U of I freshmen to see tuition increase beginning fall 2026

(WAND) - The University of Illinois Board of Trustees voted Thursday to approve a 2% tuition increase for incoming freshmen beginning in fall 2026.

The increase comes after undergraduate tuition rates were frozen in seven of the last 11 years, according to the U of I.

Non-Illinois students and international undergraduate students at Champaign-Urbana will increase anywhere between 7% to 14.5%, from 2% to 3.3% at Chicago and 2% at Springfield.

Graduate students will see a 3% or less increase at Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, and a 5% rise at Springfield.

Additionally, professional and online programs will increase 4% or less at the three universities.

"This modest increase in tuition will allow us to balance the rising costs we as a university system face due to inflation with our commitment to Illinois families that the world-class education we offer remains within reach," said U of I System President Tim Killeen in a statement.

U of I Board of Trustees also approved a 5% room and board increase at Champaign-Urbana and Chicago, and 3.5% at Springfield.

Overall student fees at all three campuses will increase 2% at Champaign-Urbana, 1.9% at Chicago and 6.8% at Springfield.

More information on the tuition increases is available online.

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