University of Southern Indiana: 94.4% Acceptance Rate

94.4%Acceptance

$10,136Tuition

5,344Students

52%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,605Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Southern Indiana

The University of Southern Indiana draws 5,344 students to its suburban Evansville campus, where many are the first in their families to attend college. The full public university has built a strong reputation in nursing, business, and engineering programs that prepare graduates for in-demand careers. With a 94% acceptance rate, USI welcomes students who might struggle to gain admission elsewhere but are serious about earning their degrees.

Students pay an average net price of $12,621 after financial aid, making it one of the more affordable options in Indiana. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,605 ten years after graduation, while typical loan payments run $213 monthly on $20,105 in debt. The numbers suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially for students from lower-income families who pay just $7,102 net price.

Women make up 63% of the student body, and 87% come from Indiana, creating a close-knit community feel. The Screaming Eagles compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports with $2.4 million in athletic scholarships available. However, the 52% six-year graduation rate and 69% retention rate indicate that many students struggle to finish, making academic support and persistence crucial for success.

Academics & Faculty

University of Southern Indiana operates as a full public university serving many first-generation college students across its 5,344-student campus. The school has built a strong reputation for its nursing program, which attracts students throughout the region. Business and engineering programs also draw significant enrollment. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio provides decent access to professors, though the 52% six-year graduation rate suggests students face challenges completing their degrees. Many students work while attending classes. The university focuses on practical, career-oriented education rather than research. With 94% of applicants accepted, USI provides accessible higher education opportunities for students who might not qualify for more selective institutions.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 51.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 52.0%
Retention Rate: 69.5%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,605
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$106,577
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$91,744
Engineering, General.	Bachelor	$64,087
Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians.	Bachelor	$63,997
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Master	$62,632
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$61,020
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$56,554
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$55,151
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$54,880
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$52,733

View all 91 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Southern Indiana sits 10 miles west of Evansville, the third-largest city in Indiana. With housing for 2,284 students and total enrollment of 5,344, about 43% of students live on campus. The suburban setting provides a close-knit feel while keeping urban amenities within reach.

Southern Indiana winters require heavy coats, with temperatures often dropping below freezing from December through February. Spring brings mild weather perfect for outdoor activities along the campus's tree-lined walkways. Women outnumber men 62.5% to 37.5%, creating a female-majority environment. The Screaming Eagles compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports, with 326 total athletes representing about 6% of the student body.

Campus life centers around residence halls and the University Center, where students gather between classes. With 87% of students from Indiana, many go home on weekends, though campus programming keeps resident students engaged. The Ohio Valley Conference brings competitive basketball and other sports that draw student crowds. Study groups form easily given the 14:1 student-faculty ratio, and the suburban location means most social activities happen on campus rather than in surrounding Evansville.

Setting: Suburb-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 2,284 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1965

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Fondling	3	3
Rape	2	2
Stalking	2	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0
Dating Violence	1	1
Domestic Violence	1	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 25°–41°F
July Avg: 67°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 44.8"
Annual Snowfall: 12.8"

Student Demographics

The University of Southern Indiana draws heavily from its regional community, with nearly nine in ten students coming from Indiana. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the student body, reflecting the school's popular nursing and education programs. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing USI serves many working-class families in the tri-state area. The school has built a strong reputation as an accessible option for first-generation college students seeking practical degrees. This regional public university focuses on providing affordable education that leads directly to employment in southern Indiana's healthcare, business, and manufacturing sectors.

Men: 37.5%
Women: 62.5%
White: 83.6%
Black: 3.6%
Hispanic: 4.9%
Asian: 2.1%
In-State Students: 87.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 22.3%

Location

University of Southern Indiana sits in Evansville, a mid-sized city in southwestern Indiana near the Kentucky border. The campus lies about 170 miles southwest of Indianapolis and 120 miles east of St. Louis. Evansville serves as a regional center for the tri-state area where Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois meet. The Ohio River runs through downtown Evansville, giving the area a distinct river valley character. With 87% of students coming from in-state, USI draws heavily from southern Indiana's smaller towns and rural communities. The suburban campus setting provides a college-town feel within a city of about 120,000 residents. Students considering colleges in Indiana may also compare University of Southern Indiana with similar schools in the region.

Address: Evansville, Indiana 47712

New University Center of University of Southern Indiana

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,605
Median Earnings (5 years): $52,882
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 59.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $213/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,105

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Southern Indiana?

University of Southern Indiana accepts 94.44% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1030-1240 on the SAT. This open admission policy reflects the university's mission to serve first-generation college students in southern Indiana.

How much does University of Southern Indiana cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,621 after financial aid at University of Southern Indiana. In-state tuition runs $10,136 while out-of-state students pay $22,573. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,102 on average, making college affordable for working-class families.

What academic programs is University of Southern Indiana known for?

University of Southern Indiana offers strong programs in nursing, business, and engineering with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio. The university maintains 15 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division II. Faculty provide personalized attention in this comprehensive public university setting.

What are the graduation rates at University of Southern Indiana?

University of Southern Indiana graduates 52% of students within six years and maintains a 69.48% retention rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,605 ten years after graduation. The 97.8% employment rate shows strong job placement for alumni in the regional economy.

Where is University of Southern Indiana located and what is campus life like?

University of Southern Indiana sits in Evansville, a mid-sized suburban setting in southern Indiana. The campus houses 2,284 students in residence halls serving the 5,344 total enrollment. Women make up 62.5% of the student body while 87.17% of students come from Indiana.

Does University of Southern Indiana serve many first-generation college students?

University of Southern Indiana serves a significant population of first-generation college students, with 22.28% receiving Pell Grants indicating lower family incomes. Students graduate with a median debt of $20,105 and monthly loan payments of $213. This relatively young institution, founded in 1965, focuses on providing accessible higher education to working families.