Analyzing trends in law school costs, financial burden, and affordability at Southern Illinois University School of Law
Tuition and fees are the largest component of the cost of attendance for law students. The average tuition and fees for full-time students at Southern Illinois University School of Law is $12,262 for in-state and $16,638 for out-of-state students for the academic year 2025-2026.
Over the past decade, tuition costs have decreased from $22,635 to $16,638, reflecting broader trends in higher education costs and institutional funding challenges.
In addition to tuition, living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance. On-campus housing costs $17,551, while off-campus living averages $17,551 and living at home costs approximately $17,551 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Living expenses have increased significantly, with on-campus housing rising from $15,671 to $17,551 over the past decade.
Tuition and fees have increased significantly over time. Year-over-year, Southern Illinois University School of Law saw a 3.98% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 36.04%.
| Academic Year | Full-time | Part-time | YoY Change | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | ||
| 2021 | $12,262 | $16,638 | - | - | - |
| 2022 | $21,465 | $21,465 | - | - | 29.01% |
| 2023 | $21,555 | $21,555 | - | - | 0.42% |
| 2024 | $21,555 | $21,555 | - | - | - |
| 2025 | $21,768 | $21,768 | - | - | 0.99% |
| 2026 | $22,635 | $22,635 | $5,678 | $5,678 | 3.98% |
Tuition per credit hour provides insight into the cost efficiency of legal education. In-state students at Southern Illinois University School of Law pay $6,225 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $6,225 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
| Academic Year | In-State Per Credit | Out-of-State Per Credit | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $4,057 | $4,330 | - |
| 2022 | $5,055 | $5,055 | 16.74% |
| 2023 | $5,145 | $5,145 | 1.78% |
| 2024 | $5,145 | $5,145 | - |
| 2025 | $5,358 | $5,358 | 4.14% |
| 2026 | $6,225 | $6,225 | 16.18% |
The total cost of attendance, including tuition and living expenses, has increased over time. Year-over-year, Southern Illinois University School of Law saw a -4.87% increase, while over the past decade the increase has been 12.04%.
| Academic Year | In-State On-Campus | In-State Off-Campus | In-State At Home | Out-of-State On-Campus | Out-of-State Off-Campus | Out-of-State At Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29,813 | $29,813 | $29,813 | $34,189 | $34,189 | $34,189 |
| 2022 | $40,265 | $40,265 | $40,265 | $40,265 | $40,265 | $40,265 |
| 2023 | $39,905 | $39,905 | $39,905 | $39,905 | $39,905 | $39,905 |
| 2024 | $37,353 | $37,934 | $25,643 | $37,353 | $37,934 | $25,643 |
| 2025 | $37,842 | $40,329 | $28,541 | $37,842 | $40,329 | $28,541 |
| 2026 | $38,306 | $41,243 | $41,243 | $38,306 | $41,243 | $41,243 |
Living expenses significantly impact the total cost of attendance for law students. Over the past decade, Southern Illinois University School of Law's living costs have decreased from $17,551 to $15,671 for on-campus students. Off-campus living costs have similarly increased from $17,551 to $18,608.
| Academic Year | On-Campus | Off-Campus | At Home | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $17,551 | $17,551 | $17,551 | - |
| 2022 | $18,800 | $18,800 | $18,800 | 7.12% |
| 2023 | $18,350 | $18,350 | $18,350 | -2.39% |
| 2024 | $15,798 | $16,379 | $4,088 | -13.91% |
| 2025 | $16,074 | $18,561 | $6,773 | 1.75% |
| 2026 | $15,671 | $18,608 | $18,608 | -2.51% |
