Sangamon Sun

Nearly two million students are preparing to move into college dorms or apartments this August, facing the financial challenges that come with higher education. Tuition, living expenses, books, and activities make college a significant cost for many families.

A recent study by College Pulse and GradGuard found that 67% of students pay all their own college costs, including those beyond tuition. Affordability remains the biggest obstacle for students, making budgeting strategies important as they look for ways to save money.

Students are encouraged to use available resources such as student discounts on various products and services, textbook rental options through sites like Chegg and Amazon, and campus amenities including free gym memberships and discounted transportation. Community colleges also offer more affordable core courses for those seeking to reduce expenses before transferring to four-year institutions. Establishing consistent routines can help students manage spending throughout changing academic schedules.

State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore), who was elected in 2018 to represent Illinois' 70th House District after Robert W. Pritchard, commented on the broader issue of affordability: “As a proud alum of our public university system, who is also a first-generation college graduate, I can say that attending Northern Illinois University positively changed the course of my life,” said Keicher. “That is the same dream I hope for every Illinois student who wants to advance their career and life through a college education. Although many of our universities have done a fantastic job of helping students afford a college degree through opportunities like the AIM HIGH Huskie Pledge and other grants and scholarships, the state needs to step up further. While we’ve made improvements in recent years, the state is barely funding higher education at the same levels it was 25 years ago, as new programs have been created and expanded. If we are serious about ensuring the next generation has access to affordable, world-class higher education, then it’s long past time to prioritize our students before pet projects.”

The United States continues to have some of the highest undergraduate program costs globally and ranks second in master’s program costs. Illinois stands as the sixth most expensive state for in-state tuition and fees; during the 2024-2025 school year, average annual costs reached $14,921—almost $5,000 above the national average—making it harder for local high school graduates to afford attendance.

State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) expressed concern about proposed changes in how higher education funding is allocated: “The proposal to change our state’s higher education funding formula would redistribute money from schools that are performing well to schools that have struggled to graduate students,” Severin said. “When the government starts picking winners and losers in higher education funding, students will unfortunately and undoubtedly see already unaffordable tuition rates go up. That will just cause Illinois students to locate elsewhere to more affordable institutions in other states, which will then result in even higher tuition costs. For the sake of college affordability, this DEI-based funding formula idea should be scrapped.”

Members of Illinois’ House Republican Caucus continue calling for policy reforms aimed at making college more affordable. In addition to budgeting measures, work-study jobs, campus employment opportunities, and paid internships can help cover costs while building valuable professional connections.

For further guidance on managing finances during college or finding additional support programs:

- Federal Student Aid Office: Budgeting Tips

- Federal Student Aid Office: Work Study Programs

- PNC Bank: How to Create a Budget as a College Student

- University of Illinois: Financial Wellness Program