College costs can feel confusing. At the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), your total cost depends on a few things. These include where you live, how many classes you take, your housing choice, personal expenses and the financial aid you receive.

A simple way to estimate your cost is to use the UIS Tuition Calculator. It shows estimated tuition, fees and other expenses.

Keep in mind:

• The calculator gives an estimate only.
• Actual costs depend on your residency, student level, credit hours and course fees each semester.
• All tuition and fees can change without advance notice.

For official rates, visit the UIS Tuition and Fees website.

The sections below explain each part of your total cost and how to estimate what you may pay.

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1. Tuition and Fees

Tuition is the cost of your classes. It changes based on:

• Whether you live in Illinois or out-of-state
• Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student
• How many credit hours you take each semester

Fees help pay for services like technology, labs, student activities and health services.

Example:

• In-state tuition: $10,000 per year
• Fees: $3,000 per year
• Total tuition and fees: $13,000 per year

2. Room and Board

Room and board means housing and meals. This is often the second-largest cost after tuition.

You may choose:

• On-campus housing: A residence hall or university apartment with a meal plan
• Off-campus housing: Rent, utilities, groceries and other living costs

Example:

• On-campus housing and meal plan: $13,000 per year
• Off-campus rent and groceries: $11,000 per year

3. Books and Supplies

This cost includes textbooks, lab materials, software and other class supplies. Costs vary by program.

• Average cost: $1,200 per year
• Some programs cost more because they need special materials

4. Personal Expenses

Personal expenses are different for each student. These may include:

• Transportation (gas, parking, public transit)
• Clothing, toiletries, entertainment
• Health insurance (if not covered another way)

Estimated range: $2,000–$3,000 per year

5. Miscellaneous and Hidden Costs

Some costs are easy to miss, but they can add up. These may include:

• Application and course fees
• Study abroad costs
• Special course or program fees

6. Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants

Financial aid helps lower your college costs. To find your net cost, subtract your grants and scholarships from your total cost. 

Financial aid may include:

• Federal and state grants (you do not pay these back)
• Scholarships based on grades, need or other criteria
• Federal work-study programs

Net Cost Formula:

Total Cost of Attendance
(Tuition + Fees + Room and Board + Books + Personal Expenses)
– Grants & Scholarships
= Net Cost

Important:
If you receive scholarships or grants from outside of UIS, you must notify the UIS Office of Financial Assistance. Federal regulations do not allow your total financial aid to be more than the cost of attendance. Reporting outside aid helps prevent billing problems later.

7. Optional: Student Loan Interest

If you plan to borrow money, remember that loans earn interest over time.

• Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loans: Parents with good credit can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other aid. Interest starts when the lender disburses the funds.
• Private education loans: Private lenders also offer loans. Interest rates and repayment rules may be different.

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Example Cost Calculation

Here’s an example for an in-state student:

• Tuition & Fees: $13,200
• Room & Board: $10,000
• Books & Supplies: $1,200
• Personal Expenses: $2,500

Total Estimated Cost: $26,900 per year
Scholarships & Grants: $8,000 per year

Estimated Net Cost: $18,900 per year

Over four years:
$18,900 × 4 = $75,600
(This does not include possible tuition increases or inflation.)

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Additional UIS Cost Information

• Students who do not take 100% online courses pay on-campus tuition and fees.
• Non-resident online students who take any on-campus classes pay the non-resident on-campus tuition rate.
• For Summer 2025 only, students enrolled in 100% online courses will not pay certain mandatory fees.
• Students in online-only courses do not qualify for student insurance coverage.
• The university charges regular tuition and fees for audited courses.

• Senior Learner Program participants do not pay tuition but must pay the Senior Learner Fee, Student-to-Student Grant Fee and any course-specific fees.

For more details, visit the UIS Cost of Attendance webpage.

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Contact Us

• Financial Aid Questions: Contact the Office of Financial Assistance.
• Billing and Payments: Visit the University Bursar website for payment plans, due dates, authorized payers and account details.
• Appointments: Financial aid appointments are available only for currently enrolled or admitted students.

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FAQs