2025 Most Expensive Illinois Public Colleges

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.

Comparison between Illinois Public Colleges With The Highest Tuition & Fees

Table. Illinois Public Colleges With The Highest Tuition & Fees Comparison
School NameUndergraduate Tuition & FeesGraduate Tuition & FeesAcceptance RateTotal PopulationSAT ScoreGraduation RateStudents 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%59,2381,44085.00%20 to 1
2
-		University of Illinois Chicago Chicago, ILPublic, 4-year $32,009
($15,949)
$504		$27,748
($17,550)
$893		77.35%33,9061,24062.00%17 to 1
3
-		Illinois State University Normal, ILPublic, 4-year $26,058
($14,410)
$2,579		$13,062
($10,218)
$416		88.15%21,5461,10065.00%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%4,6281,07053.00%13 to 1
6
-		Eastern Illinois University Charleston, ILPublic, 4-year $15,859
($13,377)
$293		$23,214
($11,647)
$519		65.35%8,5051,00047.00%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%11,7901,04062.00%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%16,9331,14850.50%14 to 1