Student Tuition, Fees, and Assessments
Undergraduate degree-seeking students are provided a four-year tuition guarantee. The purpose of the undergraduate guaranteed tuition program is to provide a high degree of certainty about tuition costs for students and families. The plan applies to all undergraduate students enrolled in a baccalaureate degree program on one of the three campuses of the University of Illinois. The plan treats every student as part of a cohort defined by the date of entry to the university. Each cohort is guaranteed an unchanged tuition schedule for four years. Students extending their graduation beyond four years should be prepared for a tuition increase. Please note that fees are subject to change annually. For more information on guaranteed undergraduate tuition, consult the university-wide student programs website.
Tuition, Fees, and Assessments
By registering for classes, students contract to pay tuition and fees unless they officially withdraw by the published refund deadline. Tuition and fees are assessed on registered students and are payable by the due date reflected on the online bill. The amount of tuition and fees varies by the date a student enters the university, state residence status, changes in student level, changes of program within the university, and the number of semester hours for which the student registers. Subsequent changes in the number of hours carried could result in a change from the amounts originally assessed. See the Office of Admissions website for more current and complete information on undergraduate tuition, fees, and assessments.
State Residence Classification
The state residence classification of applicant is determined on the basis of information given on the application and other credentials. See University of Illinois Residency Status Requirements for complete details on the residency status policy.
Tuition is assessed in accordance with this information. A student who has legitimate cause for change of status may submit a Petition for Determination of Residency Status along with supporting documentation to the Office of the Registrar.
Further information or clarification may be secured by contacting the Office of the Registrar:
registration@uic.edu
UIC Office of the Registrar
University of Illinois Chicago
1200 West Harrison Street, Suite 1200
Chicago, Illinois 60607
Exemptions and Assessments
A student who qualifies under the stated conditions may be exempted from one or more of the following charges. Tuition is waived for:
- Holders of tuition-waiver scholarships.
- All academic employees, except graduate assistants, of the university on appointment for at least 25 percent of full-time service. Such appointments require service for not less than three-fourths of the term.
- Tuition may be waived for the total number of semester hours taken by an academic employee. The total number of semester hours that can be taken by academic employees is determined by the employee’s college.
- The staff members must provide service for at least three-quarters of the term in which the coursework is taken to maintain the waiver. The term is defined as beginning with the first day of class and extending through final examinations. For staff members who resign their appointments or otherwise become ineligible for a waiver, the waiver is void; the staff member is responsible for payment of the full amount of tuition unless an official withdrawal from the university is initiated immediately.
- Enrollment in courses will be in accordance with all university and campus rules and regulations.
- The academic/professional employee and his/her head or director will determine the manner in which job responsibilities are to be carried out while the employee is taking coursework.
- Support staff employees:
- Support staff employees of the university in status appointments or in appointments designed to qualify for status in an established class (e.g., trainee, intern) who register in regular university courses not to exceed Range II in a semester if on full-time appointment or Range III if on 50 to 99 percent time appointment. They must also
- meet conditions and eligibility for admission as prescribed by the Office of the Registrar;
- not be students as defined in Civil Service Rule 7.7c; and
- have approval from their employing departments for enrollment and a makeup schedule to cover any time in course attendance during their regular work schedule. The waiver of tuition also applies to any additional hours of registration by employees that keep them within the same fee assessment credit range. Employees whose total registration is in a higher range than that authorized by their tuition waiver pay only the difference between the waiver authorization and the higher range in which their total registration places them.
- Support staff employees in a status, learner, trainee, apprentice, or provisional appointment who enroll in regular courses directly related to their university employment are included. The number of credit hours per term may not exceed Range II. Employees must have made application and received prior approval for enrollment as required by procedures issued by the director of support staff personnel and set forth in the publication Policy and Rules Nonacademic.
- Support staff employees of the university in status appointments or in appointments designed to qualify for status in an established class (e.g., trainee, intern) who register in regular university courses not to exceed Range II in a semester if on full-time appointment or Range III if on 50 to 99 percent time appointment. They must also
- Holders of graduate tuition-and-fee waivers awarded by the Graduate College.
- Holders of outside-sponsored grants or contracts that provide payments to cover the total costs of instruction.
- Cooperating teachers and administrators who receive assignment of practice teachers; social agency field instructors who receive assignment of social work students. Such persons who register in university courses are exempted from tuition and the service fee for one semester or summer session for each semester of service rendered. The exemption shall apply to the semester or summer session of registration, as designated by the student, that is concurrent with, or following, the term of service, but must be applied no later than one calendar year from the end of the term of service. Concurrent registration on more than one campus of the university or in university extramural courses constitutes one semester or session of eligibility for exemption.
- Persons registered in noncredit seminars only.
- University employees registered at the request of their departments in noncredit courses especially established to improve the work of the employee.
- University of Illinois retirees.
- Illinois residents, age 65 or older, whose annual household income is less than $12,000.
- Teacher of the Year.
- Fifty percent of tuition is waived for eligible children of eligible University of Illinois employees:
- An eligible employee must be a current University of Illinois employee at 50 percent time or more, eligible for employer-provided benefits, and in active status as of the first day of the academic term for which the waiver is being requested (changes in status after the first day will affect only future academic terms). In addition, the employee must have completed at least seven years of eligible employment as of the first day of the academic term, although the seven years do not have to be consecutive.
- An eligible child must be under 25 years of age at the beginning of any academic year (defined as the first day of instruction) in which the waiver will be effective; and must be the natural child, adopted child, child of current spouse, or under court-appointed guardianship of the eligible employee. The eligible child must qualify for admission under the same requirements, standards, and policies applicable to general admissions.
- The 50 percent tuition waivers under this program apply only to Board of Trustees approved undergraduate tuition rates (not fees). Waivers under this program are applicable at any campus within the University of Illinois system to which the child has been admitted.
- Extramural and correspondence courses are not eligible for any waiver under this program.
- An eligible child, who remains under the age of 25 at the beginning of any academic year, can expend a total of four years' worth of waivers as long as satisfactory progress toward graduation at the university is maintained. Each year consists of two semesters and one summer session.
The nonresident portion of tuition (if the enrollee is subject to payment of tuition) is waived for:
- All staff members (academic, administrative, or permanent support staff) on appointment for at least 25 percent of full time and not less than three-quarters service for the term, or on an appointment for less than 25 percent of full time with the university. The faculties of state-supported institutions of higher education in Illinois holding appointments of at least one-quarter time.
- The professional staff in private and public elementary and secondary schools in Illinois.
- The spouses and dependent children of those listed in items 1 and 2. (Dependent children are those who qualify as dependents for federal income tax purposes.)
- Persons actively serving in one of the armed forces of the United States who are stationed and present in Illinois in connection with that service.
- The spouses and dependent children of those listed in item 5, as long as they remain stationed, present, and living in Illinois.
- Military veterans (specific requirements to be announced).
For assessment purposes, a staff appointment must require service for not less than three-fourths of the academic term. Specific dates marking completion of service for three-fourths of the term shall be established by the chancellor or his designee on each campus. Staff tuition-and-fee privileges do not apply to students employed on an hourly basis in either an academic or support staff capacity or to persons on leave without pay.
For assessment purposes, a permanent support staff employee is defined as a person who has been assigned to an established, permanent, and continuous support staff position and who is employed for at least 25 percent of full time. University employees appointed to established, civil service positions whose rate of pay is determined by negotiation, prevailing rates, or union affiliation are entitled to the same tuition-and-fee privileges accorded other staff members under the regulation.
For assessment purposes, an academic/professional employee is defined as an employee whose appointment is not prescribed by Article X, Section 1, of the University Statutes, or for whom the rules of the University Civil Service System are not applicable. Therefore, academic/professionals are those staff members who are not
- in the professorial ranks,
- instructors or lecturers,
- research or teaching associates,
- research or teaching assistants (graduate or undergraduate), or
- support staff (University Civil Service) employees.
Staff members who have “visiting” or “adjunct” prefixes to the above ranks in their titles are also excluded from the academic/professional category.
Excluded are all academic/professional appointees on leaves of absence without pay.
A student who resigns a support staff or academic appointment, or whose appointment is cancelled before service has been rendered for at least three-fourths of the term, becomes subject to the full amount of the appropriate tuition and fees for that term, unless withdrawal from the university classes is effective at the same time the appointment becomes void or unless clearance for graduation is filed within one week after the appointment becomes void.
Fees
All fees are subject to change without notice and are assessed upon enrollment.
Service Fee
This fee supports staff salaries, programming, general operating expenses, and some student financial aid such as the UIC Access to Excellence grant, athletics and other scholarships (e.g. student travel scholarships and student research scholarships), student awards and prizes, waivers and honorariums for the following student service areas: Student Centers, Intercollegiate Athletics, Student Leadership Programs, Student Legal and Ombudsperson Services, Student Government, and student services at Rockford, Peoria and Quad Cities. The fee is mandatory.
The service fee is waived for:
- Holders of tuition-and-fee waivers awarded by the Graduate College.
- Holders of grants or contracts from outside approved sponsors if the service fee is charged to the contract or to grant funds.
The following groups are exempt from the service fee:
- All the staff members of the university who are on appointment for at least 25 percent of full-time service.
- Cooperating teachers and administrators and social agency field instructors who meet the qualifications of item 6, tuition waiver exemptions.
- Persons registered in noncredit seminars only.
- University employees registered at the request of their department in noncredit courses for the purpose of improving their work.
- University of Illinois retirees.
- Teacher of the Year.
General Fee
This fee supports the fixed costs, such as utilities, of operating fee-supported facilities on campus including: Student Centers, Campus Recreation, Campus Housing, the UIC Pavilion, the UIC Forum, and the Flames Athletics Center. The fee is mandatory.
Health Service Fee
This fee supports staff salaries, programming, and general operating expenses for the campus health service providers: Family Practice/Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Wellness Center, and pharmacy services. The fee is mandatory.
Health Insurance Fee
This fee provides health insurance that is mandatory for students. The fee is assessed on all students who enroll but may be waived for those who can demonstrate equivalent health insurance coverage.
Student-to-Student Fee
This fee provides financial support to undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate high financial need. The fee is mandatory and is assessed each term. However, it is refundable each term if a cancellation is requested.
Sustainability Fee
This fee supports efforts to improve the quality of campus operations, reduce UIC’s environmental impact, and generate awareness about environmental issues by creating opportunities for students’ involvement. However, it is refundable each term if a cancellation is requested.
Transportation Fee—CTA U Pass + Metra U-Pass+
The CTA U-Pass or CTA + Metra U-Pass+ is available to eligible, enrolled students taking 6 or more credit hours during the Fall or Spring semester. During the Summer session, the minimum enrollment is 6 or more credit hours for undergraduate and professional students and 5 or more credit hours for graduate students. Participation in these programs is optional. Students who opt in and meet the eligibility criteria will be assessed a transportation fee for the service. Service is provided only during the period beginning five days before classes start and ending five days after final exams end, based on the official academic calendar.
International Student Fee
The fee is assessed to international students and will allow the Office of International Services to continue to provide essential services, upgrade technologies used for student advising, increase programming options, and host cultural events to increase and expand upon the "UIC Experience.”
Assessments
Academic Facilities Maintenance Fund Assessment
The Academic Facilities Maintenance Fund Assessment (AFMFA) is assessed to address the deferred maintenance backlog in academic facilities.
Library and Information Technology Assessment
In order to generate resources to improve the learning environment, a Library and Information Technology Assessment is charged to students.
International Tuition Surcharge
International students entering Fall 2016 and after, pay a higher tuition rate as compared to Illinois and U.S. residents. In general, tuition revenue is used to support operating expenses of the university, faculty and staff salaries, including resources that enhance the undergraduate student experience.
Other Fees and Charges
One or more of the following additional fees and/or charges are assessed as applicable.
- The late-registration fee of $50 is assessed all students who complete registration after the tenth day of the fall and spring semesters, and after the first Wednesday of Summer Session 1 or first Friday of Summer Session 2.
- The lost-photo-identification-card fee of $20 is assessed for replacing a lost or destroyed i-card, issued to the student at the time of first registration at UIC.
- The transcript request fee is assessed for each transcript request.
- The first four requests for verification of enrollment or graduation verification per semester are free. Each thereafter incurs a certification fee of $5 for each verification of enrollment or graduation verification.
CampusCare Student Health Benefit Program
The university requires all students to have healthcare coverage. All registered students, charged with tuition and fees, are automatically enrolled in CampusCare and assessed the CampusCare fee as part of their tuition. CampusCare is the University-Based Health Benefits program designed to provide protection against unexpected accidents and illnesses. The program covers services such as physician office visits at the Family Medicine Center, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, prescription drugs, physical therapy, emergency services, home health care, mental health, substance abuse, and vision and dental services.
During the open enrollment period at the beginning of each term, new and continuing students have an opportunity to make choices concerning their health care coverage. Students enrolled in CampusCare may also enroll qualified dependents such as a spouse or children before the published deadline date.
Coverage is based on a semester basis with no lapse in coverage between semesters for registered students. CampusCare members who are eligible during the spring term are able to enroll for summer coverage, without being registered for the summer term, by filling out a Summer Continuation Form online prior to the deadline. All coverage dates and fees can be found online. The CampusCare Fee is billed with tuition and other mandatory fees, unless a CampusCare waiver is approved. Students who withdraw from the university and are not reimbursed 100% of their tuition and fees do not receive a refund of the CampusCare Fee and are covered for the balance of the semester from which they withdrew. CampusCare does not prorate the benefit premium.
Students who provide proof of active Minimal Essential Coverage-qualified health insurance coverage prior to the enrollment period deadline date may waive out of the program by logging onto the CampusCare website and submitting an online waiver form. Once approved, a waiver will remain in effect for a period of one academic year. All students applying and approved for a CampusCare waiver for the first time will have to reapply for the waiver at the beginning of each academic year. Registered students may reinstate into CampusCare upon completion of an online reinstatement form found on the CampusCare website at any time during the semester. Fees are not prorated for late enrollment. All forms to waive out or to add/delete dependents must be submitted online only before the enrollment period deadline date.
Detailed information about covered benefits, premium rates, dependent coverage, summer coverage, how to access care, print ID cards, deadline dates, and all online forms are available to students on the CampusCare website.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
University Bursar
1900 Student Services Building (SSB)
(217) 333-2180
bursarhelp@uillinois.edu
http://paymybill.uillinois.edu
University Bursar is the central billing unit of the University of Illinois. The office is responsible for billing student account transactions including tuition and fees and collecting payment for the university. The office is different from the Office of Student Financial Aid in that it is not involved with awarding and processing student financial aid like loans, scholarships, and grants. University Bursar is the office students contact if they have questions about charges or credits on their student account or need information about making payments to the university for their student account balance. University Bursar also handles inquiries regarding refunds for student account overpayments. Students are encouraged to review the University Bursar website to become familiar with services and policies.
University Bursar Checklist
To ensure successful management of tuition payments, new students should:
- Learn how to access their student account in UI-Pay
- Set up their "Authorized Payer"
- Enroll in Direct Deposit.
- Know when tuition and fees are due.
- Understand the payment options, including an optional payment plan.
- Subscribe to the Student Money Management Center's e-newsletter.
Viewing the Student Account
Students with new account activity will receive an email to their university email address reminding them to view their student account. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor their official university email account on a regular basis. Authorized Payers will also receive an email notification to check their student's account when there is new activity.
Payment Methods
The university accepts both e-checks and credit card payments online through UI-Pay. An e-check is an electronic withdrawal from a checking or savings account at a domestic (U.S.) bank account. Credit cards accepted for payment are Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. Debit cards and Apple Pay are also accepted for payment. Prepaid cards are not accepted. All credit card, debit card, and Apple Pay transactions will be assessed a service fee. Please visit the University Bursar website for additional detail on payment methods.
Mailed payments should be sent at least ten business days prior to the due date. The student name and University ID Number (UIN) must be written on the check. A printed copy of the payment stub must be included to ensure proper credit. Payments may be mailed to the following location:
University of Illinois Payment Center
Student A/R
28393 Network Place
Chicago, IL 60673-1283
University Bursar Contact Information
Email: bursarhelp@uillinois.edu
Website: http://paymybill.uillinois.edu
Phone: (217) 333-2180
Encumbered Students
All students are expected to review their student account online for recent activity and pay any amount due by the due date. Once a month, University of Illinois emails students and Authorized Payers with account activity, reminding them of their financial responsibilities. To ensure delivery of notifications, students and authorized payers should review their contact information, email settings, and consider enrolling in text alerts through UI-Pay.
Consequences of Collections
Students who fail to pay by the due date will incur the following charges and penalties on their student account:
- A late payment charge of 1.5% or $1.00, whichever is greater, per month on the past due balance;
- A past due charge of $2.00 per month; on transactions more than 60 days delinquent;
- A financial hold which prevents registration activity;
- A one-time collection administration fee of $42 if the account is referred for collection.
For a detailed review of the collection process, please visit the Collection Activity page on University Bursar website.
Veterans Affairs Pending Payments
Effective August 1, 2019, and despite any policy to the contrary, UIC will not take any of the four following actions toward any student using the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Post 9/11 G.I. Bill® (Ch. 33) or Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Ch. 31) benefits, while their payment from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is pending to the educational institution.
- Prevent their enrollment;
- Assess a late penalty fee;
- Require they secure alternative or additional funding;
- Deny their access to any resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) available to other students who have satisfied their tuition and fee bills to the institution.
However, to qualify for this provision such students may be required to:
- Produce the VA's Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class;
- Provide written request to be certified;
- Provide additional information needed to properly certify the enrollment as described in other institutional policies (see the VA School Certifying Official for all requirements).
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
Refunds
Refunds of a portion of tuition and fees may be authorized for students withdrawing from the university or from one or more courses, depending on the timing of the withdrawal. Please consult the Office of the Registrar website for the Refund Schedule.
Refund upon Complete Withdrawal from the University
Requests for withdrawals should be initiated using XE Registration during the late add/drop period or after the late add/drop period, in the student’s college office.
Before a refund is made to the student, the university will make a refund to the appropriate financial aid programs providing assistance to the student. If a student is indebted to the university at the time of withdrawal, the amount that is owed will be deducted from the refund amount paid to the student.
Refund on Withdrawal from a Course
If a drop from a course is completed by the second Friday of instruction of the fall or spring semester (the first Wednesday of instruction of Summer Session 1 or first Friday of Summer Session 2) and results in a reduction in the student’s total hours to a lower tuition-and-fee range, the full difference is refunded and no W is recorded.
Refund on Withdrawal to Enter Military Service
A student who withdraws from the university to enter military service must meet certain requirements in order to be eligible to receive a refund of tuition and fees or receive academic credit. For full information, see Withdrawal to Enter U.S. Military Service in the Registering and Enrolling in Courses at UIC section, visit the Office of Registrar website, or email Registration Services.
Cancellation of Enrollment
Students who wish to cancel their registration and receive a complete refund of tuition and fees must do so by the end of the online add/drop period. They may do this online or in person at the Office of the Registrar.
Important Note: If a student receives federally funded financial aid, the refund may be adjusted in accordance with federal regulations. If a student owes money to the university, the refund will be reduced by the amount owed.