Was this tool helpful?
How to use the Study Abroad Cost Calculator
- 1Choose a country. For the US, pick the state, city and type of university (community college, public or private).
- 2Choose your level of study, lifestyle and number of years.
- 3Enter the tuition from your offer letter or I-20 if you have it, and review the yearly cost, the likely range and the total.
Tuition in Illinois for international students
International students pay the out-of-state (non-resident) rate at public universities. In Illinois that averages $30,770 a year in 2025-26, compared with $15,680 for state residents. The national average is $31,880.
Fees differ widely between universities: flagship and research universities usually charge more than regional campuses, so check each university's own cost of attendance.
| Type of university | Typical tuition per year |
|---|---|
| Community college (international rate) | about $10,000 |
| Public university, out-of-state (Illinois average) | $30,770 |
| Private nonprofit university (US average) | $45,000 |
Yearly budget to study in Illinois
Tuition plus 12 months of living costs and health insurance (about $2,500 a year). Budget = sharing with two other students; average = sharing with one; comfortable = your own apartment.
| University type | Budget | Average | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community college | $26,918 | $30,926 | $38,683 |
| Public university | $47,688 | $51,696 | $59,453 |
| Private university | $61,918 | $65,926 | $73,683 |
Living costs in Illinois
Across Illinois's metro areas, a typical home rents for about $1,131 a month (Zillow), so a student sharing with one other person pays around $566 a month for housing. Food, transport, books and personal costs add about $970 a month; prices in Illinois are 0.0% above the US average.
In total, expect about $1,536 a month for an average student lifestyle.
| City | Typical rent (whole home) | Your share (2 sharing) | Living cost per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago area | $2,163 | $1,082 | $2,086 |
| Champaign–Urbana | $1,384 | $692 | $1,591 |
Illinois vs neighboring states
A year at a public university (out-of-state tuition, average lifestyle, 12 months):
| State | Out-of-state tuition | Living per month | Total per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $26,970 | $1,463 | $47,025 |
| Missouri | $28,850 | $1,446 | $48,699 |
| Iowa | $31,510 | $1,421 | $51,064 |
| Illinois ★ | $30,770 | $1,536 | $51,696 |
| Wisconsin | $32,050 | $1,562 | $53,297 |
| Indiana | $33,150 | $1,486 | $53,476 |
Cost of studying in each US state
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost an international student to study in Illinois?
About $51,696 a year at a public university (out-of-state tuition $30,770, living about $18,426, insurance $2,500). A private university is closer to $65,926 and a community college about $30,926. That makes Illinois the 22nd cheapest of the 50 states and DC for a public-university year.
Which Illinois city is cheapest for students?
Of the major university cities we track, Champaign–Urbana has the lowest typical rent ($1,384 a month for a whole home) and Chicago area the highest ($2,163). Smaller college towns are often cheaper still.
How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?
Your university's I-20 lists the estimated cost for one academic year (tuition plus living costs), and you must show funds to cover at least that amount, usually with bank statements, a sponsor letter or a scholarship letter.
Can I work while studying in the US?
On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours a week on campus during term and full time in breaks. Off-campus work is only allowed through CPT or OPT, so plan to cover your costs without relying on a job.
