How Much Does it Cost to Attend Illinois State University? Cost of Attendance at Illinois State University Financial Aid at Illinois State University Tips for Saving Money on College
Illinois State University (ISU) is a public university located in Normal, Illinois. Founded in 1857, ISU is a mid-sized university with an enrollment of over 20,000 students. The university offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and is known for its strong academic programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education.
Tuition and Fees
The cost of attendance at ISU varies depending on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. For the 2022-2023 academic year, tuition and fees for in-state students are $12,276, while tuition and fees for out-of-state students are $24,552.
Room and Board
The cost of room and board at ISU also varies depending on your housing preferences. On-campus housing options range from traditional residence halls to apartments and suites. The cost of on-campus housing ranges from $7,200 to $12,000 per year. Off-campus housing options are also available, and the cost of off-campus housing varies depending on the location and type of housing.
Other Expenses
In addition to tuition and fees, and room and board, there are a number of other expenses that you will need to budget for when attending ISU. These expenses include:
- Books and supplies: The cost of books and supplies varies depending on your major and course load. However, you can expect to spend around $1,000 per year on books and supplies.
- Transportation: The cost of transportation varies depending on how you get to and from campus. If you live on campus, you may not need a car. However, if you live off campus, you will need to factor in the cost of transportation.
- Personal expenses: Personal expenses include things like food, clothing, and entertainment. The cost of personal expenses varies depending on your lifestyle. However, you can expect to spend around $2,000 per year on personal expenses.
Total Cost of Attendance
The total cost of attendance at ISU varies depending on your individual circumstances. However, you can expect to spend around $20,000 per year on tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses.
Financial Aid
ISU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for college. These options include:
- Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded to students based on their academic merit, financial need, or other criteria.
- Grants: Grants are awarded to students based on their financial need.
- Loans: Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid after you graduate.
If you are interested in receiving financial aid, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
Paying for College
There are a number of ways to pay for college. These options include:
- Saving: Start saving for college early. Even small amounts of money saved each month can add up over time.
- Scholarships and grants: Apply for as many scholarships and grants as possible.
- Loans: If you need to borrow money to pay for college, be sure to shop around for the best interest rates and repayment terms.
- Work-study: Work-study is a federal program that allows students to work part-time to help pay for college.
Going to college is a big investment, but it is also one of the best investments you can make in your future. By planning ahead and exploring all of your financial aid options, you can make college affordable.
The following table shows the cost of attendance at ISU for the 2022-2023 academic year.
| Cost | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and fees | $12,276 | $24,552 |
| Room and board | $7,200-$12,000 | $7,200-$12,000 |
| Books and supplies | $1,000 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $0-$5,000 | $0-$5,000 |
| Personal expenses | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Total cost of attendance | $20,000-$29,000 | $32,000-$39,000 |
ISU offers a variety of financial aid options to help students pay for college. These options include:
- Scholarships: ISU offers over 1,000 scholarships to incoming freshmen each year. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria.
- Grants: ISU offers a variety of grants to students with financial need. Grants do not have to be repaid.
- Loans: ISU offers a variety of loans to students who need to borrow money to pay for college. Loans must be repaid after you graduate.
If you are interested in receiving financial aid, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid.
There are a number of things you can do to save money on college. These tips include:
- Start saving early: Even small amounts of money saved each month can add up over time.
- Apply for scholarships and grants: There are many scholarships and grants available to students who need financial assistance.
- Shop around for loans: If you need to borrow money to pay for college, be sure to shop around for the best interest rates and repayment terms.
- Consider work-study: Work-study is a federal program that allows students to work part-time to help pay for college.
- Live on campus: Living on campus can save you money on housing and transportation costs.
- Cook your own meals: Cooking your own meals can save you money on food costs.
- Buy used textbooks: Used textbooks can be purchased for a fraction of the cost of new textbooks.
- Take advantage of student discounts: Many businesses offer discounts to students. Be sure to ask about student discounts when you are shopping or dining out.
By following these tips, you can make college more affordable.
