Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Campus

2025 admissions data

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Acceptance Rate

How Hard Is It to Get In?

A straight answer: 97.2% acceptance rate.

This means for every 100 applicants, only 97 actually get in. No guessing. Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville is a UNIV institution located in Edwardsville, IL — competition varies by program, but this is the official average.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is an option for students seeking a supportive, suburban campus experience near St. Louis, with a balanced mix of academic programs primarily focused on undergraduate education. It’s well-suited for students preferring smaller class sizes, as evidenced by a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. On the flip side, if you are looking for a highly specialized or competitive environment, this university may not fully meet those expectations. SIUE has strong offerings in business, nursing, engineering, and more, benefiting those who thrive in a comprehensive educational setting that balances both academic and recreational activities. However, students aspiring for institutions with a laser focus on high-caliber research or intensive programs might find SIUE lacking in that intensity.

Who Actually Gets In? (Men vs Women)

Quick breakdown so you get the real picture:

Men

96.2%

Acceptance Rate

Women

97.7%

Acceptance Rate

If you think one gender has an edge — the data tells what’s up.

Applications vs Admits: The Funnel That Matters

This is where the reality hits:

Applied

8,937

Admitted

8,688

🎓

Yield Rate: N/A

This shows how many admitted students choose Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville. High yield = high confidence. Low yield = students had better options.

What Scores Do You Need?

If you're applying without knowing what scores to aim for… that’s how rejection letters happen.

SAT Score Range

Math440–570

Reading460–590

ACT Score Range

English19–26

Math17–26

Aim for the 75th percentile if you want peace of mind.

What Students Miss When Looking at the Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville is one of the most searched admissions metrics, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. Many students treat it as a pass-or-fail indicator, when it’s really just a summary of past outcomes.

An acceptance rate of 97.2% blends together thousands of decisions made across different programs and applicant profiles. That makes it informative at a high level, but unreliable for predicting individual chances.

Acceptance Rates Reflect Applicant Behavior

Acceptance rates rise or fall largely based on who applies. When a university attracts more applicants who are still exploring options, acceptance rates tend to increase—even if academic standards stay consistent.

At Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, demand varies across departments, meaning selectivity isn’t evenly distributed. This is why some applicants experience a more competitive process than others.

How to Read Acceptance Rates More Accurately

Instead of focusing on whether the acceptance rate is “high” or “low,” applicants should ask how it applies to them. Academic background, intended major, and preparation level all shape admissions outcomes.

Viewed this way, the acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville becomes a planning reference—not a judgment.

Admissions Insight

One key factor to consider at SIUE is the student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, which presents both advantages and challenges. While smaller class sizes generally enhance personalized attention and foster robust relationships with faculty, they can also imply less competition for engaging coursework. The 54% of classes having only 2-19 students suggests a more intimate learning environment, allowing for discussions and interactions that can enrich one's educational experience. It's important for students to weigh this against the potential limitations; in such close-knit settings, academic offerings may not feature as extensive a range of advanced electives or niche subjects compared to larger institutions. Additionally, this environment may lead to heightened familiarity among peers, which can either support collaborative learning or stifle diversity of thought in group work. Furthermore, SIUE's strong emphasis on comprehensive programs means that students benefit from a well-rounded curriculum. This is especially advantageous for those who appreciate a balance across disciplines but could pose a challenge for students wanting more intensity or specialization in a singular area. Therefore, understanding how this commitment to academic breadth impacts specific majors should be a consideration when evaluating SIUE, particularly for students uncertain about their major choice or leaning towards interdisciplinary studies.

Holistic Admissions? Or Score-Centric?

Some colleges love essays and activities. Some love high numbers.

Application Fee: $40

Fee Waiver Available: No

Application Portal: www.siue.edu/apply/

Your Chances of Getting Into Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

Let’s keep it real:

✅ Great scores + strong extracurriculars → Solid chance
🔶 Good scores + average profile → Toss-up
❌ Below 25th percentile → You’re relying on miracles

If you’re international, competition goes up a notch. If you're applying to CS, Business, or Engineering → multiply difficulty by 2.

What's my real shot?

Acceptance Odds Estimator

Estimate your admission probability at Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville based on your unique profile.

GPA

Test Score (SAT/ACT)

Extracurriculars

Pro Tip: Many more factors influence admission. For a deeper analysis that includes major, essays, and personal context — use Orbit's values-based matching.

Try Right Fit Matcher

What Prospective Students Should Take Away from Admissions Data

At some point, admissions research needs to turn into decisions. Numbers alone don’t make that easier—but interpretation does. For students considering Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville, the most important takeaway is not whether admissions are competitive in general, but whether the school aligns with their goals and preparation.

Admissions data reflects past cycles, not future guarantees. Changes in applicant interest, program demand, and institutional priorities all influence outcomes year to year.

Turning Information into Confidence

Students who use admissions data as context rather than judgment tend to feel more confident in their application strategies. They understand where competition may be stronger, where they are well-positioned, and how to balance ambition with realism.

If Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville fits your academic direction and learning preferences, then admissions data should guide preparation—not discourage effort. The most successful applicants are often those who focus less on perceived difficulty and more on fit and readiness.

Should You Apply to Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville?

If 97.2% feels scary — that’s the point. High stakes → high payoff.

Will I be a standout here?
Do I like the vibe?
Can I afford it? (Check scholarship opportunities)
Is this my best-fit major here?

Explore Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville

Jump to related stats for this same university.

Admissions Overview

Requirements, deadlines & funnel

ACT Scores

Percentiles, ranges, and what’s competitive

FAQs About Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Acceptance Rate

What is the acceptance rate at SIUE?

The acceptance rate at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is approximately 98%, indicating that the university welcomes a large number of applications and has a relatively open admissions process.

How much is tuition for out-of-state students?

Tuition rates for out-of-state students at SIUE vary, but typically, it mirrors in-state tuition rates in a significant way, making education more accessible to undergraduates from all states.

What majors are popular at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville?

Popular majors at SIUE include business, nursing, engineering, and health sciences. These programs are well-supported and attract a majority of the student population who seek practical and career-oriented degrees.

What is the student-to-faculty ratio?

The student-to-faculty ratio at SIUE is 15:1, which promotes more personalized interactions and support from faculty members, enhancing the overall learning experience for students.

Is housing available on campus?

Yes, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides a range of on-campus housing options for students, ensuring that those who want a residential experience can find suitable accommodations.

Final Verdict: Don’t Play It Casual

Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville isn’t a lottery — but it sure feels like one if you apply blind.

Know where you stand. Play strengths. Show why you belong.

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