University of Illinois Chicago
Cost of Attendance Breakdown
| Annual Cost of Attendance | $45,533 |
| Tuition & Fees | $20,790 |
| Living Expenses | $24,743 |
| Books, Supplies & Other | $0 |
| Federal Loan Cap (Graduate) | −$20,500 |
| Annual Funding Gap | $25,033 |
Cover Your $25,033/yr Gap
University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH students typically need $75,098 in private loans over 3 years to bridge the gap between federal aid and cost of attendance.
We research and compare lenders so you don’t have to. Rates verified as of January 2026.
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What This Means for You
Large gap — private loans likely required
At $25,033/year ($75,098 total), the funding gap for University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH is substantial. Most students in this situation use a combination of private loans, institutional aid, and personal resources.
- Shop private loans carefully — a cosigner can significantly reduce your rate
- Ask University of Illinois Chicago about institutional scholarships, especially merit-based awards
- Consider whether a funded alternative (research/teaching assistantship) exists in your field
- File FAFSA early to maximize eligibility for any need-based institutional aid
Need help navigating financial aid? Start with FAFSA
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the federal loan limit for University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH students?
Under the OBBBA (effective July 1, 2026), University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH students can borrow up to $20,500 per year in federal Direct Loans. This is the graduate annual cap. The aggregate lifetime limit is $100,000 for graduate students.
Can I still get a Grad PLUS loan for University of Illinois Chicago?
No. Starting July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program is eliminated under the OBBBA. All graduate and professional students are subject to fixed annual borrowing caps ($20,500/year for graduate programs). Students who need additional funding beyond the cap must use private loans, institutional aid, scholarships, or personal funds.
How much does University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH cost per year?
The total cost of attendance for University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH is $45,533 per year. Over the full 3-year program, the total cost is $136,598.
What is the funding gap for University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH?
The annual funding gap is $25,033, calculated as the difference between the total cost of attendance ($45,533) and the federal loan cap ($20,500). Over the full 3-year program, the total gap is $75,098. This is close to the national median of $24,088 for Public Health (MPH) programs.
Is University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH classified as graduate or professional?
University of Illinois Chicago Public Health (MPH) — DrPH (DrPH) is classified as graduate under 34 CFR § 668.2. This means the annual federal loan cap is $20,500/year, with an aggregate limit of $100,000.
Related Articles
What the OBBBA Means for Graduate Students
The 2026 law eliminates Grad PLUS loans and sets a $20,500/year cap. Here's what changes and what doesn't.
Read more →How to Fund the Gap Without Grad PLUS
Scholarships, assistantships, private loans, and employer programs — a practical guide to covering unfunded costs.
Read more →Private Student Loans: What to Know in 2026
Credit requirements, cosigner impact, and how to compare rates across lenders.
Read more →Sources & Methodology
Data Sources
- Cost of attendance: Sourced from University of Illinois Chicago’s official tuition and fees page for the 2025–2026 academic year.
- Federal loan caps: Defined by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), Public Law 119-21, Title VIII, Subtitle B, Section 81001, amending 20 U.S.C. § 1087e(a), paragraph 4(A)(i).
- IPEDS data: Institutional characteristics from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (NCES), Unit ID: 145600.
- Program classification: DrPH is classified as graduate per 34 CFR § 668.2, with an annual federal loan cap of $20,500.
Methodology
- Funding gap = Cost of Attendance − Federal Loan Cap. Negative values are reported as $0.
- Cost of attendance includes tuition, mandatory fees, and estimated living expenses (housing, food, books, transportation, personal).
- Rankings compare programs within the same degree type nationally, sorted by annual funding gap from lowest to highest.
- Default COA assumes full-time enrollment, out-of-state residency (where applicable), no scholarships or grants, and no prior federal debt.
Data last updated: January 2026. Effective date for OBBBA loan caps: July 1, 2026.