Cost & Billing

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Last Updated: Oct 24, 2025, 03:32 PM

Cost Transparency

College Cost Transparency InitiativeWe are committed to using the Principles & Standards of the College Cost Transparency Initiative in our student financial aid offer.

The cost of attending college isn't just tuition and fees. We do our best to give you the whole picture, showing you an estimated budget for the whole school year that also includes budget estimates for food and housing, books and supplies, and living expenses.

Estimated Costs and Budgets

 

  • Billing and Payment Options

    You will receive your billing statements from the Office of the Bursar. The Bursar is also where you can pay your bill, view the billing calendar, sign up for direct deposit and enroll in an installment payment plan.

  • Understanding your Expenses

    We know this can be a lot to take in. There are several components within estimated budgets. Learn what each budget component really means.

  • Legacy Tuition Rate

    Children of SIU Carbondale graduates save on tuition. Students eligible for the Legacy Tuition Rate pay 80% of the applicable tuition rate.

  • Residency

    To be reclassified as an in-state student for tuition assessment purposes, students will need to complete an application for Illinois residency.

Annual Costs for SIU Students

Below is a breakdown of the estimated costs at SIU for two semesters, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and living expenses for both undergraduate and graduate students. Please note the following:

  • Miscellaneous expenses vary greatly based on the individual student’s lifestyle. The allowance includes transportation, clothing, living expenses not covered by on-campus housing, recreation, and other miscellaneous costs.

Estimated 2026-2027 Undergraduate Budget

Below are the estimated costs for Undergraduate students beginning Fall 2026, Spring 2027, or Summer 2027. You can also download a printable Fall 2026, Spring 2027 version, or Summer 2027 version.

Estimated Fall 2026, Spring 2027 Undergraduate Budget

Estimated costs for Undergraduate students who enter SIU beginning Fall 2026, Spring 2027

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total
Student Living On Campus 9,638.00 3,906.00 12,341.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 29,726.00
Student Living Off Campus 9,638.00 3,906.00 13,067.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 30,452.00
Student Living With Parents 9,638.00 3,906.00 4,159.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 21,544.00
Online Student 9,638.00 2,406.00 13,067.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 28,952.00

Estimated Legacy Undergraduate Budget (Fall 2026, Spring 2027)

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total

Student Living On Campus

 7,710.00 3,906.00 12,341.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 27,798.00
Student Living Off Campus 7,710.00 3,906.00 13,067.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 28,524.00
Student Living With Parents 7,710.00 3,906.00 4,159.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 19,616.00
Online Student 7,710.00 2,406.00 13,067.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 27,024.00

Estimated College of Business Undergraduate Budget (Fall 2026, Spring 2027)

Estimated costs for Undergraduate students who enter SIU Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and have declared a College of Business and Analytics major

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total
Student Living On Campus 11,085.00 3,906.00 12,341.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 31,173.00
Student Living Off Campus 11,085.00 3,906.00 13,067.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 31,899.00
Student Living With Parents 11,085.00 3,906.00 4,159.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 22,991.00
Online Student 11,085.00 2,406.00 13,067.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 30,399.00

Details

  1. Students are guaranteed the same tuition rate for four continuous academic years by the Illinois Truth in Tuition act (Public Act 93-0228). The tuition amounts in the financial aid budget are based on enrollment of fifteen (15) hours per semester, however, twelve (12) hours is considered full-time for financial aid purposes. The tuition amounts in the financial aid budget are based on enrollment of six (6) hours for Summer. 
  2. The fee amount in the financial aid budget is based on 15 hours per semester and 6 credit hours for Summer.
  3. Students who are considered Distance Education will have a reduced fee amount and will be charged $80/credit hour for mandatory fees.
  4. Tuition and Fee calculators are available at http://tuition.siuc.edu/
  5. On-campus Food and Housing information and additional dining plan information is available at www.housing.siu.edu.
  6. Students living in single rooms as a result of personal medical reasons can contact the financial aid office about possible budget increases.

*Health Insurance Requirement 
-Opt out by providing proof of health insurance coverage
-Insurance is provided at a cost of $2,278/year if no other coverage is available
-Financial aid can be applied to health insurance

Estimated 2025-2026 Undergraduate Budget

Below are the estimated Undergraduate costs for students beginning Fall 2025, Spring 2026. You can also download a printable Fall 2025, Spring 2026 version.

Estimated Fall 2025, Spring 2026 Undergraduate Budget

Estimated costs for Undergraduate students who enter SIU beginning Fall 2025, Spring 2026

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total
On Campus 9,638.00 3,906.00 12,341.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 29,726.00
Off Campus 9,638.00 3,906.00 13,015.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 30,400.00
Student Living With Parents 9,638.00 3,906.00 4,159.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 21,544.00
Online Student 9,638.00 2,406.00 13,105.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 28,900.00

Estimated Legacy Undergraduate Budget (Fall 2025, Spring 2026)

Estimated costs for Undergraduate students who enter SIU with Legacy Tuition Rate

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total

On Campus

 7,710.00 3,906.00 12,341.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 27,798.00
Off Campus 7,710.00 3,906.00 13,015.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 28,472.00
Student Living With Parents 7,710.00 3,906.00 4,159.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 19,616.00
Online Student 7,710.00 2,406.00 13,015.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 26,972.00

Estimated College of Business Undergraduate Budget (Fall 2025, Spring 2026)

Estimated costs for Undergraduate students who enter SIU Fall 2025, Spring 2026 and have declared a College of Business and Analytics major

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total
 Campus 11,085.00 3,906.00 12,341.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 31,173.00
Off Campus 11,085.00 3,906.00 13,015.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 31,847.00
Student Living With Parents 11,085.00 3,906.00 4,159.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 22,991.00
Online Student 11,085.00 2,406.00 13,015.00 780.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 30,347.00

Details

  1. Students are guaranteed the same tuition rate for four continuous academic years by the Illinois Truth in Tuition act (Public Act 93-0228). The tuition amounts in the financial aid budget are based on enrollment of fifteen (15) hours per semester, however, twelve (12) hours is considered full-time for financial aid purposes. The tuition amounts in the financial aid budget are based on enrollment of six (6) hours for Summer. 
  2. The fee amount in the financial aid budget is based on 15 hours per semester and 6 credit hours for Summer.
  3. Students who are considered Distance Education will have a reduced fee amount and will be charged $80/credit hour for mandatory fees.
  4. Tuition and Fee calculators are available at http://tuition.siuc.edu/
  5. On-campus Food and Housing information and additional dining plan information is available at www.housing.siu.edu.
  6. Students living in single rooms as a result of personal medical reasons can contact the financial aid office about possible budget increases.
  7. Miscellaneous expenses vary greatly based on the individual student’s lifestyle. The allowance includes transportation, clothing, living expenses not covered by on-campus housing, recreation, and other miscellaneous costs.
  8. Procedure to opt out for books
  9. 2025-2026 Housing Costs

*Health Insurance Requirement 
-Opt out by providing proof of health insurance coverage
-Insurance is provided at a cost of $2,278/year if no other coverage is available
-Financial aid can be applied to health insurance

Estimated Graduate Budget

Estimated Graduate student Budgets for the 2025-2026 Academic Year (Fall 2025, Spring 2026), or Summer 2026 and 2026-2027 Academic Year (Fall 2026, Spring 2027), or Summer 2027. You can also download a printable Fall 2025, Spring 2026 version, Fall 2026, Spring 2027 version, 2026-2027 PA Program version, 2026-2027 Law Program version, or Summer 2027 version.

Estimated Fall 2025, Spring 2026 Graduate Budget

Estimated Graduate student Budgets for the 2025-2026 Academic Year Fall 2025 and Spring 2026

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total
On Campus Resident 11,268.00 3,120.00 11,986.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 30,059.00
Off Campus Resident 11,268.00 3,120.00 14,923.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 32,996.00
On Campus Non-Resident 28,170.00 3,120.00 11,986.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 46,961.00
Off-Campus Non-Resident 28,170.00 3,120.00 14,923.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 49,898.00
Distance Education 11,268.00 1,920.00 14,923.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 31,796.00

Estimated Fall 2026, Spring 2027 Graduate Budget

Tuition Fees* Food & Housing Books, Course Materials,
Supplies & Equipment		 Misc Personal Expenses Transportation Total
On Campus - Resident 11,268.00 3,120.00 11,986.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 30,059.00
Off Campus - Resident 11,268.00 3,120.00 14,958.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 33,031.00
On Campus - Non-Resident 28,170.00 3,120.00 11,986.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 46,961.00
Off Campus - Non-Resident 28,170.00 3,120.00 14,958.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 49,993.00
Distance Education 11,268.00 1,920.00 14,958.00 624.00 1,761.00 1,300.00 31,831.00
Download printable version

Details

  • The tuition amounts in the financial aid budget are based on enrollment of twelve (12) hours per semester. Twelve (12) hours is considered full-time for financial aid purposes. Tuition amounts for Summer are based on enrollment of six (6) credit hours.
  • Students who have declared a College of Business major and who enter SIU Fall 2008 or later should add an amount equal to 15% of the Illinois resident tuition to their total budget.
  • New and transfer students whose state of legal residence is Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee or Wisconsin will be charged an alternative tuition rate equal to the Illinois tuition rate and will be assigned a resident budget.
  • The fee amount in the financial aid budget is based on the maximum fees assessed to students based on full-time enrollment. Summer fee amount is based on six (6) credit hours.
  • Students who are considered Distance Education will have a reduced fee amount and will be charged $80/credit hour for mandatory fees.
  • Food and Housing is based on an average of housing rates in Carbondale and the food allowance is based on the USDA’s official food plans for males 19-50 (liberal plan). Additional dining plan rates are available at housing.siu.edu
  • Miscellaneous expenses vary greatly based on the individual student’s lifestyle. The allowance includes transportation, clothing, living expenses not covered by on-campus housing, recreation, and other miscellaneous costs.

Understanding your Expenses

Do you have questions about your cost of attendance? We're here to assist you in understanding your estimated expenses.

The cost of attendance is the estimate of a student’s expenses for one academic year of college. It typically includes:

  • Direct Costs: Billed expenses such as tuition, fees, books and supplies, on-campus housing, and food.
  • Indirect Costs: Non-billed expenses that require funds, off-campus housing, meals, transportation, and miscellaneous living expenses.

Please note that actual expenses may vary based on your program, enrollment level, residency, housing selection, and food choices. Each student may have different types of expenses.

As an SIU student, you could be eligible for financial aid to cover part or all of your cost of attendance. Get an estimate of how much financial aid you could receive using the Net Price Calculator. Then, you can use the Tuition Calculator to get an idea of your individual costs including tuition, fees.

We have provided this information so you and your family can investigate the different costs that may be associated with attending SIU. Due to your personal choices, SIU’s standard allowance for some expenses may not match your actual costs. In order to maximize your financial aid, it is important to make wise decisions regarding living arrangements and lifestyle, since SIU is unable to offer more financial aid in an academic year than the determined standard allowances.

If you have unique expenses (such as unexpected medical costs, childcare, additional course expenses, purchasing a computer, or changes in housing plans), you can request a review of your expenses. Contact our office to learn more about your options.

 

Typical Expenses

If you’re attending SIU, the cost of attendance is an estimate of the following:

Tuition & Fees

What you pay each semester or session for academic instruction. Your actual tuition and fees will depend on University policies on residency and alternate tuition rates, as well as on your official academic record with the University. Undergraduate tuition rates are based on 15 hours/semester and graduate students are based on 12 hours/semester. To learn more about tuition and fees please visit the Registar’s Office overview page.

Food and Housing

Living expenses that may include on- or off-campus housing, meal plans, rent, groceries, utilities and internet. Explore housing options, campus housing, and meal plan options .

Books, Supplies, Course Materials & Equipment

The costs required for your courses, including a reasonable allowance to purchase a computer. Visit the My Text Books site to opt out of Books and Supplies. Visit the Financial Aid Office for the estimated cost and budget.

Miscellaneous Personal Expenses

Personal expenses such as laundry and cleaning supplies, personal hygiene, cell phone plans and all other living expenses not covered under food and housing.

Transportation

An allowance for transit between campus, your place of residence in the United States, and your place of work.