Students at the University of Southern Indiana benefit from exceptionally affordable education, with net prices well below national averages across all income levels.
The university's practical approach to career preparation, especially in nursing and applied fields, helps graduates enter stable employment with manageable debt levels.
The University of Southern Indiana is a medium-sized public university in Evansville that focuses on practical career preparation and accessible education. While USI doesn't rank among the very top institutions nationally for overall outcomes, it provides a solid foundation for students seeking affordable education with reasonable long-term returns. The university serves a substantial population of first-generation students—about 35% of the student body—and maintains net prices that are well below national averages across all income levels.
USI's strength lies in its professional programs, particularly nursing, which graduates over 200 students annually with strong earning potential. The university's approach emphasizes hands-on learning and direct pathways to employment, with graduates typically earning around $47,605 ten years after enrollment. While these earnings are roughly average compared to other public institutions, they represent solid returns given USI's affordable cost structure and accessible admissions.
For families prioritizing affordability and career-focused education, USI offers a practical choice. The combination of low net prices, manageable debt levels, and programs aligned with regional employment needs makes it particularly valuable for students who want to enter the workforce with minimal financial burden and relevant skills.
The University of Southern Indiana's program portfolio reflects its mission as a career-focused regional university. Nursing dominates both enrollment and outcomes, with 202 Adult Health Nursing graduates earning a strong median of $56,554 ten years out. This program represents USI's clearest pathway to solid middle-class earnings and reflects the strong regional demand for healthcare professionals.
Applied Engineering, though smaller with just 27 graduates, delivers the university's highest individual earnings at $64,087, demonstrating USI's ability to prepare students for technical careers in manufacturing and industry. Psychology, the second-largest program with 110 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $26,430, typical for a foundational field that often serves as preparation for graduate study or diverse career paths in social services, education, and business.
The concentration in professional and applied programs—nursing, engineering, and psychology—reflects USI's practical approach to higher education. Rather than offering broad liberal arts education, the university focuses on fields with clear career pathways and regional employment demand. This targeted approach helps explain why USI graduates find stable employment despite modest overall earnings, as they enter fields where their skills directly match employer needs in southern Indiana and the broader Ohio River valley region.
Graduates of the University of Southern Indiana earn a median of $47,605 ten years after enrollment, placing the university around the national average for long-term earnings outcomes. While these earnings are modest compared to flagship research universities, they represent solid returns given USI's focus on accessible, career-oriented education. The university's graduates typically see steady employment in regional markets, with many entering stable professions that provide consistent income growth over time.
Nursing stands out as USI's strongest program for long-term financial outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates—the university's largest cohort at 202 students—earn a median of $56,554 ten years out, reflecting the strong demand for healthcare professionals in the region. Applied Engineering, though smaller with 27 graduates, delivers the highest individual earnings at $64,087, demonstrating USI's ability to prepare students for technical careers. Psychology, the university's second-largest program with 110 graduates, shows more modest earnings at $26,430, typical for a foundational field that often leads to graduate study or diverse career paths.
USI's program mix emphasizes practical, professional preparation rather than broad liberal arts education. The concentration in nursing and applied fields helps explain the university's solid employment outcomes, even if overall earnings don't reach the levels seen at more research-intensive institutions. For students prioritizing job security and regional career opportunities over maximum earning potential, USI's focused approach delivers meaningful value.
The University of Southern Indiana stands out for its strong affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,102 annually in net price, well below what most public universities charge, while middle-income families see costs around $13,194 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $17,421, making USI accessible to a broad range of economic backgrounds. These low net prices reflect both modest sticker prices and meaningful financial aid that helps keep education within reach.
Debt levels at USI are manageable and align well with typical graduate earnings. Students who borrow graduate with about $20,105 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount given the university's median earnings of $47,605 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $12,203, reflecting families' modest additional investment in their students' education. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations after graduation.
What makes USI particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between its affordable pricing and realistic earnings expectations. Students aren't taking on excessive debt relative to their likely income, and the university's focus on career-ready programs means graduates typically find employment in their fields. This practical approach to higher education financing helps ensure that students can build careers without being overwhelmed by educational debt.
University Of Southern Indiana Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
