For the academic year 2023-2024, the average tuition of public colleges in Illinois is $13,493 for Illinois residents and $18,989 for out-of-state students. For private colleges in Illinois, the average tuition & fees are $30,700 regardless of residency. For graduate schools, the average tuition of public colleges in Illinois is $12,455 for Illinois residents and $18,992 for out-of-state students. For private schools in Illinois, the average graduate tuition is $21,425.
The average living expenses other than tuition & fees are $15,778 when a student lives on-campus facilities such as dormitory and college-operated/owned apartment. The average off-campus living cost is $15,514. It includes costs for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses.
The average amounts are based on the cost of 4-years college which offer BS degree (or higher). You can check the average cost of 2-years college (community college) and less than 2 years colleges (trade schools / technical colleges). In addition, you can check the average cost of college by school type, level, and offered degree below.
Average Cost of Attendance (COA)
In addition to the tuition & fees, the cost of college includes cost for room & board, books & supplies, and other living expenses. This total costs of attendance (COA) is important when preparing for the college admission and checking student loans.
The 2024 average COA of the four-year colleges in Illinois is $30,780 for residents and $36,276 for out-of-state students. At private four-year schools, average COA is $47,633. At community colleges (2-4 year school), the average COA is $11,258 for Illinois residents and $13,814 for out-of-state students.
The following table summarizes the 2024 average COA by school types and levels. In addition, you can check the changes of COA by comparing to last year.
| Illinois Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $30,780 | $36,276 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $47,633 | |
| Community Colleges | $11,258 | $13,814 |
Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
In Illinois, 225 out of 243 colleges are offering undergraduate programs. By schools type, there are 62 public and 144 private colleges in Illinois. The average undergraduate tuition & fees of colleges in Illinois is $10,150 for Illinois residents and $15,646 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the undergraduate tuition & fees is $29,757
At community colleges (2-4 years schools), the average tuition & fees is $9,155 for residents and $11,711 for out-of-state students.
| Illinois Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $10,150 | $15,646 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $29,757 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $9,155 | $11,711 |
| Trade Schools (Less than 2-Year Schools) | $17,700 | |
Graduate Programs Tuition & Fees
In Illinois, 82 colleges and universities offer graduate programs. The average graduate school tuition & fees of colleges in Illinois is $9,397 for Illinois residents and $15,935 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the graduate program tuition & fees is $20,645
| Illinois Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $9,397 | $15,935 |
| Private Schools | $20,645 | |
Tuition per Credit Hour
The tuition per credit hour is used and charged to part-time students and/or full-time students who takes extra courses (credits). The average cost per credit hour of colleges in Illinois is $376 for Illinois residents and $523 for out-of-state students. At private schools, the average cost is $1,115
For graduate programs, the average tuition per credit hour is $444 for Illinois residents and $694 for out-of-state students. At private graduate schools, the average cost per credit hour is $949
| Illinois Residents | Out-of-State | |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | ||
| Public 4-Year Colleges | $376 | $523 |
| Private 4-Year Colleges | $1,115 | |
| Community Colleges (2-Year Colleges) | $322 | $410 |
| Graduate | ||
| Public Schools | $444 | $694 |
| Private Schools | $949 | |
Average Living Costs at colleges in Illinois
At colleges in Illinois, the average living cost is $15,778 when a student lives on campus facility and $15,514 when living off campus. It includes the cost for room & board, and other living expenses.
| On-Campus | Off-Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Public Schools | $16,019 | $14,576 |
| Private Schools | $15,711 | $16,275 |
