What Divorced Parents Should Know About College Expenses in 2023
In the state of Illinois, child support obligations typically end when a child becomes and adult and graduates from high school. However, this does not necessarily mean that a parent’s financial responsibility for the child ends. In fact, some parents are required to pay for their child’s college education.
The cost of college tuition has been rising steadily for the past several decades, making it a major financial burden for many families. Illinois has specific laws that describe divorced parents’ rights and obligations regarding college education expenses.
Both Parents and the College Student May Be Required to Contribute to College Costs
Under Illinois law, courts have the final say in determining who is responsible for paying any educational expenses related to attending college or university. Generally speaking, both parents will be expected to contribute to these costs if they can afford it—but the exact amount each parent is required to contribute will depend on several factors including their incomes and assets, as well as other relevant factors such as the child received any scholarships or financial aid. The court may require the child to contribute to college expenses as well.
Divorced parents can choose to enter into a voluntary agreement regarding how they will divide up educational expenses associated with attending college outside of court proceedings. This is often a good option because it allows both parties to come up with an arrangement that works best for their individual circumstances and makes sure they are both held accountable for their part of the agreement.
Divorced Parents’ Financial Obligations are Capped
The cost of a college education varies dramatically. For example, the average cost of attending an in-state public school in Illinois is approximately $14,000 a year while an out-of-state private school is over twice that amount.
Fortunately, Illinois law limits how much money parents may be required to contribute to their child’s college tuition, fees, and related expenses. The total amount paid toward tuition and fees may not exceed the cost of in-state tuition and fees paid by a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. Housing costs may not exceed the cost of a double-occupancy dorm and standard meal plan at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. For the 2022-2023 school year, tuition and fees at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign are estimated to be $17,138-$22,324. Room and board is estimated at$12,720
Sources:
https://www.admissions.illinois.edu/invest/tuition
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d20/tables/dt20_330.20.asp
