Is College Included in Child Support in Illinois?

 Posted on March 12, 2025 in Divorce / Family Law

Many parents wonder whether child support in Illinois includes college expenses. Unlike some states that end child support obligations when a child turns 18, Illinois law allows courts to require divorced or separated parents to contribute to their child’s college education.

Many parents are surprised and frustrated by this, but it is the law and the more you know about it, the more empowered you will be to navigate your particular situation. With the help of our Illinois child support lawyer, understanding how these laws work can help you plan for the financial responsibilities of your child’s higher education.

What is Illinois Law on College Expenses and Child Support?

Under current Illinois law, a court may order one or both parents to contribute to a child’s post-secondary education. This support is separate from standard child support payments and can continue even after the child reaches adulthood. Court-ordered college support may cover tuition, fees, housing, meal plans, books, and medical expenses, including health insurance.

How Courts Determine a Parent’s College Expense Contributions

When deciding whether to order parents to pay for college, Illinois courts consider several factors. The financial resources of both parents, the child’s academic performance, the standard of living the child would have had if the parents had stayed together, and the cost of attending a particular school all play a role. The court may also consider whether the child is making a reasonable effort to contribute to their education, for example, by applying for scholarships or working part-time.

Illinois law allows courts to order parents to pay for tuition and fees at a public university within the state, up to the cost of in-state tuition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. If the child attends a private or out-of-state school, parents may be responsible for an amount equivalent to the in-state tuition limit unless they agree otherwise. Housing, books, supplies, and reasonable living expenses may also be included in the order, as well as the cost of medical and dental insurance.

Does Child Support Automatically Cover College?

Child support payments do not automatically extend to cover college expenses. Parents must seek a separate court order for these contributions. If a parent believes their child will attend college, it is important to address this issue before the standard child support obligation ends. In most cases, the child must be enrolled full-time and maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving support.

What If a Parent Refuses to Pay?

If a parent is ordered to pay college expenses and fails to do so, the other parent or the child may petition the court to enforce the order. Courts can impose penalties, including wage garnishment or contempt of court charges, to ensure compliance. If circumstances change, such as job loss or a significant financial hardship, a parent may request a modification of the order.

Contact a Geneva and Kane County, IL Child Support Lawyer

If you have questions about college expenses and child support in Illinois, an experienced Kane County, IL family law attorney at Loire Krajniak Law, LLC can help. Whether you need to set up, change, or enforce a court order, we are ready to assist you. Call us at 630-448-2406 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options.