Navigating College Expenses After an Illinois Divorce

 Posted on January 08, 2026 in Child Support

In Illinois, child support payments usually end when the child reaches 18 years old or the child earns a high school diploma (whichever comes later). 

However, Illinois has laws that can require divorced parents to help pay for their child's higher education even after the child is an adult. If you are going through a divorce in 2026 and have children who may attend college, understanding these requirements is important for understanding what might happen next. Our Kane County family lawyers are here to help.

How Does Child Support Work for College Expenses?

While child support usually ends when children reach 18, Illinois recognizes that college costs are a major expense and can affect a child's future. Because of this, Illinois law 750 ILCS 5/513 allows courts to require parents to contribute to some college expenses.

Financial support for college can continue until the child turns 23 or graduates, whichever happens first. In some situations, the court can extend this support until the child reaches age 25. This support can cover tuition, housing, textbooks, meal plans, transportation, and other education-related costs. Some agreements even include pre-college expenses like application fees and ACT or SAT testing costs.

What if Divorced Parents in Illinois Don’t Agree About Paying for Their Child’s Education?

If parents cannot agree on how to split college costs during their divorce, either parent can ask the court to decide. The court will look at several factors to decide if ordering college support is appropriate and how much each parent should pay. The main question the court asks is whether the parents would have contributed to their child's college costs if the divorce had never happened.

Factors that Illinois Courts Consider for College-Age Support

The court examines both parents' financial resources and needs. A parent with a higher income may be required to pay a larger share. The child's academic performance matters too. A student with good grades and clear educational goals may have a better chance of receiving parental support through the courts.

The standard of living the family had during the marriage is also considered. If the family always intended for the child to attend college, the court is more likely to order support. Finally, the court looks at what financial resources the child has access to on their own. These may be scholarships, grants, student loans, or income from part-time work.

Are There Limits on What Parents Must Pay for College?

Illinois law does place caps on parental obligations for college expenses. Parents cannot be made to pay more than the total cost of attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for four years. This serves as the maximum benchmark, even if the child attends a more expensive private school or out-of-state university.

Courts often divide college costs by three, with each parent paying one-third and the student covering the remaining third. This split is not always used, though. Depending on each parent's income and the specific circumstances, one parent may be ordered to pay more than the other.

Parents are only required to help with undergraduate education or vocational training. There is no obligation to pay for graduate school, law school, medical school, or other post-graduate programs.

Can Illinois College Expense Agreements Be Changed?

When parents negotiate their divorce settlement, they can include detailed plans for college expenses. These should spell out what costs are covered, how they will be divided, and how long support will continue. Being specific helps avoid arguments later.

Life circumstances can change, though. Either parent may ask the court to change college expense provisions if a significant change happens to their financial situation. For example, if a parent loses their job or becomes disabled, they may ask to reduce their college support obligation. Likewise, if the child's circumstances change, parents may need to ask the court for a modification. 

Call a St. Charles Family Law Lawyer Today

College is very expensive, and the laws about parental responsibility for these costs are complicated. Whether you are negotiating a divorce settlement or need to modify an existing agreement, having a good attorney makes a difference. 

Contact the Kane County divorce attorneys at Weiler & Associates, P.C. for help understanding your rights and responsibilities. Tim Weiler is a Certified Financial Litigator and has specific experience helping litigate or settle very complex financial matters in divorce. Call 630-331-9110 today to discuss your situation.