, tuition has been steadily dropping. Costs are down 12% in the last five years, while students have more options for financial aid before taking out student loans.
- You can thank the COVID pandemic for that drop. Right before that, tuition costs were at all-time highs.
Reality check: Most public university tuition costs are weighed against how much state and local funding is provided.
- In 2022–23, Illinois paid public colleges and universities over $20,000 per full-time student. That's the third-highest rate in the country.
- However, the state's contributions are considerably lower when you look at the past decade.
The bottom line: College is still expensive, especially in Illinois.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to remove average totals of federal aid per student for public in-state institutions and private schools and to show that per-student federal grant aid has decreased by 4% over the past five years.