How to Get State Tuition Rates in Illinois

Illinois ranks among the top 12 states when it comes to education. However, on average, out-of-state tuition is almost double that of in-state tuition. Being a non-resident, if high tuition fees are hindering your way to enrolling in your dream institution in Illinois, don’t worry.

We have comprehensively researched how to get state tuition rates in Illinois to help students understand the steps to take to get a more affordable college education in this state. We’ll share in-state tuition eligibility requirements and discuss the key strategies to secure lower fees if you don’t qualify for them.

How to Get State Tuition Rates in Illinois

While it may seem out of the question, students have several options for obtaining in-state tuition. However, they must meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for such options. Let’s first discuss the key requirements that can help you secure state tuition fees in Illinois.

Residency Requirements

In Illinois, eligibility for in-state tuition depends on residency requirements, which are unique for both dependent and independent students. Dependent students qualify if their families have lived in Illinois for at least 12 months.

On the flip side, independent students must reside in the state for 12 consecutive months. However, they shouldn’t be enrolled in higher education more than half-time.

Students aiming to establish Illinois residency must demonstrate a record of their tax returns, driver’s licenses, or utility bills. One strategy to gain residency is working in Illinois for a year before joining a college, fulfilling the residency requirement.

Strategies to Get Lower Tuition Fee in Illinois While Residing Out-of-State

If you’re not fulfilling the residency requirement, you can still get lower or nearly similar to state tuition fees in Illinois. Some of the most practical ways to secure state tuition rates whilst staying outside the state include:

List Out Affordable Schools

This simple yet effective way can make your dream come true. While out-of-state tuition rates are way higher than state rates, many state institutions maintain relatively low tuition rates for all students. For instance, Chicago State University has cheaper rates than the national average cost of out-of-state tuition of $27,320.

Apply for Regional Exchange or Reciprocatory Programs

Some colleges near state borders often offer discounted or state tuition rates to students who live nearby yet officially reside in another state. For instance, some universities in Illinois might recognize proximity to the institution and offer in-state rates. However, it’s best to check for reliable information with the specific college beforehand.

Illinois State University has tuition reciprocity with neighboring states, including Indiana, Kentucky, Iowa, and Michigan. Students from these states can enjoy state rates, lowering costs by a huge margin. However, the state of Illinois no longer takes part in the Midwest Student Exchange reciprocity program.

Look for Institutional or Legacy Scholarships

Many universities, like Illinois State University, offer legacy scholarships to support the descendants of their alumni. These programs foster a sense of community and make higher education more affordable, especially for outstate students.

So, when searching for budget-friendly universities, it’s best to know whether they offer institution-specific or legacy scholarships to reduce the cost further.  

Academic Proficiency

State universities often provide academic scholarships to attract talent from all across the US. Regardless of residency, high-performing individuals are incentivized with these grants, lowering tuition costs for out-of-state students.

If you wish to qualify for state scholarships, it’s important to undertake rigorous coursework, maintain a high GPA, and achieve high scores on the ACT and SAT.

Waivers and Exemptions

Additionally, several tuition waivers and exemption programs are available to make education more affordable in Illinois. However, most of these exemption programs necessitate Illinois residency. For instance, Illinois State University extends a tuition waiver to 40 ROTC members each year.

On top of that, the Illinois Commitment Program offers four years of free education to students meeting the following criteria:

• Must be under 24 years of age
• $67,100 or less annual income
• $50,000 or less in total assets

Other Factors

Now, a couple of other factors influence tuition rates besides residency. For instance, four-year degree programs incur higher costs as compared to two-year programs. Plus, online colleges are generally cheaper than traditional ones. In addition, public institutions offer lower tuition than private ones, with the latter mainly deciding rates based on residency.

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Illinois

Typically, state taxes by residents help fund public institutions, which makes them way cheaper than out-of-state tuition rates. This way, resident students can effectively subsidize their tuition costs through these taxes.

Here’s how both of these differ for Illinois:

How Much Is In-State Tuition in Illinois?

According to Education Data Initiative (EDI) data, the mean college tuition in the US is $9,349 for state and $27,023 for out-of-state students at public four-year colleges. On the other hand, the average cost of state tuition for Illinois residents is $14,579. This is about 23.03% more than the national average cost of 4-year public colleges.

While Illinois may have higher tuition expenses, the state maintains a lower cost of living than many other states. Attending an affordable public graduate school within the state is typically more economical for Illinois residents than private or out-of-state options. However, when it comes to graduate school, state tuition rates depend on the specific program and institution.

• Public four-year: $14,579 average tuition
• Public two-year: $4,180 average tuition

How Much Is Out-of-State Tuition in Illinois?

The average out-of-state tuition and fees for a public four-year degree program in Illinois is $28,660, around 96.59% more than state tuition. Despite this, the lower cost of living in the state offsets the higher out-of-state tuition cost. This makes Illinois a more financially feasible one than other US states.

Additionally, out-of-state graduate school tuition at public institutions is usually higher than state rates. However, it’s more economical than private graduate school tuition.

Before stepping in, you must carefully assess the total net cost of education, factoring in any available financial aid to find one that best fits your needs.

• Public four-year: $28,660 average tuition
• Public two-year: $11,166 average tuition

Related Questions

How much does a private college cost in Illinois?

According to the Education Data Initiative, the total cost of attending an average private 4-year institution in Illinois is $49,783. This aligns with the fact that private colleges cost more than public ones, regardless of residency status.

Why is out-of-state tuition so much higher than in-state?

State-sponsored schools get their funding from the taxes residents pay. If you’ve been living in a state for a while, you’re already chipping in for your state’s schools through taxes. This is why schools cut back on fees for in-state students as a payback support.

Can I get in-state tuition if my grandparents, aunts, and other relatives live in Illinois?

No, eligibility only depends on your or your parent’s residence in the state for at least 12 months. Even if your parents have a property in Illinois without residency, you still won’t be able to claim in-state benefits.

Conclusion

Establishing residency in Illinois is a great way to benefit from lower state tuition rates, making your degree affordable. Whether dependent or independent, make sure you fulfill the 12-month residency requirement beforehand. Otherwise, you can leverage the other strategies to enjoy lower fees.