Illinois College Costs & 529 Plan Guide

Average tuition, fees, room & board for Illinois colleges in 2026-2027. Compare costs and plan your 529 savings.

🎓 Illinois College Cost Overview

PUBLIC IN-STATE (ANNUAL)

$24,800

$99,200 for 4 years

PUBLIC OUT-OF-STATE (ANNUAL)

$40,200

$160,800 for 4 years

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

$34,500

$138,000 for 4 years

PROJECTED IN 10 YEARS (5% INFLATION)

$161,586

$40,397/yr in 2035

💰 Illinois 529 Plan Tax Benefits

STATE TAX DEDUCTION

$10,000

Up to $10,000 per taxpayer ($20,000 MFJ)

FEDERAL TAX BENEFIT

Tax-Free Growth

All 529 earnings grow and are withdrawn tax-free for education

Residents of Illinois can deduct 529 plan contributions from their state taxable income. Up to $10,000 per taxpayer ($20,000 MFJ). This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year on your state tax bill while building your child's college fund.

Calculate Your Savings Plan →

College Savings Strategies for Illinois Families

To cover the full 4-year in-state cost at today's prices ($99,200), a Illinois family starting at birth would need to save approximately $459/month. Factoring in 5% annual cost inflation and 7% investment returns in a 529 plan, the recommended monthly savings increases to approximately $554.

Monthly Savings Targets for Illinois In-State

Starting Age	Monthly Savings Needed	Total Contributed	Est. 529 Growth
Age 0 (18 years)	$554/mo	$119,723	+$119,014
Age 5 (13 years)	$738/mo	$115,189	+$71,868
Age 10 (8 years)	$1,143/mo	$109,752	+$36,811
Age 13 (5 years)	$1,768/mo	$106,106	+$20,501