Costs

Tuition and Fees

Because IIW is a University of Illinois program, program tuition is the same as regular campus tuition. Your student account will be billed for tuition, fees and housing.  You can pay that account off in the manner you would ordinarily pay amounts charged to your student account.  You can apply for the same financial aid as you if you were taking courses on the main campus.

While in IIW, you will not be assessed most on-campus student fees.  Only the General Fee and, if applicable, the Health Insurance Fee, will be applied to IIW students.  Students will also pay a $1533 IIW program fee.  You can access up-to-date information on tuition and student fee rates here.

Housing and Living Expenses

Housing and living expenses are higher than on campus, given the higher cost of living in Washington, D.C.  Housing is typically located in shared apartments or a group house provided by WIHN.  Currently, students live together in shared apartments on Capitol Hill within easy walking distance from Congress, Union Station and the subway.  Housing costs are roughly $4600 per semester (for all three semesters).

Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you are currently receiving financial aid, you may apply for additional loan amounts to cover the costs of IIW participation.  IIW can provide you with a budget to submit to financial aid.  If you have any questions about how your financial aid may work with this program, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid. The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Department of Political Science has scholarships available for continuing students, including several that are specific to off-campus activities such as internships.

Estimated Budget

Fixed costs:

  • Tuition: the same tuition as main campus enrollment
  • Fees: the General Fee, a $1533 IIW Program Fee, and (when applicable) the Health Insurance Fee
  • WIHN housing: Rent is roughly $4600 per semester in all three semesters (fall, spring and summer).  Participants also pay a $400 security deposit, which will be refunded to you if you leave your apartment in good repair and return your apartment key.

Variable costs:

  • Airfare: $200-500
  • Meals: $700 to $2400
  • Books and supplies: $50
  • Local transportation: $250-$500
  • Personal expenses: $200 to $1500