Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re looking at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, you’ll be glad to know it’s one of the most affordable four-year universities in Illinois. Families across the region—even those outside the state—pay the same tuition rate, which makes SIUE a unique value. On this page, we’ll walk you through SIUE’s costs, automatic merit scholarships, competitive awards, hidden gems, and the perks of the Honors Program. For extra context, you can also check our Illinois state aid guide along with the full CRP scholarship hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
| Expense Category | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (15 credits/semester) | $13,299 | $13,299 |
| Housing & Meals (on campus) | $11,995 | $11,995 |
| Books & Supplies | $984 | $984 |
| Transportation | $1,150 | $1,150 |
| Personal Expenses | $1,140 | $1,140 |
| Health Insurance (waivable) | $3,303 | $3,303 |
| Total (on campus) | $31,871 | $31,871 |
Out-of-State Students Pay In-State Rates: SIUE charges the same tuition for all U.S. residents. No special reciprocity paperwork is required.
Example: A Missouri student pays the same $13,299 in tuition & fees as an Illinois resident, saving about $5,000–$8,000 per year compared to nearby universities that charge higher nonresident rates.
Cost FAQ
Who qualifies for in-state tuition? All U.S. citizens and permanent residents — SIUE does not charge higher tuition for out-of-state students.
How much can families really expect to pay? The federal average net price is $13,696, but families with higher income may pay closer to the full sticker price.
Is the health insurance required? It’s automatically billed but can be waived if your student already has coverage.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
SIUE automatically reviews every freshman application for merit awards. These scholarships are based mainly on high school GPA and are offered at the time of admission—no extra forms required.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cougar Pride Scholarship | $2,000/yr | Freshmen with 3.00–3.24 GPA | No | Yes — must keep 2.90 GPA & 12+ credits/semester | Students in the 3.0–3.24 GPA range |
| $2,500/yr | Freshmen with 3.25–3.49 GPA | Students in the 3.25–3.49 GPA range | |||
| $3,000/yr | Freshmen with 3.50–3.74 GPA | Students in the 3.50–3.74 GPA range | |||
| $3,500/yr | Freshmen with 3.75–3.99 GPA | Students in the 3.75–3.99 GPA range | |||
| $4,000/yr | Freshmen with 4.00 GPA | Students earning a perfect 4.0 GPA | |||
| Johnetta Haley Scholarship | $2,000/yr (up to $8,000 over 4 yrs) |
First-year admits with 3.0+ GPA; supports diversity and campus engagement | No | Yes — maintain 2.90 GPA, complete 12+ credits/semester, and perform 12 hrs of community service each semester (24 hrs/year) | Students with GPA ≥3.0; strongest applicants show leadership and service |
Note: Renewal for both scholarships requires full-time enrollment. The Johnetta Haley Scholarship also includes a community service requirement (24 hours per year).
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply separately? No, all admitted freshmen are automatically considered for Cougar Pride and Johnetta Haley awards.
Are test scores required? No. These awards are GPA-based, and SIUE is test-optional.
Can these stack with other aid? They can combine with federal/state grants, but as tuition-targeted scholarships they cannot exceed actual tuition and fees.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
SIUE’s primary competitive award for incoming freshmen is the Meridian Scholarship, which also includes automatic admission to the John Martinson Honors Program. Because it is tied directly to Honors, we cover it in the Honors College section instead of here.
Outside of the Meridian, SIUE does not currently list additional university-wide competitive scholarships for new freshmen. Departmental and niche awards are included in the Hidden Gems section.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No university-wide competitive scholarships listed for 2025–26 (see Honors College below). | |||||
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Does SIUE offer a university-wide full-ride? Yes — the Meridian Scholarship, but it is tied directly to the Honors Program, so we cover it there.
Are there other selective scholarships for freshmen? Not at the university-wide level. Departmental and identity-based awards are listed in Hidden Gems.
Should students still apply early? Yes. Priority admission deadlines (Nov 15) can affect access to both automatic and Honors-related awards.
⭐ College Specialty
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville may not be an R1 research university, but it’s earned statewide recognition for several career-ready programs. Families often choose SIUE for its strong connections to St. Louis’ healthcare and engineering industries, as well as its nationally recognized professional schools. Here’s where SIUE stands out.
- Pharmacy: SIUE’s School of Pharmacy ranks among the top programs in Illinois for first-time licensure exam pass rates, making it a trusted pipeline into the healthcare workforce.
- Engineering: Known for its close ties to industry in St. Louis, SIUE’s School of Engineering emphasizes co-ops and applied projects that help graduates step directly into careers.
- Business: The School of Business holds AACSB accreditation, a distinction achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.
- Undergraduate Research: Through the URCA (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities) program, SIUE gives hundreds of students each year the chance to publish, present, and get hands-on faculty mentorship.
🎖️ Honors College
SIUE’s John Martinson Honors Program gives motivated students a smaller, more personalized college experience within a public university setting. Admission is competitive but holistic—students are encouraged to apply even if they’re just below the typical GPA or test score range.
High school GPA of 3.5+; often ACT 25+ or SAT 1200+; strong course rigor; leadership roles in service or activities; willingness to dive into research and small-seminar learning.
- Priority registration for classes
- Small, discussion-based seminars that replace general education courses
- Faculty mentorship and thesis/project opportunities
- Special tracks, like pre-law partnerships with SIU Carbondale School of Law
- A strong peer community with service and leadership built into the program
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian Scholarship | Full tuition, mandatory fees, room & board (8 semesters) | Freshmen with exceptional academics, leadership, and service; typically GPA 3.5+ with strong rigor | Yes — application due by Dec 1 | Yes — maintain program standards | Top applicants with standout essays/interviews; all recipients are automatically admitted to Honors |
| Albert and Leyla D. Somit Honors Scholarship | Cash award (amount varies) | Honors students who exemplify “Learn, Lead, Serve” values with academic achievement, leadership, and civic engagement | No | Yes — if Honors standing maintained | Engaged Honors students with strong academics and a record of service/leadership |
| Eva and Joe Corder Honors Scholarship | Cash award (amount varies) | Honors students committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others | No | Yes — if Honors standing maintained | Students in the Honors Program with strong service orientation and community impact |
| Pam Huller Gwaltney Memorial Scholarship | Cash award (amount varies) | Honors students dedicated to reaching their potential as scholars and leaders engaged in community life | No | Yes — if Honors standing maintained | Students who show both academic promise and community engagement within Honors |
| Provost Tuition Scholarships | Partial tuition support (amount varies) | Students who are active members of the Honors Program | No | Yes — contingent on Honors participation | Honors students in good standing who meet academic and program expectations |
Honors Program FAQ
Is admission automatic if I meet the GPA? No. Admission is holistic and competitive, but many strong students with 3.5+ GPAs are admitted.
Does Honors add time to graduation? No. Honors seminars replace core courses and are designed to fit within a four-year degree plan.
Are there extra scholarships for Honors students? The main Honors-linked award is the Meridian Scholarship, SIUE’s top full-ride program.
When should students apply? It’s best to apply early in the fall of senior year to maximize consideration for both Honors and the Meridian Scholarship.
📎 Official Links
Final Thoughts
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville gives families a lot of value—charging the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students while offering plenty of scholarships that reward both achievement and community engagement. Whether your student is drawn to nursing, engineering, or the small-community feel of the Honors Program, SIUE has pathways that make college more affordable and meaningful. Use this guide to compare costs, check deadlines, and know which opportunities fit your student best.
✅ Last updated: September 6, 2025