Paying for College

Paying for college is an important part of planning for your future. At Heartland, we want to make it easier to understand what college may cost and the resources available to help you pay.

Whether you're exploring Heartland for the first time or getting ready to enroll, start here to learn about tuition and costs, financial aid and scholarships, and payment options.

Tuition

Tuition for credit courses is based on District 540 Residency Status. Rates below are for Academic Year 2026-2027 (Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027 Semesters). 

  • In-district: $174 per credit hour
  • Out-of-district: $348 per credit hour
  • Out-of-state: $435 per credit hour
  • Out-of-country tuition: $435 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 2026-2027)

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

$5,220

$10,440

$13,050

Universal Fees

$540

$540

$540

Total Direct Costs

$5,760

$10,980

$13,590
* 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

Living With Parent(s)

Living Away From Parent(s)

Housing & Food

$4,878

$12,518

Course Materials (Textbooks)

$1,300

$1,300

Miscellaneous/Personal

$873

$873

Transportation

$1,712

$1,712

Total Indirect Costs

$8,763

$17,276

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

Living With Parent(s)

Living Away From Parent(s)

In-District

$14,523

$23,036

Out-of-District

$19,743

$28,256

Out-of-State

$22,353

$30,866

Out-of-County

$22,353

$30,866

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

Ways To Pay

Learn About Funding Options

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Contact Us

Student Accounts Office

1500 W Raab Road
CCB Suite 2100
Normal, IL 61761 
Phone: 309-268-8140
Email: StudentAccounts@heartland.edu

Financial Aid Office

1500 W Raab Road
CCB Room 1101
Normal, IL 61761
Phone: 309-268-8020
Email: FinAid@heartland.edu

Office Hours

Financial Aid

Drop-in Hours: Noon - 4:00 pm

Student Accounts

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.