Introduction
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is a reputable public university established in 1957 and part of the distinguished Southern Illinois University system. Located in Edwardsville, Illinois, SIUE is widely known as one of the institutions offering high-quality academic programs at some of the most affordable tuition rates in the state.
The university is committed to providing a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on experiential learning, helping students develop academically, professionally, and as future leaders in a global environment.
Today, SIUE is home to over 12,500 students from more than 50 U.S. states and over 60 countries, creating a diverse and vibrant multicultural learning community.
University Campus
SIUE boasts a vast and picturesque campus covering more than 1,000 hectares (2,660 acres), surrounded by greenery and natural landscapes that provide a peaceful, inspiring environment for study and research.
- Location: The campus is located in Edwardsville, Illinois, just 25–30 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Missouri, offering convenient access to major internship, employment, and cultural opportunities.
- Facilities: SIUE features modern academic buildings dedicated to each school and college. Student housing is designed in an apartment-style layout—safe, contemporary, and fully equipped with amenities such as indoor/outdoor pools and a climbing fitness center.
- Safety: SIUE is recognized as one of the safest university campuses in the country, previously ranked:
- Top 25 Safest College Campuses in the U.S. (Safewise Report 2016)
- Top 50 Safest Colleges Nationwide (The Daily Beast)
Academic Strengths at SIUE
SIUE offers a wide range of academic programs across multiple disciplines, focusing on student-centered teaching, innovation, and real-world learning.
The university is organized into seven major academic units:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Business
- School of Dental Medicine
- School of Education, Health and Human Behavior
- School of Engineering
- School of Nursing
- School of Pharmacy
Notable Rankings
- SIUE is classified by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education as a Research College & University.
- According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), SIUE ranks among the Top 25 U.S. research institutions in research expenditures within its classification.
- SIUE offers nationally accredited programs at tuition rates among the lowest of all 4-year public institutions in Illinois.
- The university provides in-state tuition for undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states, and new undergraduate students receive a guaranteed 4-year tuition rate, making SIUE one of the best-value choices in the Midwest.
Additional Highlights:
✅ Safe & Supportive Living Environment
- Edwardsville ranked #14 Safest College Town in the U.S.
- Modern campus security: Rave Guardian safety app, 80+ emergency phones, and trained campus police officers
✅ Career Opportunities in St. Louis
Only 25 minutes from a major metropolitan hub, SIUE students benefit from internships, co-op programs, and full-time job opportunities at leading corporations such as:
Boeing, Anheuser-Busch, Edward Jones, Express Scripts, BJC Healthcare
✅ Sustainability & Green Campus
- Recognized as a Bicycle Friendly University
- One of only three U.S. universities designated as a Living Architecture Regional Center of Excellence
- Listed among top green-power users (EPA)
- Achieved STARS Silver sustainability rating
- LEED Gold & Silver certified buildings, 120-foot wind turbine, 140 solar panels, and more than 17,500 sq ft of green roof space
Why Choose SIUE?
- Affordable Tuition: SIUE is considered one of the most affordable public universities in Illinois.
- Strong Business Reputation: The School of Business is consistently recognized by The Princeton Review as an Outstanding Business School.
- Safe, High-Quality Campus Life: Modern and secure student housing with top-tier amenities.
- Excellent Employment Outcomes: Nearly 100% employment rate for graduates in Engineering Technology and strong placement rates across many majors.
- Cultural Diversity: With students from over 60 countries, SIUE provides a rich international learning experience.
