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Paying for College

Paying for college can be difficult. We can help you find ways to make it affordable. Please review the available financing and payment options

Cost of Attendance

The following charts show total Cost of Attendance (COA). Your financial need for financial aid purposes is equal to the COA minus your Student Aid Index minus (SAI) minus Other Financial Assistance (OFA).

Please note, many of the costs below such as books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses, are not paid to the University, but to the seller or provider of the service. Also, food and housing for off-campus students is paid by the student directly to the landlord, property manager, or family member. These cost allowances are determined based on surveys that are conducted on an annual basis. Individual costs will vary. For detailed information regarding tuition, please visit Student Accounts.

Cost of Attendance for Undergraduate Students

When did you first enroll?

  • Fall 2024

    Undergraduate students who first enrolled in Fall 2024, Spring 2025, or Summer 2025.

  • Fall 2023

    Undergraduate students who first enrolled in Fall 2023, Spring 2024, or Summer 2024.

  • Fall 2022

    Undergraduate students who first enrolled in Fall 2022, Spring 2023, or Summer 2023.

  • Fall 2021

    Undergraduate students who first enrolled in Fall 2021, Spring 2022, or Summer 2022.

Cost of Attendance for Graduate Students

Look below for your cost of attendance.

2023-2024

Graduate students who are enrolled during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Tuition and mandatory fees have been set regardless of the mode of instruction and cover a variety of short- and long-term expenses which continue regardless of the instructional mode or access to campus facilities. The mode of instruction may be adjusted. Tuition and fees will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely or the mode of instruction changes. Illinois State University will continue to follow published withdrawal and refund policies concerning tuition and fees.

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Tuition and Fees

Tuition Guarantee

At Illinois State, your rate for tuition will be locked in for four years as an incoming freshman or transfer undergraduate student which allows for long-term planning and peace of mind. Some majors qualify for additional time based on the length of the program. Returning students should check with Student Accounts to see how the tuition guarantee applies to them.

In-State Tuition for Out-of-State Students

Some out-of-state students qualify for tuition rates comparable to students from Illinois. Students from neighboring states (Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin) and some academically talented students (as determined by the University) are eligible for this savings of approximately $11,000 per year.

Material Fees

In some courses, a materials charge is assessed for consumables such as lab supplies, photographic paper, or service fees. Materials charges vary by major and elective courses chosen. For most students, materials charges represent a nominal extra expense, but fees may be significant in certain majors with labs or studios. Students have the option to purchase items on their own and request that the material fee be waived.

Employment

More than 6,000 Illinois State students work on-campus jobs earning more than $16 million every year. Students can earn enough money to cover personal expenses, buy books, or contribute toward their tuition.

Finding a Job

Some job openings require students to be eligible for Federal Work Study, a need-based financial aid award program that makes it more affordable for a campus department or non-profit organization to hire students. The online posting will mention it if work study eligibility is required.

International students with the J-1 visa must receive permission from the Office of International Studies before starting employment.

  • Estimate Your Cost

    Use our net price calculator to estimate your cost of attendance at Illinois State.

  • Learn about Financial Wellness

    Do you have a long-term financial plan? ISU’s Student Health Promotion and Wellness office offers some excellent resources that can help you become financially well.