How do differential fees impact college costs?

I've been hearing about something called 'differential fees' when looking into college tuition costs, but I'm not really sure how they work. Can someone explain how differential fees affect what I'll actually pay for college? Do all colleges have these fees, or is it just a few? I'm trying to estimate my college expenses and want to make sure I include all possible costs. Any examples of how these fees show up at different schools would be super helpful!

Differential tuition, also known as differential fees, is a pricing system where students studying in certain fields (usually science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) or business degrees) are charged more than students studying in other fields. This difference in fees reflects the higher instructional and faculty costs associated with these fields.

Not all colleges utilize differential tuition, but it is a practice particularly common at public universities where state funding may not cover the entire cost of high-priced programs. Moreover, some universities implement differential fees as students progress into higher-level courses, while others apply these fees from the onset.

Consider the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, for example. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the base tuition rate for in-state students is $17,640. However, for an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in the Grainger College of Engineering, there is an additional differential of $2,923, bringing the total tuition to $20,563.

This is just one example and fees can vary greatly. For the most accurate estimate, you should check the tuition and fees webpage on each prospective college's website. They will typically have a transparent breakdown of tuition and any additional, majors-specific fees. You should also factor in additional fees like room and board, books and supplies, health insurance, and personal expenses. The college's net price calculator can provide a more detailed cost analysis that includes financial aid.

Keep in mind: if you're faced with differential tuition, remember that it's usually indicative of investment in the program, meaning you could benefit from well-equipped labs, smaller class sizes, and more robust course offerings.