Illinois State University prices accessibly across the income spectrum, with meaningful differences by family income level. Low-income families pay approximately $11,568 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $16,348, and higher-income families pay approximately $28,224.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $34,309 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,210 |
| Room and Board | $11,754 |
| Books and Supplies | $830 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,911 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $19,398 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $11,568 |
| $30–48k | $12,301 |
| $48–75k | $16,348 |
| $75–110k | $23,865 |
| $110k+ | $28,224 |
Illinois State University prices accessibly across the income spectrum, with meaningful differences by family income level. Low-income families pay approximately $11,568 per year in net price, middle-income families see annual costs around $16,348, and higher-income families pay approximately $28,224. Azimuth ranks Illinois State University #563 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. That standing reflects the university's public-tuition structure and its ability to direct need-based aid toward students who need it most. As with any institution, the net price illusion is worth keeping in mind: published sticker costs and actual net prices can differ substantially depending on a family's financial profile. Need-based aid plays a meaningful role in shaping what families actually pay at Illinois State University. The university participates in federal, state, and institutional aid programs, and students apply through the FAFSA. Families whose income qualifies them for Pell Grants typically see the largest gap between sticker price and net price, while middle- and higher-income families carry more of the published cost. For families weighing the full picture, net prices by income band are medians within those bands — individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown here. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $20,482, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $28,767; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at Illinois State University's median four-year earnings of $62,507, median federal debt of $20,482 projects to a monthly payment of about $231 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use .
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Illinois State University earn median 4-year earnings of $62,507, placing Illinois State University in the 62.6 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $1,313 more than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 63.9 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Illinois State University #571 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Program outcomes vary by major. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods reports 471 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $49,240, ranked #75 nationally in its major. Marketing reports 243 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $77,956, ranked #41 nationally in its major. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing reports 207 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $81,264, ranked #222 nationally in its major. Finance and Financial Management Services reports 161 graduates and median 4-year earnings of $85,326, ranked #69 nationally in its major.
