Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville maintains open access admission with a 97.2% acceptance rate, meaning nearly all applicants receive admission offers. This places SIUE among the most accessible four-year institutions nationally, with admission rates in the top tier for accessibility.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% demonstrates that SIUE is significantly more accessible than typical public institutions. This open admission policy reflects the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including significant numbers of first-generation and transfer students.

For prospective students, this means admission is highly probable for students meeting basic eligibility requirements. However, students should focus on program-specific requirements and academic preparation rather than admission probability.

SIUE's open access model allows students to concentrate on fit, affordability, and program quality when building their college lists. The combination of accessible admission with demonstrated career outcomes makes Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville particularly valuable for students seeking educational opportunity without the uncertainty of competitive admission processes.

Students should treat SIUE as a likely admission option while evaluating whether the university's programs, location, and outcomes align with their educational and career objectives.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's published cost of attendance totals $25,302 annually, including $12,922 in tuition, $10,562 for room and board, and $980 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid.

The average net price of $13,696 represents savings of $11,606 through financial aid, making SIUE substantially more affordable than the sticker price suggests. Compared to the peer median net price of $14,093, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville costs $397 less annually than similar public institutions.

This pricing structure reflects SIUE's commitment to affordability and accessibility, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds. The significant gap between published costs and actual net prices demonstrates the effectiveness of federal and institutional financial aid in making higher education accessible.

Students should focus on net price rather than sticker price when evaluating affordability, as the average student experiences substantial cost reduction through aid. The combination of modest published costs and effective financial aid distribution creates favorable conditions for students seeking quality education at manageable expense levels, supporting SIUE's role as an accessible public institution.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over time. Median earnings rise from $46,384 six years after enrollment to $51,066 at eight years and $56,346 at ten years, representing 21.5% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes are based on robust cohorts of 3,909 graduates at six years, 4,284 at eight years, and 4,269 at ten years, providing high confidence in the reported figures. Graduates earn $3,417 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing SIUE at the 68.9th percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $50,400, ranking at the top 25% nationally and demonstrating the university's effectiveness in supporting economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Earnings span from $37,805 at the 25th percentile to $82,428 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory across the university's diverse academic offerings.

Approximately 29.2% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating solid preparation for both advanced education and immediate workforce entry across the university's comprehensive program portfolio.

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult Health Nursing ranks #110 nationally and #3 in Illinois, producing the largest cohort of 485 graduates with median earnings of $67,825 and a strong value score of 60.2.

Corrections Administration ranks #18 nationally and #4 in Illinois, graduating 130 students with median earnings of $54,476 and an exceptional value score of 91.1. Computer Science ranks #108 nationally and #7 in Illinois, with 76 graduates earning $89,026 annually.

Business Administration and Management ranks #175 nationally and #7 in Illinois, graduating 244 students with median earnings of $51,966. Artificial Intelligence ranks #64 nationally and #2 in Illinois, graduating 88 students with median earnings of $76,157.

Exercise Science and Kinesiology ranks #63 nationally and #4 in Illinois, with 89 graduates earning $50,586. These programs demonstrate Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's strength in professional fields that combine strong career preparation with solid employment outcomes across diverse industries and career paths.