Illinois College Cost Contribution Estimator

Yes, Illinois is one of approximately 16 states where courts can order divorced parents to contribute to college expenses under 750 ILCS 5/513. This authority applies to divorced parents, those in parentage cases, and those who were never married. Married parents have no such legal obligation—the statute specifically addresses the financial disadvantages children face when parents separate.

Illinois courts consider four statutory factors under Section 513(j): each parent's present and future financial resources including retirement savings, the standard of living the child would have enjoyed had the marriage continued, the child's own financial resources including 529 plans and expected scholarships, and the child's academic performance. Courts also weigh whether comparable public school options exist and how the chosen school aligns with the child's goals.

Yes, Illinois law caps court-ordered tuition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in-state rate (approximately $33,558–$38,744 for 2024-25) and housing at UIUC double-occupancy residence hall costs with a standard meal plan. Courts can exceed these caps only for 'good cause shown.' Parents can voluntarily agree to higher amounts in their settlement agreement, but courts cannot order contributions beyond UIUC rates without justification.

Starting with the 2024-25 FAFSA, the parent who provided the most financial support during the prior 12 months must complete the form—not necessarily the custodial parent. If that parent has remarried, the stepparent's income and assets must also be included. Child support payments are now reported as an asset rather than income. Many private colleges also require the CSS Profile, which typically requires financial information from both biological parents.

Under Section 513(h), 529 plans established before divorce are considered a financial resource of the child, not the parents, when calculating contribution obligations. Only one parent can legally own a 529 account. Divorce agreements should specify which parent controls the account and include protective language restricting withdrawals to educational purposes only. Violating such provisions can result in contempt of court charges.

Yes, parents can contractually agree to college contribution terms in their marital settlement agreement, and Illinois courts enforce these agreements. In fact, negotiated agreements often provide more flexibility than court orders—parents can agree to pay for private schools, graduate programs, or costs exceeding the UIUC cap. Written agreements also establish contribution amounts and timelines that courts cannot impose without a contested hearing.

Illinois courts can order private school contributions, but the mandatory cap limits tuition to University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in-state rates unless a parent demonstrates 'good cause' for higher amounts. Courts consider whether comparable public options exist and how the private school aligns with the child's academic and career goals. Parents who want to ensure private school funding should negotiate it explicitly in their settlement agreement.

Under Section 513(g), Illinois college support terminates when the child turns 23, earns a bachelor's degree, marries, or fails to maintain a cumulative C grade point average. The age limit can extend to 25 for good cause, such as delayed enrollment due to military service or illness. Graduate school, law school, and medical school are not covered—Section 513 applies only to undergraduate and vocational education.