<p>I’m not affiliated with UIUC, but I can say that I’ve hired UIUC engineering interns, and the system seems to be designed well and competently run. I’ve never had a problem with that system or students and have been happy with the results. I don’t know how developed their Co-Op system, though, as I have only hired interns.</p>
<p>As far as tuition - again, I don’t know specifics for UIUC, but at every school I’ve dealt with for Co-Ops, you pay no tuition the semester you’re co-oping. Some schools charge a small fee and technically enroll students in an “independent study” course, but none charge tuition. Most schools, though, all you to choose to pay certain fees (health services, housing, student rec, etc) if you’re interning in the same city as your university and you want to retain access to those services. </p>
<p>So, again, I can’t speak specifically in regards to UIUC, but that should be your expectation when you call and ask. Here’s more information: <a href=“http://wiki.engr.illinois.edu/display/coeecs/Internships+and+Co-ops[/url]”>http://wiki.engr.illinois.edu/display/coeecs/Internships+and+Co-ops</a></p>