Students at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville achieve meaningful upward mobility, with low-income graduates earning more than similar students at most other institutions nationwide.
The university combines broad access with reliable outcomes, delivering above-average earnings while maintaining affordability across all income levels.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville delivers exceptional value as a comprehensive public university, combining strong affordability with meaningful earnings outcomes. The university serves a diverse student body where nearly one-third receive Pell Grants and about 31% are first-generation college students, yet consistently helps these students achieve upward mobility through solid academic programs and career preparation.
SIUE's graduates earn a median of $56,346 ten years after enrollment, with earnings that exceed expectations by about $3,418 compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage reflects the university's strength in high-demand fields like nursing, which graduates 485 students annually with strong career prospects, alongside growing programs in computer science and business administration.
As a medium-sized public university in Illinois, SIUE operates as a "Mobility Engine" - an institution that provides broad access while delivering strong outcomes for students from all backgrounds. The combination of low net prices for most families, manageable debt levels, and consistent graduate success makes SIUE a standout option for students seeking reliable return on investment without the premium costs associated with more selective institutions.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's program portfolio reflects a practical focus on career preparation and regional workforce needs. The university's nursing program stands out as both its largest and most economically impactful, graduating 485 students annually with median earnings of $56,942 that provide excellent job security and growth potential in healthcare. This program alone generates nearly $28 million in aggregate economic return, making it a cornerstone of the university's value proposition.
Business Administration, with 244 graduates earning a median of $38,103, represents the university's commitment to preparing students for management and entrepreneurial roles across diverse industries. Computer Science, while smaller at 76 graduates, offers the highest individual earning potential at $67,240, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the St. Louis metropolitan area and beyond.
Even programs with more modest early earnings, such as Psychology at $27,390 for 184 graduates, contribute to the university's overall mission of providing accessible pathways to degree completion and career development. The diversity of program options, from high-earning technical fields to foundational liberal arts disciplines, ensures that students with different interests and career goals can find appropriate academic pathways while benefiting from SIUE's overall commitment to affordability and student success.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates achieve solid long-term earnings that consistently outperform expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $56,346, with the university delivering about $3,418 in earnings beyond what similar students achieve at comparable institutions nationwide. This earnings advantage places SIUE above average nationally and reflects the university's focus on career-oriented programs that connect directly to regional employment opportunities.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing program, which graduates 485 students annually with median earnings of $56,942 - nearly matching the overall institutional median and providing excellent job security in healthcare. Computer Science offers the highest individual earnings potential at $67,240 for its 76 graduates, while Business Administration, the university's largest program with 244 graduates, provides solid middle-class outcomes at $38,103. Even programs like Psychology, while showing more modest early earnings at $27,390, contribute to the university's overall value proposition through affordable degree completion and diverse career pathways.
SIUE's return on investment reflects both program quality and regional economic integration. The university's location in the St. Louis metropolitan area provides graduates access to diverse employment opportunities while maintaining cost advantages compared to major urban centers, helping earnings stretch further for recent graduates entering the workforce.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay an average net price of just $7,459 annually, well below national averages and making college accessible for Pell-eligible families. Middle-income families see annual costs around $11,954, while even higher-income families pay a reasonable $20,503 - pricing that remains competitive with other public universities in the region.
Debt levels at SIUE are manageable and sustainable given graduate earnings outcomes. Typical federal student loan debt is $20,500, which aligns well with the university's median graduate earnings of $56,346. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,251 for families who choose this option, representing a moderate level that most families can handle given the university's strong track record of graduate employment and earnings growth. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes SIUE particularly affordable is the combination of reasonable upfront costs and strong post-graduation earning power. The university's loan repayment data shows that borrowers consistently pay down balances faster than national averages, with strong performance across all repayment milestones. This pattern reflects both the manageable debt levels students take on and the reliable employment outcomes that allow graduates to service their loans comfortably while building their careers.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
