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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $28,919 |
| Tuition and Fees | $12,922 |
| Room and Board | $14,490 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,006 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$14,030 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $14,889 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $8,483 |
| $30–48k | $8,587 |
| $48–75k | $11,116 |
| $75–110k | $19,351 |
| $110k+ | $24,684 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Student borrowing at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville remains manageable relative to earnings outcomes and peer institutions. Median student debt of $20,500 falls below the peer median of $21,105, indicating controlled borrowing despite serving significant populations of lower-income students.
Debt levels span from $5,656 at the 25th percentile to $25,000 at the 75th percentile, reflecting diverse borrowing patterns across student backgrounds and program choices. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 indicates that graduates typically borrow 36 cents for every dollar of ten-year earnings, representing sustainable borrowing levels.
With median ten-year earnings of $56,346, graduates can expect manageable loan payments relative to income. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,251 with monthly payments of $227, providing additional context for family financing strategies.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville delivers solid return on educational investment through the combination of manageable costs, controlled debt, and above-average earnings outcomes. Graduates earn $3,417 beyond expectations relative to similar students, ranking at the 68.9th percentile nationally for earnings uplift and demonstrating clear value added.
With median ten-year earnings of $56,346 and debt of $20,500, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36 indicates sustainable borrowing relative to career outcomes. Compared to peer institutions, SIUE graduates earn $6,230 more annually while borrowing $605 less, creating favorable investment conditions.
The university's strong affordability index ranking at the 77.2nd percentile reflects this combination of controlled costs and solid outcomes. Low-income graduates earning $50,400 demonstrate that the university successfully supports economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville demonstrates strong financial aid effectiveness through its enrollment of 31.6% Pell-eligible students and substantial cost reduction for lower-income families. The $11,606 average financial aid savings represents 45.9% of the published cost of attendance, indicating comprehensive aid coverage across the student body.
The progressive net price structure, with lowest-income students paying $7,459 compared to highest-income families paying $20,503, reflects targeted aid distribution that supports educational access. Federal Pell grants play a significant role in making SIUE affordable for lower-income students, while the university's aid policies extend benefits across income levels.
The substantial aid savings combined with below-average net costs relative to peer institutions position Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville as offering strong value through effective financial aid distribution. This aid profile supports the university's mission to serve diverse student populations, including significant numbers of first-generation and transfer students who often face financial constraints.
