Short answer for anyone considering this- a dual degree student pays only the tuition rate for each semester that applies to their current college/major. Seems simple enough, but with tuition you never know for sure and this information isn’t clarified on the UIUC website other than some vague references.
Long answer- I received some conflicting information from various departments on the topic. Note that this applies to dual degrees (majors in different colleges) and not necessarily dual majors (within the same college). The issue is the tuition amount that a dual degree student will pay if the two majors have different tuition rates. For example, engineering and many science majors pay a ~$2,500 tuition surcharge per semester. If a student in the Engineering college opts to get a dual degree in a base tuition rate major, for example LAS/Mathematics, they apply for dual degree status then must actually transfer to LAS for at least two semesters, then typically transfer back to the original college/major for their last 1-2 semesters before graduation. If the student fulfills both degree requirements, they receive two separate degrees at graduation.
So, my question was if the student is technically in a different college for at least a couple semesters and has a second major with a lower base tuition rate, do they pay the lower rate, the higher rate, something in between or even the higher rate plus surcharge for a second degree? Most departmental staff felt it would always be the higher rate every semester, and USFSCO ultimately referred me to the registrar’s office that assured me that the rate for the college/major that applies to the current semester would apply, whether higher or lower than the original major for the dual degree.
I can thankfully confirm that this is indeed the case. The engineering tuition surcharge was not included on the spring semester’s bill for a dual degree student who added an LAS/Math degree with an Engineering degree. I have also been advised that at least for Engineering + LAS/Math dual degree, a student is eligible to apply for both Engineering merit scholarships for continuing students (https://engineering.illinois.edu/admissions/cost-and-financial-aid/scholarships-for-continuing-students.html) and LAS merit awards (https://las.illinois.edu/academics/scholarships). Another unexpected bonus!