Undergraduate Admissions

Deadline Update: We want to ensure anyone applying for federal financial aid has enough time to make an informed decision regarding their college choice! For this reason, we're extending our enrollment decision deadline to May 15.

Qualifying for In-State Tuition FAQ

You can find more detailed information on residency and qualifying for in-state tuition through University Academic Programs and Services.

Questions

I’m not an Illinois resident. How can I become a resident for tuition purposes?

If you are a dependent: Your family must live in or move to Illinois for at least 12 consecutive months immediately preceding the first day of classes. The in-state tuition rate would begin at the start of the next term.

If you are not a dependent: You must live in Illinois for one full year for non-educational purposes. This means that during that 12-month period, you may not enroll at any institution of higher education more than half-time.

What if my parents are divorced and one parent lives in Illinois?

As long as 1 parent is a bona fide resident of Illinois, you’ll pay in-state tuition. This is true even if the parent living outside of Illinois is actually your main source of financial support.

What if my parents move out of Illinois?

Once you’re admitted as a resident student, you’ll continue to qualify for in-state tuition provided you maintain continuous enrollment for the fall and spring terms and live in Illinois during that time. Returning to your parents’ home outside of Illinois for the summer only won’t jeopardize your in-state tuition.

What if my parents own property in Illinois but don’t live in Illinois?

You’re not eligible for in-state tuition.

What if I don’t currently live in Illinois, but my parents have maintained residency in Illinois while in the U.S. military?

If your parents have maintained residency in Illinois by being the home of record while serving in the military, you may qualify for in-state tuition. You’ll need to send the DD214 or official military orders to the Office of the Registrar.

What if I’ll be enrolling with an F-1 Visa?

You’re not eligible for in-state tuition.

What if I’m an international student who has applied for permanent resident status in the United States?

As long as you hold a temporary visa, you don’t qualify for in-state tuition. However, when you receive federal notification that your status for permanent residency has been approved, you may start the period of establishment of residency for in-state tuition. Notification that your application has been received isn’t sufficient.

What if I’m an asylee, parolee, or refugee, or have other extenuating circumstances?

If you can answer "Yes" to the following questions, you may be eligible for in-state tuition. You’ll need to submit our Residency Affidavit:

1. Did you reside with your parents while attending a public or private high school in Illinois?
2. Did you or will you graduate from a public or private high school in Illinois?
3. Did you or will you attend school in Illinois for at least three years as of the date you graduated from high school or received the equivalent of a high school diploma?
4. If you’re not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, will you provide UIUC with an affidavit stating that you’ll file an application to become a permanent resident of the United States at your earliest opportunity?

I'm a resident of a state that borders Illinois. Does the university offer tuition reciprocity?

No, UIUC does not offer in-state tuition to residents of states other than Illinois.