Paying for College

Tuition

Tuition for credit courses is based on District 540 Residency Status. Rates below are for Academic Year 2025-2026 (Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 Semesters).

In-district: $169 per credit hour
Out-of-district: $338 per credit hour
Out-of-state: $423 per credit hour
Out-of-country tuition: $423 per credit hour

Universal Required Fees

The following fees are required for all students enrolled in credit courses, regardless of Residency State.

The Program Development and Facilities Enhancement Fee (PDFE Fee) helps fund costs associated with developing and updating academic programs and enhancing facilities including buildings and equipment.

PDFE Fee: $2 per credit hour

The Student Life Fee helps fund activities that enhance student life such as student groups, activities and organizations, athletic teams, and bus transportation.

Student Life Fee: $16 per credit hour

Other Fees

Course Fees may be required for special materials, supplies, or services for specific courses. These fees are generally charged to classes with labs or those that require other specialized facilities and/or equipment.

Continuing Education Fees are set on a per-course basis and more information can be found on Heartland's Continuing Education website.

*Please note: Tuition and Fees are subject to change without notice.

Student Estimated Expenses (Academic Year 2025-2026)

Direct Costs: This table provides an overview of tuition and universal fees for in-district, out-of-district, out-of-state, and out-of-country students, based on taking 30 credit hours per year.

Direct Costs*	In-District	Out-of-District	Out-of-State Out-of-Country
Tuition	$5,070	$10,140	$12,690
Universal Fees	$540	$540	$540
Total Direct Costs	$5,610	$10,680	$13,230

Direct Costs*

In-District

Out-of-District

Out-of-State

Out-of-Country

Tuition

$5,070

$10,140

$12,690

Universal Fees

$540

Total Direct Costs

$5,610

$10,680

$13,230

* Direct costs are based on the average student taking 30 credit hours per year.

Indirect Costs: This table outlines estimated living expenses such as housing, course materials, personal costs, and transportation for dependent and independent students.

Indirect Costs	Dependent Student	Independent Student
Housing & Food	$4,622	$11,550
Course Materials (Textbooks)	$900	$900
Miscellaneous/Personal	$828	$1,656
Transportation	$1,688	$1,688
Total Indirect Costs	$8,038	$15,794

Total Cost of Attendance: This table provides an overall view of the total costs for dependent and independent students, considering both direct and indirect expenses.

Total Cost of Attendance	Dependent Student	Independent Student
In-District	$13,648	$21,404
Out-of-District	$18,718	$26,474
Out-of-State	$21,268	$29,024
Out-of-County	$21,268	$29,024

Previous Tuition and Universal Required Fee information can be found here..