Illinois In-State Tuition Guide: Save $20K+ 2025-26

The Short Answer

Who Qualifies: To qualify for Illinois in-state tuition in 2025-26, you must establish domicile in Illinois for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding your first day of classes, with the critical restriction that you cannot enroll more than half-time at any institution of higher education during this period.

Controlling Law: Illinois residency requirements are governed by University of Illinois System policy and 110 ILCS 305/7e-5 for special circumstances.

Standard Duration: 12 consecutive months of domicile with intent to remain indefinitely. Appeals Process: Initial petition deadline is September 1 (fall), February 1 (spring), June 1 (summer), with 20-day appeal window to system-level committee.

2025-26 University of Illinois Tuition Costs

Source: University of Illinois Tuition Rates, retrieved September 28, 2025. Costs vary by program, with Engineering and Business typically at the higher end of ranges.

Illinois In-State Tuition Requirements

Domicile-Based Residency (Primary Path)

Under University of Illinois System policy, domicile is defined as “the place where an individual has established their true, fixed, and permanent home for reasons other than educational objectives” with intent to remain indefinitely.

For Dependent Students:

• Parent/guardian must establish Illinois domicile for 12+ consecutive months
• Parent must sever all out-of-state ties
• Provisional residency available: If parent relocates for full-time Illinois employment with taxes withheld prior to semester start
• Must submit residency petition each term until 12-month requirement met

For Independent Students:

• Must demonstrate financial independence: gainful permanent employment with Illinois taxes paid OR other resources covering 50%+ of cost of attendance
• Educational loans, assistantships, and student employment don’t count toward independence
• Cannot be enrolled more than half-time during 12-month establishment period
• Must establish domicile in Illinois, not just physical presence

For Married Students:

• Spouse must establish Illinois domicile for 12+ months with full-time employment and Illinois tax withholding
• Must be married prior to first day of term seeking residency
• Similar provisional residency available for spouse employment transfers

Alternative Qualification Paths

Illinois High School Attendance (110 ILCS 305/7e-5)

Current law through June 30, 2026:

• Attended Illinois high school for 3+ years
• Graduated from Illinois high school or received equivalent diploma in Illinois
• Resided with parent/guardian while attending Illinois high school
• For non-citizens: must provide affidavit to apply for permanent residency at earliest opportunity
• Important: Cannot establish residence in another state before enrolling

Military Service Provisions

• Active duty in Illinois: Automatic residency for service member, spouse, and dependents
• Previously stationed in Illinois: If stationed 3+ years before reassignment, must apply within 18 months or remain continuously enrolled
• Veterans benefits: GI Bill users (Chapters 30, 33, 31, 35) receive automatic resident rates

How to Qualify: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Plan Your Timeline (12+ Months Before Target Enrollment)

• Calculate 12-month period working backward from your intended enrollment date
• Ensure you can limit enrollment to less than half-time during establishment period
• For working professionals: coordinate employment transfer or job search with residency timeline

Step 2: Establish Legal Domicile

• Obtain Illinois driver’s license/state ID within 30 days of arrival
• Register to vote in Illinois
• Secure housing: Lease, mortgage, or property deed in your name
• Employment: Obtain permanent employment with Illinois tax withholding
• Bank accounts: Open accounts at Illinois financial institutions

Step 3: Sever Out-of-State Ties

• Cancel out-of-state voter registration
• Change address with all institutions, employers, and government agencies
• Transfer professional licenses to Illinois where applicable
• Use Illinois address exclusively for all correspondence

Step 4: Document Everything

• Maintain chronological records of all residency-establishing activities
• Save all employment records, tax documents, utility bills, and official correspondence
• Document your intent through consistent behavior and permanent commitments

Step 5: Apply and Monitor Status

• Initial classification: Accept initial classification but prepare documentation
• Petition timing: Submit petition by September 1 (fall), February 1 (spring), June 1 (summer)
• Appeal process: 20-day window to appeal adverse decisions to system committee

Evidence & Documentation Requirements

Illinois uses a holistic approach examining multiple factors. No single document guarantees residency, but comprehensive documentation significantly strengthens your case.

Documentation Best Practices

• Chronological organization: Present documents in timeline order showing progression
• Comprehensive coverage: Include documents from multiple categories to show holistic integration
• Employment emphasis: For independent students, employment documentation is crucial – include offer letters, W-2s, and pay stubs
• Intent documentation: Professional licenses, memberships, volunteer activities showing commitment to Illinois

Special Circumstances & Exemptions

Timeline and Decision Support

Critical Deadlines

• Residency Petition Deadlines:
  • Fall Term: September 1
  • Spring Term: February 1
  • Summer Term: June 1
• Appeal Deadline: 20 calendar days from adverse decision notice
• Employment Transfer Provisional: Must begin before first day of classes

Residency Decision Flowchart

University of Illinois System Contacts

Frequently Asked Questions