UI increases tuition by 1.8% for incoming in-state students, 2.5% for international students
University students walk through the quad on Oct. 26. Tuition for both, Urbana-Champaign and Chicago, campuses will be increasing tuition for future students.
January 25, 2022
On Thursday, the University of Illinois Board of Trustees approved an increase in tuition for incoming freshmen.
For incoming in-state students starting next year at the University and at the Chicago campus, tuition will be increased by 1.8% and at the Springfield campus, it will be increased by 1.5%. For out-of-state and international students, tuition will increase by 2.5%.
According to a press release from the University, tuition increases are intended to balance affordable tuition and rising inflation.
This is the second tuition increase in over seven years, with the last being in 2020. Tuition was frozen during 2015-2019.
In addition to tuition, there will be a $26 increase in fees for incoming students, along with a 1.25% increase in housing costs. Fees include health services, library/tech services, as well as general and student-initiated fees.
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As it stands, Grainger College of Engineering has the highest tuition cost at $17,348 compared with the lowest in the College of ACES with a tuition cost of $13,550.
Mariama Mwilambwe, junior in LAS and a student representative for the University’s Board of Trustees, said rising inflation was the main reason for increasing tuition costs.
“(Inflation) made it a bit difficult to continue to provide the same services or even upgraded services regarding mental health and other issues on campus,” Mwilambwe said.
She said in comparison to other Midwestern universities such as Purdue and Wisconsin, the University used to be at the top for average tuition a few years ago, but now the University is ranked middle for average tuition.
The University was in a tight spot before increasing the tuition due to the pandemic and inflation, but these changes ensure that services and quality of education are not affected and continue to improve, according to Mwilambwe.
