Overview
Participating in Illinois in Washington involves the same tuition structure as studying on the Urbana-Champaign campus, along with program-specific housing and participation costs. Students should also plan for travel, meals, local transportation, and other personal expenses while living in Washington, D.C.
Tuition and University Fees
Because Illinois in Washington is a University of Illinois program, students are charged regular UIUC tuition for the credits in which they enroll. Tuition, applicable University fees, IIW housing charges, and the Illinois in Washington program fee are billed through the student’s UIUC student account.
Illinois in Washington students are not charged most on-campus student fees. Students are generally responsible for the University General Fee, the Health Insurance Fee when applicable, and the Illinois in Washington program fee.
For the most current tuition and University fee information, please visit https://registrar.illinois.edu/tuition-fees/.
Illinois in Washington Program Fee
In addition to tuition and applicable University fees, students pay an Illinois in Washington program fee. This fee supports the administration and operation of the program.
Current IIW program fee: $1,564
Housing Costs
Students participating in Illinois in Washington generally live in program-designated housing in Washington, D.C. Housing costs are separate from tuition and are billed to the student’s UIUC student account.
Housing costs are approximately $4,600 per term for fall, spring, and summer participants. Students are also required to pay a $400 security deposit. The deposit is refundable, provided that students leave the apartment in good condition and return their key at move-out.
Housing and living expenses in Washington are generally higher than comparable costs in Champaign-Urbana. Students should review the Housing and Living in Washington, D.C. page for more information about program housing, roommates, furnishings, and move-in procedures.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Students remain eligible to apply for the same types of financial aid they would use while enrolled on the Urbana-Champaign campus. Students who already receive financial aid may be able to request additional loan funding to help cover the costs of participating in Illinois in Washington.
Illinois in Washington can provide students with a program budget to submit to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Students with questions about how participation may affect their aid package should contact the Office of Student Financial Aid directly.
The Department of Political Science also offers scholarships for continuing students, including several that may support off-campus academic experiences, internships, and related opportunities. Please see more here: https://pol.illinois.edu/academics/undergraduate-program/scholarships
Estimated Budget
Your total cost will depend on your tuition classification, housing arrangement, travel plans, spending habits, and internship location. The following estimates are intended to help students begin planning.
Fixed Costs
- Tuition: Regular UIUC tuition for enrolled coursework
- University fees: University General Fee; Health Insurance Fee, when applicable
- Illinois in Washington program fee: $1,564
- Housing: Approximately $4,600 per term
- Refundable housing security deposit: $400
Expenses That Vary by Student
- Travel to and from Washington: Approximately $200–$500
- Meals: Approximately $700–$2,400
- Books and supplies: Approximately $50
- Local transportation: Approximately $250–$500
- Personal expenses: Approximately $200–$1,500
Questions About Costs
Students with questions about Illinois in Washington charges, housing costs, or the estimated program budget should contact Illinois in Washington at IllinoisInWashington@illinois.edu. Questions about financial-aid eligibility, aid adjustments, or loan options should be directed to the Office of Student Financial Aid.