In 2025, the average tuition and fees at 12 four-year public Illinois colleges is $19,559, reflecting a 3.00% increase compared to the previous year.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks as the most expensive public Illinois colleges, with tuition and fees reaching $40,096. Known for its prestigious academic programs and strong reputation, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign remains a top choice for students seeking a premium education experience.
Close behind are University of Illinois Chicago at$32,009 and Illinois State University at$26,058 both consistently recognized among the Illinois Public Colleges with the Highest Tuition & Fees, offering high-quality academic programs and resources.
At these High-Cost Illinois Public Colleges, the average acceptance rate is 70.48%, and the average SAT score is 1,148, making them not only cost-effective but also accessible options for a wide range of students.
| School Name | Undergraduate Tuition & Fees | Graduate Tuition & Fees | Acceptance Rate | Total Population | SAT Score | Graduation Rate | Students to Faculty Ratio | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 - | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Champaign, ILPublic, 4-year | $40,096 ($18,267) $904 | $34,406 ($19,278) $766 | 42.37% | 59,238 | 1,440 | 85.00% | 20 to 1 |
| 2 - | University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, ILPublic, 4-year | $32,009 ($15,949) $504 | $27,748 ($17,550) $893 | 77.35% | 33,906 | 1,240 | 62.00% | 17 to 1 |
| 3 - | Illinois State University Normal, ILPublic, 4-year | $26,058 ($14,410) $2,579 | $13,062 ($10,218) $416 | 88.15% | 21,546 | 1,100 | 65.00% | 19 to 1 |
| 4 - | Northeastern Illinois University Chicago, ILPublic, 4-year | $22,726 ($12,383) - | $18,217 ($9,874) - | 74.60% | 5,734 | - | 22.00% | 9 to 1 |
| 5 - | University of Illinois Springfield Springfield, ILPublic, 4-year | $20,139 ($12,557) $679 | $19,515 ($11,938) $269 | 85.88% | 4,628 | 1,070 | 53.00% | 13 to 1 |
| 6 - | Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublic, 4-year | $15,859 ($13,377) $293 | $23,214 ($11,647) $519 | 65.35% | 8,505 | 1,000 | 47.00% | 14 to 1 |
| 7 - | Western Illinois University Macomb, ILPublic, 4-year | $14,572 ($14,572) $487 | $13,683 ($13,683) $393 | 71.18% | 6,332 | - | 45.00% | 12 to 1 |
| 8 - | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Carbondale, ILPublic, 4-year | $13,334 ($13,334) $90 | $31,122 ($14,220) $72 | 86.88% | 11,790 | 1,040 | 62.00% | 11 to 1 |
| 9 1 | Northern Illinois University Dekalb, ILPublic, 4-year | $13,060 ($13,060) $554 | $9,176 ($9,176) $86 | 69.79% | 15,414 | - | 49.00% | 15 to 1 |
| 10 1 | Chicago State University Chicago, ILPublic, 4-year | $12,757 ($12,757) $3 | $16,162 ($10,294) - | 43.26% | 2,238 | - | 15.00% | 9 to 1 |
| Average | $21,061 ($14,067) | $20,631 ($12,788) | 70.48% | 16,933 | 1,148 | 50.50% | 14 to 1 |