At $13,696/yr net price, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates earn $56,346/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,346/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,696 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $54,784 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,346/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,346/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,459/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $9,208/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,954/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,190/yr |
| $110,001+ | $20,503/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $147,557 | |
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $131,918 | $252,399 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $122,038 | $127,762 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Master | $74,576 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $67,240 | $21,551 |
| Construction Engineering Technologies. | Bachelor | $65,979 | |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $65,889 | $24,000 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $62,012 | $25,608 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Master | $60,452 | $14,077 |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $59,534 | $21,774 |
The Risk Factor
55.0% of students at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville delivers solid financial returns for a public university, with graduates earning $56,346 ten years after graduation against a manageable net price of $13,696 annually.
The nursing program stands out as strong value, producing graduates who earn $147,557 annually with minimal debt exposure. Pharmacy and dentistry programs generate high salaries but require substantial borrowing, with dental students facing $252,399 in debt. Engineering and computer science majors land in comfortable middle-class earnings territory, with computer science graduates carrying reasonable debt loads around $21,551.
Your biggest financial risk at SIUE is the 55% graduation rate. Nearly half of students leave without completing their degree, making debt without credentials a real concern. The 72% retention rate suggests academic struggles often emerge after the first year.
SIUE works best financially for Missouri and Illinois residents pursuing healthcare, engineering, or computer science degrees. The low sticker price makes it accessible for middle-income families, while strong healthcare connections in the St. Louis metro area create clear career pathways. Students targeting high-earning majors can expect positive returns even with moderate borrowing.
Avoid SIUE if you need extensive academic support or prefer smaller class environments that boost completion rates. Students uncertain about their major face higher dropout risk given the relatively low retention numbers. The school offers limited merit aid opportunities, with only 32% of students receiving financial assistance, so families should expect to pay close to the full net price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville worth the cost?
SIUE offers decent value for students who choose high-paying programs like nursing, dentistry, or pharmacy, where graduates earn $120,000+ annually. However, the overall 10-year earnings of $56,346 and 55% graduation rate suggest mixed outcomes for other majors.
What are the best paying majors at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?
Nursing administration leads at $147,557 annually, followed by dentistry at $131,918 and pharmacy at $122,038. Engineering and computer science graduates earn $74,576 and $67,240 respectively, which are solid but not exceptional salaries.
How much debt do Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates have?
The median debt is $20,500, which is manageable for high-earning health programs but potentially problematic for lower-paying majors. With overall graduate earnings averaging $56,346, debt-to-income ratios vary significantly by program.
Does Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville have good job outcomes?
Job outcomes depend heavily on your major at SIUE. Health professional programs place well with strong salaries, but the 55% graduation rate indicates many students don't complete their degrees, limiting career prospects.