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97.5%Acceptance
$12,922Tuition
8,836Students
55%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,346Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville builds careers through hands-on learning in nursing, engineering, and education programs. This regional full university enrolls 8,836 students in a large suburban setting outside St. Louis. The school has produced notable graduates including NBA player Shaun Livingston and MLB pitcher Brad Keller. Nearly anyone who applies gets in, with a 97.5% acceptance rate making it accessible to students across ability levels.

The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. Students pay an average net price of $13,696 after aid, remarkably affordable for both in-state and out-of-state students who face the same $12,922 tuition. Graduates earn a median of $56,346 ten years after leaving school while carrying just $20,500 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $217, manageable given the strong employment rate of 96.6%. Low-income families pay only $7,459 net price on average.

The Cougars compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 263 student-athletes across 12 sports. Women make up 56.4% of the student body, while 82.8% of students come from Illinois. The 72.2% retention rate suggests students generally find what they're looking for, though the 55% six-year graduation rate indicates the school serves many non-traditional learners balancing work and family commitments.

Academics & Faculty

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville operates as a regional full university with particularly strong professional programs in nursing, engineering, and education. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid access to professors, though the 55% six-year graduation rate suggests many students need extra time to finish. SIUE emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation across its programs. The nursing program has built a strong regional reputation for producing job-ready graduates. Engineering students benefit from practical lab experiences and industry connections. Education majors gain extensive classroom experience through partnerships with local schools. The university's focus on professional programs means students often graduate with concrete skills valued by employers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Full-Time Faculty
71.7%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
54.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
55.0%
Retention Rate
72.2%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,346
Carnegie Classification
Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Master $147,557
Dentistry. Doctoral $131,918
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. Doctoral $122,038
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Master $74,576
Computer Science. Bachelor $67,240
Construction Engineering Technologies. Bachelor $65,979
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. Bachelor $65,889
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $62,012
Accounting and Related Services. Master $60,452
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $59,534

View all 115 programs →

Campus Life

SIUE's 2,660-acre campus sits 20 miles northeast of St. Louis, giving students access to major city internships while enjoying a quieter college town atmosphere. Housing capacity reaches 3,070 students out of 8,836 total enrollment, meaning about 35% live on campus in a mix of traditional dorms and apartment-style housing. The suburban setting provides a classic college experience with tree-lined walkways and modern facilities.

Winters in southern Illinois require heavy coats and boots as temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers can be hot and humid. Students often drive to St. Louis for concerts, sports games, and internships at major employers like Boeing and Express Scripts. The Cougars compete in NCAA Division I athletics with 12 varsity sports and 263 student-athletes, creating school spirit around basketball and soccer seasons. Weekend activities center on campus events, intramural sports, and trips to nearby Cahokia Mounds or the Gateway Arch. With 82% of students from Illinois, many go home on weekends, but campus programming keeps residential students engaged.
Setting
Suburb-Large
Housing Capacity
3,070 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

25 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 5 4 0 0
Domestic Violence 2 2 0 0
Rape 2 2 0 0
Stalking 3 1 0 0
Burglary 1 1 0 0
Fondling 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–39°F
July Avg
69°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
41.9"
Annual Snowfall
10.8"

Student Demographics

SIUE draws primarily local students, with 83% coming from Illinois. The student body reflects the school's mission as an accessible regional university, with nearly one-third receiving Pell Grants. Women outnumber men 56% to 44%, largely due to the university's strong nursing and education programs that traditionally attract more female students. The diverse mix includes significant African American representation at 15% of enrollment. Students typically come from working-class backgrounds seeking practical career preparation in fields like engineering, nursing, and education through hands-on learning experiences.
Men
43.6%
Women
56.4%
White
67.1%
Black
14.7%
Hispanic
6.3%
Asian
2.6%
In-State Students
82.8%
Pell Grant Recipients
31.6%

Location

Edwardsville sits in southwestern Illinois, about 20 miles northeast of St. Louis. The university draws 82.82% of its students from within Illinois, making it a regional draw for the Metro East area. This suburban community of roughly 25,000 residents provides a college town atmosphere without the isolation of rural campuses. The Mississippi River forms the western border of the region, connecting students to Missouri opportunities just across state lines. Housing capacity of 3,070 serves about one-third of the 8,836-student enrollment. The location offers access to St. Louis internships and job markets while maintaining affordable living costs. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville with similar schools in the region.
Address
Edwardsville, Illinois 62026-1259
SIUE Entry Sign
SIUE Entry Sign
Lovejoy Library 2
Lovejoy Library 2
Siue bridge
Siue bridge

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$56,346
Median Earnings (5 years)
$61,499
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$39,600
Loan Repayment Rate
58.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$217/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville accepts 97.51% of applicants, making it highly accessible to most students. The average SAT score is 1045, reflecting the university's commitment to serving a diverse range of academic backgrounds while maintaining quality education standards.

How much does Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $13,696 annually, making SIUE one of the more affordable options in the region. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,459 on average, while the university keeps tuition at $12,922 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

What academic programs is Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville known for?

SIUE built its reputation on strong nursing, engineering, and education programs that emphasize hands-on learning. With a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personalized attention in career-focused programs designed for immediate job market entry.

What are the graduation rates and career outcomes at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?

The four-year graduation rate stands at 54.21%, with graduates earning a median salary of $56,346 ten years after graduation. The university maintains a 96.6% employment rate, reflecting its strong connections to regional employers and practical curriculum focus.

Where is Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in suburban Edwardsville, housing 3,070 students in on-campus facilities. With 8,836 total students and 12 NCAA Division I sports teams, SIUE offers a mid-sized university experience where students can find their niche without getting lost in the crowd.

Does Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offer the same tuition for all students?

SIUE charges $12,922 for both in-state and out-of-state students, an unusual practice that makes it attractive to students from neighboring states. This flat-rate approach helps the university draw 17.18% of its students from outside Illinois while keeping costs predictable for all families.