Illinois Public Universities
Illinois is home to many prestigious and well-regarded public universities. These institutions provide affordable and accessible high-quality education to thousands of students from all over the state and beyond. However, attending a public university in Illinois can still be a significant financial investment, especially for students who are not eligible for significant financial aid or scholarships. In this article, we will explore the average cost of attendance for public universities in Illinois and rank them by their overall cost.
Average Cost of Attendance for Public Universities
The cost of attending a public university in Illinois can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the student’s residency status, the academic program they are pursuing, and the location of the university. On average, the cost of attendance for public universities in Illinois ranges from around $20,000 to $30,000 per year for in-state students. However, out-of-state students may have to pay significantly more, with some universities charging upwards of $40,000 per year.
Ranking Public Universities by Cost
To determine which public universities in Illinois have the highest cost, we will consider the total cost of attendance for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. Here is a ranking of the ten public universities in Illinois with the highest cost of attendance:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $32,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also considered one of the best public universities in the country, with a strong reputation for academic excellence and research.
Illinois State University
Illinois State University is the second most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $27,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also known for its strong programs in education, business, and the arts.
Northern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University is the third most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $25,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also recognized for its strong programs in engineering, business, and nursing.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is the fourth most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $24,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also known for its strong programs in agriculture, architecture, and forestry.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is the fifth most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $23,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also recognized for its strong programs in nursing, business, and education.
University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago is the sixth most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $22,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also known for its strong programs in health sciences, engineering, and business.
Eastern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University is the seventh most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $21,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also recognized for its strong programs in education, psychology, and the arts.
Western Illinois University
Western Illinois University is the eighth most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $20,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also known for its strong programs in criminal justice, nursing, and agriculture.
Chicago State University
Chicago State University is the least expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $18,000 per year for in-state students. This includes tuition and fees, room and board, and other expenses such as textbooks and transportation. However, the university is also facing significant financial challenges and has experienced a decline in enrollment in recent years.
Conclusion: Highest Cost Public University in Illinois
In conclusion, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the most expensive public university in Illinois, with a total cost of attendance of around $32,000 per year for in-state students. However, it is also considered one of the best public universities in the country, and many students believe that the high cost is worth the investment. Ultimately, students should carefully consider their options and choose a university that best fits their academic and financial needs.
