University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's published cost of attendance is $32,134 annually, including $16,004 in-state tuition, $13,938 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $34,501, bringing total costs significantly higher.
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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) | $33,642 |
| Tuition and Fees | $35,124 |
| Room and Board | $14,522 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$19,287 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,355 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $2,038 |
| $30–48k | $5,373 |
| $48–75k | $7,982 |
| $75–110k | $15,152 |
| $110k+ | $28,761 |
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's published cost of attendance is $32,134 annually, including $16,004 in-state tuition, $13,938 for room and board, and $1,200 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $34,501, bringing total costs significantly higher. However, the average student pays $15,201 after financial aid, representing substantial savings of $16,933 from the sticker price.
This net price sits $389 above the peer median of $15,590, indicating costs remain competitive with similar institutions. The financial aid system effectively reduces costs for most families, with the average student paying less than half the published price. Net prices vary significantly by family income, ranging from $3,883 for the lowest-income families to $28,358 for the highest earners.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign graduates complete their education with median debt of $19,500, positioned just $500 below the peer median of $20,000 and ranking at the 72nd percentile for debt levels. Debt outcomes show meaningful variation, with graduates at the 25th percentile borrowing $8,750 and those at the 75th percentile carrying $26,462.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates that typical graduates' debt represents about 24% of their first-year earnings, suggesting manageable repayment burdens relative to income potential. Parent PLUS loans show median debt of $30,510 with monthly payments of $402, though this represents additional family borrowing beyond students' direct loans.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign delivers strong return on educational investment through the combination of exceptional earnings outcomes and controlled borrowing levels. Graduates earn $11,414 beyond expectations at the 87.2nd percentile nationally, demonstrating the institution's ability to exceed predicted outcomes for its student population.
Median earnings of $81,054 place UIUC at the 94th percentile nationally, while debt levels remain $500 below peer institutions. The resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.24 indicates that graduates can manage loan payments while benefiting from strong earning potential.
Compared to peers, UIUC graduates earn $20,511 more annually while borrowing $500 less, creating favorable conditions for long-term financial stability. The institution's ranking at the 95th percentile for return on investment reflects this combination of strong outcomes with moderate costs.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign enrolls 23.8% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial representation of students from lower-income families who qualify for federal need-based grants. The $16,933 average financial aid savings demonstrates the institution's commitment to making education accessible through grant and scholarship programs.
The net price structure shows particularly generous support for families earning under $30,000, who pay just $3,883 annually, while middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 pay $10,065. This aid concentration toward lower-income students aligns with the institution's 23.8% Pell share and reflects federal and institutional policies designed to promote access.
The progressive pricing ensures that students from diverse economic backgrounds can attend, with aid formulas that adjust costs based on demonstrated financial need. These patterns indicate that families should expect aid calculations that consider both income and asset levels when determining final costs.
The $17,000 spread between low and high borrowers reflects different family financial circumstances and program choices, with some students minimizing borrowing through family support or aid while others require more extensive financing. These debt levels appear sustainable given the institution's strong earnings outcomes, with the 0.24 debt-to-earnings ratio falling within reasonable ranges for loan repayment.
