by our College Data Analytics TeamMake the best college choice by understanding the true cost of college. Start by understanding the yearly costs at Illinois State University.
On this page you will find:
Housing and meal plans are priced out separately here. The standard student paid $6,178 in 2026, and the cost of a typical dining plan was $5,232. When you add it all up, a typical student living on campus at Illinois State University paid roughly $24,332 in 2026 in total yearly living costs beyond tuition.
The following table outlines average expected costs for both on-campus and off-campus housing, meals and other expenses at Illinois State University.
| Expense | On Campus | Off Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Room and Board | $17,628 | $19,532 |
| — Housing | $6,178 | |
| — Meals | $5,232 | |
| Other Living Expenses | $5,874 | $7,338 |
| Books and Supplies | $830 | $830 |
| Total | $24,332 | $27,700 |
The price of living on campus is rarely the same in your senior year as it was your first. Estimating the trend now makes for a more accurate four-year budget.
Carried across a typical four-year degree, room, board and other living costs add up to about $103,503 by the time you graduate.
This is how on-campus room and board has tracked over the last few years, plus a forward projection, at Illinois State University.
| Year | Room & Board |
|---|---|
| Three Years Ago | $16,002 |
| Two Years Ago | $16,458 |
| One Year Ago | $17,458 |
| Most Recent Year (2026) | $17,628 |
| One Year From Now * | $18,225 |
| Two Years From Now * | $18,842 |
| Three Years From Now * | $19,480 |
| Four Years From Now * | $20,140 |
* estimated
Room and board changed an average of 3.4% each year. If that pace holds, room and board would land around $24,929 in housing, food and other costs their first year.
At this pace, a senior would spend approximately $26,844 in year four — and a two-year student about $25,546 by the end of a two-year program.
Over the entire degree (assuming you graduate on time), the total comes to about $103,503 for four years, or about $50,475 for two years on campus.
Room and board tends to rise year over year at most schools, so a freshman should expect to pay more by senior year.
Review the table below for the on-campus housing details this school reports.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| On-Campus Room Capacity (Per Occupant) | 6,724 |
| Offers On-Campus Housing | Yes |
| Offers a Meal Plan | Yes |