Illinois State University Tuition Soars 66% Over 16 Years: What This Means for Future Students

The cost of attending state universities in Illinois has skyrocketed. From 2009 to 2025, tuition and fees rose by 66%, adding about $6,028 to the annual bill for in-state students. The average cost is now $15,439—up from $9,410 back in 2009. This increase has outpaced inflation by 16% across most universities, leaving students grappling with higher expenses.

Jim Applegate, a former director at the Illinois Board of Higher Education, points out the significance of higher education. He says a college degree is crucial for getting ahead. A Georgetown University Center for Education report predicts that by the early 2030s, nearly 75% of jobs will require some form of post-secondary education. However, rising costs make it harder for many students, especially from middle and low-income families, to acquire these credentials.

As university expenses climb, the burden falls more on students. A recent report indicated that over 64% of university funding now comes from student tuition and fees, a substantial jump from just 28% two decades ago. This has contributed to Illinois having the sixth-highest tuition rates in the nation, discouraging many potential students from attending in-state schools.

Applegate also notes a troubling trend: as enrollment has decreased by 8% since 2009, funding formulas haven’t adjusted. This means that universities with increasing numbers of students see no additional funding—decisions on financial support are still based on historical patterns that often favor wealthier institutions.

The challenges don’t stop at rising tuition. Pension costs have soared, with state contributions for university pension plans increasing from $251 million in 2009 to over $2 billion in 2025. Consequently, significant portions of the education budget are tied up in pensions rather than directly benefiting students. Currently, about 43 cents of every dollar allocated to higher education in Illinois is spent on pensions.

Administrative costs also take a significant slice of the budget. More than 10% of university spending goes toward administrative expenses, and Illinois has more administrators per student than the national average, contributing to the financial strain.

Concern over the future is growing. Projections indicate that enrollment could decline by one-third by 2041. If that happens, tuition may climb even higher, further restricting access to education for many students.

Experts call for reforms to align higher education funding with today’s needs. Applegate emphasizes the need for a transparent funding formula that considers both equity and student performance, rather than simply historical precedents.

Ultimately, addressing these funding issues is vital. Otherwise, Illinois risks losing young talents to other states where college is more affordable. Such a situation represents a missed opportunity—both for the students and for the state’s economy.

For more insights on how higher education funding in Illinois compares nationwide, you can check out the National Center for Education Statistics.

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